ACOA Website - Sources of Financing

SEED Capital Program
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More Atlantic Canadians are starting their own businesses than ever before, and it's not hard to see why. Being an entrepreneur offers independence, the chance to make your own decisions and do things your own way, and the potential for tremendous rewards.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), in partnership with the Community Business Development Corporations and other organizations, helps Atlantic Canadians acquire the business skills and capital they need to start, modernize and expand their businesses.

ACOA's Seed Capital Program provides loans to start, expand or improve a small business, well as acquire business skills training.

A maximum of $20,000 is available per applicant in the form of a repayable, unsecured personal loan with flexible interest and repayment terms.
A maximum of $2,000 is available per applicant for specialized training and business counselling.

Applicants must reside in Atlantic Canada.
Applicants must be the majority owners of their business.
Applicants under 35 years of age may use the loan to start-up, expand or modernize a business.
Applicants 35 years of age and older may use the loan to start a new business only.
The loan may be used to leverage other investments.
The loan cannot be used to purchase an existing business.
The loan cannot be used for refinancing existing debts or business restructuring.

For more information on the Seed Capital Program,
please contact:
Canada Business Service Center

1-800-668-1010