Business Development Program
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Last Verified:
2005-11-04
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
Most business sectors are eligible except retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, and services of a personal or social nature. Both commercial and not-for-profit applicants are eligible.
Eligible Activities
Business activities include:
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Business start-up, expansion or modernization
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Developing business ideas, innovation, research and development
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Public tender bid preparation activities
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Training, productivity or quality improvements and development of environmental management system
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Trade development and marketing
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Consultant advice
Funding is also available to non-profit organizations for activities that support SMEs including:
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Training, skills development, planning, business counselling and advice
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Research and development, testing, technical or innovation services
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Business networking and market development
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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:
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/
National Contact(s):
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Feel free to call our toll-free line: 1-800-561-4030 which will access the ACOA office nearest you or visit the Web site at http://www.acoa.ca/e/contact
Claire
DuLong
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
3rd Floor
Blue Cross Centre
644 Main Street
P.O. Box 6051
Moncton, New Brunswick
E1C 9J8
Fax: (506) 851-7403
Toll-free (information): 1-800-561-7862
E-mail: claire.dulong@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
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