Business Development Program

The Business Development Program (BDP) is designed to assist with the financing of your project. Focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program offers access to interest-free, unsecured loans. For some types of projects, repayment may be contingent on the success of the project.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Activities

Business activities include:

• Business start-up, expansion or modernization
• Developing business ideas, innovation, research and development
• Public tender bid preparation activities
• Training, productivity or quality improvements and development of environmental management system
• Trade development and marketing
• Consultant advice

Funding is also available to non-profit organizations for activities that support SMEs including:

• Training, skills development, planning, business counselling and advice
• Research and development, testing, technical or innovation services
• Business networking and market development
• Construction, renovation or expansion of a facility that houses these services
  

Summary

How much assistance is available?

The maximum level of assistance under ACOA's Business Development Program is 50% of eligible costs for start-ups, expansions and modernizations; and 75% of eligible costs for activities such as studies, marketing/trade, innovation, training and quality assurance.

Additional Information

Call or write the ACOA office nearest you to obtain further information on the Business Development Program. One of ACOA's Account Managers will help you identify your project's needs in terms of professional advice and financing. You can also obtain business development information from:

• a Canada Business service centre
• a Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs)
• the ACOA Web site  - For your convenience, you may also download a copy or copies of the application or claims form. These forms are PDF (Portable Document Format) files.
• your local industrial or economic development commission.

Nova Scotia Contact(s):
ACOA Nova Scotia
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Suite 600
1801 Hollis Street
P.O. Box 2284, Station M
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3C8
Telephone: 902-426-6743
Fax: 902-426-2054
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010
Web site: http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/