Closed
Source verified April 29, 2026
The Economic Development Initiative
Supports economic growth in official language minority communities
Funding available
$ 80,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This initiative supports official language minority communities in growing their local economies. It funds projects that build business support, innovation, partnerships, and market development, with up to $80,000 annually through CanNor.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Increase social or community impact
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 80,000 $
- Up to 25% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business advice and support
- Research and development
- Access to new markets
- Innovation and productivity improvement
- Francophone immigration support
Documents Needed
- Application for financial assistance
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- Economic development associations
- Provincial Crown corporations
- Colleges, universities, and other post-secondary institutions
- Municipalities and business or technology institutes
Who is not eligible
- Employers outside Atlantic Canada are not eligible.
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
- Newfoundland and Labrador
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.
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Economic Development Initiative Program
What is the The Economic Development Initiative?
This initiative supports official language minority communities in growing their local economies. It funds projects that build business support, innovation, partnerships, and market development, with up to $80,000 annually through CanNor.
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 an OLMC in Atlantic Canada
Project supports business growth
What expenses are eligible under The Economic Development Initiative?
Business advice and support
Research and development
Access to new markets
Innovation and productivity improvement
Francophone immigration support
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