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Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA
Support for business growth and innovation
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Overview
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports business growth and regional innovation in Atlantic Canada. It offers repayable and non-repayable contributions for scale-up projects and for organizations that strengthen innovation ecosystems.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Access new markets
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Indigenous peoples
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Community leaders
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This grant supports activities that enhance regional innovation ecosystems by strengthening business support networks. The eligible projects aim to foster growth, inclusivity, and innovation across various sectors in Atlantic Canada.
- Development of strategic clusters and groups to help businesses leverage regional strengths for scaling up and market introduction of new ideas.
- Support for business accelerators and incubators assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high-growth potential companies.
- Initiatives by innovation-oriented organizations to increase business productivity, global competitiveness, and talent recruitment.
Documents Needed
- Incorporating or constituting documents
- Financial statements
- Project description or plan
- Supporting documents such as quotes, permits, or licences
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses.
- Post-secondary educational institutions, accelerators, business incubators, angel networks, and municipalities.
- Community-owned Indigenous businesses.
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant.
- Sole proprietorships
- Partnerships
- Social enterprises
- Incorporated companies
- Corporations or co-operatives
- Indigenous-owned businesses
Eligible expenses
This grant supports projects aimed at stimulating business growth and innovation across Atlantic Canada. Eligible activities focus on enhancing productivity, embracing technology, and fostering inclusive regional ecosystems.
- Scaling up business operations and expanding market reach.
- Leveraging new technologies to improve productivity and competitiveness.
- Creating new products and exploring new market opportunities.
- Developing regional innovation ecosystems to support business growth.
- Strengthening business networks for under-represented groups.
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Processing and Agreement
- ACOA acknowledges receipt of the application and assigns a program officer.
- The application is assessed based on the information and documents provided.
- ACOA may request additional information or clarification.
- A funding decision is made once the assessment is complete.
Additional information
- Applicants can search the Open Government Portal for previously approved REGI applications.
- Indigenous youth, women, and community-owned Indigenous businesses may receive additional support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program supports business growth and regional innovation in Atlantic Canada. It offers repayable and non-repayable contributions for scale-up projects and for organizations that strengthen innovation ecosystems.
Who is eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program?
To be eligible for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program, you must:
Businesses and non-profits
Project must fit ACOA objectives
Complete application required
What expenses are eligible under Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
This grant supports activities that enhance regional innovation ecosystems by strengthening business support networks. The eligible projects aim to foster growth, inclusivity, and innovation across various sectors in Atlantic Canada. Development of strategic clusters and groups to help businesses leverage regional strengths for scaling up and market introduction of new ideas.
Support for business accelerators and incubators assisting entrepreneurs, start-ups, and high-growth potential companies.
Initiatives by innovation-oriented organizations to increase business productivity, global competitiveness, and talent recruitment.
Who can I contact for more information about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA available?
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)