How much funding can be received?

Your non-profit could get a financial contribution to assist businesses at all stages of development in scaling up and becoming more globally competitive. Investments will focus on enhancing business support networks for under-represented groups — includi

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is specifically designed for businesses and organizations in Atlantic Canada. This geographic focus aims to foster economic growth and innovation within the region.

Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$30,000

Scaling a women-owned organic skincare business through new production equipment

$25,000

Supporting Indigenous entrepreneurial circles with training programs

$30,000

Expanding an Indigenous artisan network with an online marketplace

$50,000

Implementing AI-driven analytics to boost productivity in a Toronto-based tech startup

$60,000

Expanding a young tech company with a new software development wing

$35,000

Introducing sustainable farming practices to a cooperative farm

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

The applicant must be a business or a non-profit organization.
Eligible business structures include sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, and Indigenous-owned businesses.
Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses are also eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

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

grant_eligibility_criteria|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.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The REGI program covers expenses that aid in scaling up businesses, adopting new technologies, improving productivity, creating new products, and finding new markets.

Expenses for scaling up and expanding operations.
Costs associated with adopting and integrating new technologies.
Investments to improve productivity.
Development and introduction of new products to the market.
Market expansion endeavors to reach new markets.

grant_single_labels|criteria

Evaluation and selection criteria for the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program are used to assess the eligibility and competitiveness of grant applications. Criteria include:

Demonstrated potential for business growth or regional innovation
Alignment with program objectives and priorities
Economic benefits to Atlantic Canada
Capacity to deliver on proposed project outcomes
Innovation and creativity in proposed activities

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Contact ACOA
- Reach out to your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project details.
- Use the contact details relevant to your region: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Outside Atlantic Canada.
- Alternatively, call their information line at 1-888-576-4444 for guidance.
Step 2: Application Preparation
- Complete the Application for financial assistance using details from the initial discussion with ACOA.
- Gather all necessary supporting documents relevant to your business or organization.
Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form and any required documents to ACOA.
- Ensure submission within any specific deadlines or timelines provided by ACOA.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

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."

grant_single_labels|contact

1-888-576-4444

Apply to this program

Empowering Business Growth and Innovation in Atlantic Canada

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is dedicated to fostering robust economic conditions that support business growth and community development in Atlantic Canada. This grant provides financial assistance to businesses and non-profit organizations aiming to enhance productivity, develop new markets, and strengthen regional innovation ecosystems to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive economy.

Detailed Overview of REGI's Objectives and Benefits

The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program is a strategic funding initiative by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency designed to bolster economic development across Atlantic Canada. The program is structured around two core streams: Business Scale-up and Productivity, and Regional Innovation Ecosystems. Each stream is tailored to address specific economic needs, fostering an environment that nurtures business expansion, technological advancement, and innovation.

Under the Business Scale-up and Productivity stream, REGI aims to accelerate the growth of businesses by providing financial support to enhance their competitive edge both domestically and internationally. This involves aiding businesses in adopting new technologies, expanding operations, improving productivity, and accessing new markets. The funding provided is interest-free and requires repayment under terms set out in individual agreements, enabling businesses to focus on growth without the immediate financial burden of interest repayments. This aspect of REGI opens pathways for businesses to pursue ambitious projects that might otherwise face financial barriers.

The Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream focuses on strengthening the network of support organizations that enable businesses to thrive at different stages of their lifecycle. It offers non-repayable contributions to non-profit organizations like business incubators, accelerators, and strategic clusters that support entrepreneurial ventures. By doing so, REGI helps foster a collaborative ecosystem where businesses can leverage shared resources, knowledge, and expertise. This is particularly beneficial for underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, and young entrepreneurs, ensuring they have adequate support and resources to succeed in the competitive marketplace.

REGI also prioritizes inclusivity by providing extra support to Indigenous businesses, particularly those led by youth and women, with options for additional funding or flexible repayment terms. This ensures that traditionally marginalized groups are equipped to overcome unique challenges and contribute significantly to the regional economy.

Applying for REGI funding involves initiating a conversation with ACOA representatives to discuss the potential project details. This ensures that applicants have the guidance needed to prepare a robust application that meets REGI's criteria. ACOA’s Business Information Services also acts as a valuable resource for potential applicants, offering a comprehensive information repository to streamline the application process.

REGI-funded projects span a broad spectrum of activities—ranging from research and development to international market expansion—allowing businesses to adapt and innovate in response to evolving market demands. By supporting projects through both financial assistance and the strengthening of innovation systems, REGI plays a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth and resilience in Atlantic Canada's economic landscape.

The impact of REGI is vividly reflected in success stories from recent years, such as A.F. Theriault's marine vessel production and Wabanaki Maple's resilient navigation through the COVID-19 pandemic. These narratives highlight the program's role in helping businesses withstand challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth.

Overall, the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program signifies a vital opportunity for businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to expand, integrate innovative solutions, and contribute to a robust, future-ready economy. By facilitating business scale-up and reinforcing the regional innovation ecosystem, REGI enhances not only economic viability but also broadens the inclusivity and diversity of the business environment in this region.