APECA — Fonds des collectivités innovatrices

📋 Eligible Entities - Regional economic development organizations and community groups in Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) - Non-profit organizations with community economic development mandates - Municipal governments and regional authorities - Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations - Business associations and chambers of commerce - Educational and research institutions engaged in regional development - Social enterprises operating within eligible Atlantic regions - Entities must demonstrate a clear community or regional economic focus ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable contribution (grant, not a loan) - Funding Amount: Varies by project scope and community need; typically ranges from $50,000 to $500,000+ - Cost-Sharing: Generally requires 20–50% matching funds from applicant or partners (co-investment from private, public, or philanthropic sources) - Repayability: Not required—funds do not need to be repaid - Budget Allocation: Funds support both capital investments and operational/strategic initiatives ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Economic infrastructure development (facilities, equipment, broadband connectivity) - Business attraction and retention programs - Workforce development and training initiatives - Innovation ecosystem projects (incubators, research hubs, technology centers) - Product and service development aligned with community strengths - Export market development and business expansion support - Sector-specific strategic projects (tourism, agri-tech, creative industries, etc.) - Feasibility studies and strategic planning for long-term projects - Marketing and promotion of regional capabilities ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Regional Focus: Projects must support sustainable economic growth in Atlantic Canada communities and leverage existing regional assets - Job Creation: Clear alignment with long-term employment and economic capacity goals - Measurable Outcomes: Applicants must define and track performance indicators (jobs created, revenue growth, business development) - Community Benefit: Projects must demonstrate tangible community-wide or regional economic impact—not individual business profit -