ACOA — Business Development Program — Non-commercial component

📋 Eligible Entities - Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Atlantic Canada - New business ventures and startups - Established businesses seeking growth or expansion - Businesses operating in eligible Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador) - For-profit organizations with viable business plans - Businesses demonstrating commitment to regional economic development ### 💰 Funding Details - Grant amount: Up to 50% of total capital requirements - Matching requirement: Applicant must provide minimum 50% of project costs from own resources or other sources - Non-repayable: Funding is provided as a grant (not a loan) - Project-based: Funding tied to specific, defined business initiatives - No specified maximum ceiling mentioned (varies by project viability and program availability) ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Capital equipment and machinery purchases - Business infrastructure and facility development - Technology adoption and digital transformation - Research and development (R&D) activities - Marketing and market development initiatives - Export market expansion activities - Staff training and skills development programs - Entrepreneurship development services - Technology transfer and innovation projects - Working capital related to growth initiatives ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Applicant must demonstrate a viable, well-developed business plan - Minimum 50% cost-sharing requirement must be secured before funding release - Project must align with Atlantic Canada's economic development priorities - Regular progress reporting and milestone achievement tracking required - Funds must be used for approved purposes only - Business must maintain operations and meet performance targets post-funding - Compliance with ACOA policies and reporting requirements mandatory - Project timeline and deliverables must be clearly defined in application - Eligibility verification and due diligence assessment before approval