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Source verified August 12, 2026
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA
Support for business growth and innovation
Latest source updateLast Update: May 8, 2026Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds new pre-apply, upload, and post-apply steps, with updated contact guidance.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: May 8, 2026
Latest change: The application page now directs applicants to MyACOA and adds new pre-apply, upload, and post-apply steps, with updated contact guidance.
ACOA application process updated
The application instructions were substantially revised to move from the ACOA Direct submission flow to the MyACOA online portal. The page now adds program-fit checks, a clearer document list, required portal account steps, upload instructions, and post-submission acknowledgment and assessment details. Contact guidance also changed, with a single email and MyACOA portal instructions replacing the older regional contact approach. The page still points applicants to Atlantic Canada opportunities, but the wording now emphasizes confirming eligibility and using the online account to submit and track the application.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Who can apply
Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, Indigenous-owned businesses, and all other types of enterprises.
See full eligibility
Overview
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to build growth, productivity, and a strong, inclusive economy. It funds business expansion, adoption of new technologies, productivity improvements, and regional innovation initiatives led by organizations that support entrepreneurs and high-growth firms.
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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
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Startups
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Scale up and expand.
- Make the most of new technologies.
- Improve productivity.
- Create new products and find new markets.
- Strategic clusters and groups that help businesses build on regional strengths to scale up and bring new ideas to market, business accelerators and incubators and other innovation-oriented organizations that support entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative companies with high-growth potential, and other innovation-oriented organizations that help businesses be more productive, compete globally, attract new investments and recruit talent.
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, social enterprises, incorporated companies, corporations or co-operatives, Indigenous-owned businesses, and all other types of enterprises.
- Non-profit organizations that offer services to businesses.
- Post-secondary educational institutions, business accelerators and incubators, angel networks, social enterprises, a group of eligible recipients such as an industry association or consortium, municipalities and all other municipal-type organizations, and community-owned Indigenous businesses.
How to apply
- Contact the nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Go to MyACOA and click Sign in to MyACOA Account, then sign in with a Sign-In Partner or GCKey.
- If you are a new portal user, accept the terms and conditions and create your account using your first name, last name, and email address.
- Create a new application by clicking + New application and complete the Organization Profile and Project Information modules.
- Upload all required supporting documents as indicated in the portal.
- Submit your application online by following the instructions in MyACOA.
Processing and Agreement
- Your agreement will explain all the details including the schedule and conditions for repayment.
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
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA Program
What is the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation supports businesses and non-profit organizations in Atlantic Canada to build growth, productivity, and a strong, inclusive economy. It funds business expansion, adoption of new technologies, productivity improvements, and regional innovation initiatives led by organizations that support entrepreneurs and high-growth firms.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
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 can apply under Business Expansion and Productivity.
Non-profit organizations that provide services to businesses can also apply.
Non-profit organizations can apply under Regional Innovation Ecosystems.
What expenses are eligible under Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Regional Innovation Ecosystems — ACOA?
Scale up and expand.
Make the most of new technologies.
Improve productivity.
Create new products and find new markets.
Strategic clusters and groups that help businesses build on regional strengths to scale up and bring new ideas to market, business accelerators and incubators and other innovation-oriented organizations that support entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative companies with high-growth potential, and other innovation-oriented organizations that help businesses be more productive, compete globally, attract new investments and recruit talent.
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) by email at bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca 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