Status unavailable
The Economic Development Initiative
Supports growth in official language minority communities
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 80,000
- Up to 25% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Canada
Overview
The Economic Development Initiative supports official language minority communities in Atlantic Canada through projects that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation and partnerships. Eligible projects provide business advice and support, foster research and development, help reach new markets, boost innovation and support francophone immigration.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $80,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 25%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Increase operational productivity
- Conduct research and development activities
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
- Reach a new target audience
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Language Minorities
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
- Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs, Nonprofits / charities, Academia / students, Community leaders
- Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
- Scope
- Regional, Provincial, National
Receipt of requests is now closed
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Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- Economic development associations
- Provincial Crown corporations
- Colleges, universities and other post-secondary institutions
- Municipalities and business and technology institutes
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada
Activities funded
- Business advice and support
- Research and development
- Access to new markets
- Innovation and productivity improvement
- Francophone immigration support
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact your nearest ACOA office
- Discuss your project with ACOA staff.
- Step 2: Complete the application
- Fill out the Application for financial assistance.
- Step 3: Submit your application
- Send the completed application to ACOA.
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance
Selection criteria
- Project supports an Acadian or francophone community.
- Project helps businesses grow and become more competitive.
- Project aligns with economic diversification, innovation, or partnership development.
Processing and Agreement
- Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project.
- Complete and submit the Application for financial assistance.
- Funding is reviewed by the agency after submission.
Additional information
- The initiative is delivered by ISED in collaboration with regional development agencies, including CanNor.
- It is part of Canada’s Official Languages Action Plan 2023–2028.
- CanNor provides annual support through this initiative for capacity, expertise, and partnership-building projects.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Economic Development Initiative Program
What is the The Economic Development Initiative?
The Economic Development Initiative supports official language minority communities in Atlantic Canada through projects that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation and partnerships. Eligible projects provide business advice and support, foster research and development, help reach new markets, boost innovation and support francophone immigration.
How much funding can be received?
The Economic Development Initiative Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $80,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the The Economic Development Initiative program?
To be eligible for the The Economic Development Initiative program, you must:
Non-profit organization
Serves Acadian or francophone communities in Atlantic Canada
Project supports economic development and business growth
Who can I contact for more information about the The Economic Development Initiative?
You can contact Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) by email at Operations@cannor.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the The Economic Development Initiative available?
The The Economic Development Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the The Economic Development Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Economic Development Initiative is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the The Economic Development Initiative?
The Economic Development Initiative is funded by Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)