ACOA — Innovative Communities Fund ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Community organizations (non-profits, associations, cooperatives) - Regional development authorities - Municipalities and local governments - Educational institutions (colleges, universities, training centers) - Business groups and chambers of commerce - First Nations and Indigenous organizations - Private sector partners (in collaboration with community entities) Note: Primary applicant must be a community-based organization; private businesses may participate as partners. --- ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant Type: Non-repayable financial contribution - Typical Project Size: $50,000 to $2 million+ (varies by project scope) - Cost-Sharing Requirement: Minimum 50% matching funds from applicant and partners (cash or in-kind contributions) - Repayability: Non-repayable — funds do not need to be returned - Funding Timeline: Multi-year projects supported; typically 2–5 year implementation periods --- ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Infrastructure Development: Community facilities, broadband connectivity, transportation networks - Business Support Services: Mentorship programs, business training, entrepreneurship hubs - Skills Development: Workforce training initiatives, skills upgrading, apprenticeship programs - Research & Innovation: Feasibility studies, pilot projects, technology adoption - Economic Diversification: Market development, sector-specific initiatives, business attraction - Community Planning: Strategic assessments, capacity-building activities - Project Management & Administration: Reasonable operational costs to deliver the project --- ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Community-Driven Focus: Projects must address identified community strengths and priorities - Long-Term Employment Impact: Demonstrated potential to create or sustain jobs - Partnership Requirements: Multi-stakeholder collaboration expected (public, private, non-profit sectors) - Performance Milestones: Applicants must establish measurable outcomes (employment figures, business creation, etc.) - Reporting Obligations: Regular progress reports and financial accountability required - Eligible Geographic Focus: Atlantic Canada