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Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA
Money to support business growth in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 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 by ACOA aims to develop a strong, dynamic, and inclusive economy in Atlantic Canada by offering non-repayable contributions to non-profit organizations that build regional innovation ecosystems and nurture under-represented groups like women and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program provides support for strategic clusters, business accelerators, and innovation-oriented organizations, though the maximum funding amount is not specified in the provided information.
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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
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
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.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations, co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses, as well as all other types of enterprises, can apply for the Business Scale-up and Productivity option. Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses are also eligible. For the Regional Innovation Ecosystems option, non-profit organizations such as post-secondary educational institutions, accelerators and business incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, industry associations or consortiums, municipalities, and municipal-type organizations, as well as community-owned Indigenous businesses, are eligible to apply.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
This grant is available to organizations that support businesses within the Atlantic Canada region. The eligible geographical areas are specified to align with regional innovation and growth in that area.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- REGI funding can support creating inclusive networks, particularly benefiting women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs.
- There are options for both repayable and non-repayable contributions depending on the category of funding applied for.
- Applicants can search the Open Government Portal for examples of previously successful applications using the keyword "REGI."
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 by ACOA aims to develop a strong, dynamic, and inclusive economy in Atlantic Canada by offering non-repayable contributions to non-profit organizations that build regional innovation ecosystems and nurture under-represented groups like women and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program provides support for strategic clusters, business accelerators, and innovation-oriented organizations, though the maximum funding amount is not specified in the provided information.
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:
Eligible applicants include businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses are also eligible for funding.
Applicants can also be post-secondary educational institutions, business incubators, angel networks, or municipalities.
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), Government of Canada