How can the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) help?
ACOA’s unsecured, interest-free loans can help cover up to
50 per cent of the eligible start-up, working capital and capital
costs of a new establishment, modernization or expansion
project. Related operational costs for activities such as
training, studies, marketing/trade, productivity improvement,
quality assurance and environmental management systems
may be eligible for up to 75 per cent financing. All loans are
repayable on a schedule tailored to your circumstances.
What costs are eligible?
Eligible activities include:
Buildings: The cost of acquiring, constructing or expanding
buildings necessary for an eligible project is acceptable. Also
eligible are the costs associated with related structures such as
wharf facilities, on-site cafeterias and buildings to store raw
materials, finished goods and other authorized operations.
Leasehold improvements on rented premises are also acceptable
costs if they are required for the approved project.
Machinery and equipment: The cost of machinery directly
related to the authorized project is acceptable. Other
equipment not directly related but necessary for the project
may be acceptable. For example: pollution control equipment;
power generating equipment; computer equipment including
software; and basic stock spare parts for continuous
operation of certain machinery.
Product development costs: Costs incurred in designing new
or improved devices, processes and services may be eligible
for financial assistance.
Infrastructure: Costs for such things as land clearing,
paving, sidewalks, rail beds and signs are eligible for financing
when these are required for construction or operation of
the facility.
Intangible assets: Patents, trademarks and licences
may be eligible for financial assistance.
Self-built assets: In some instances, the approved costs of
self-built assets, including material and direct labour costs
and fringe benefits, may be eligible.
Start-up costs: Interest capitalized during construction,
insurance during construction, operation of equipment for
adjustment and calibration and other organization costs
such as incorporation fees and legal fees may be eligible.
Working capital: May also be eligible as part of
an establishment or expansion project.
Environmental Assessment
As part of its project assessment process, ACOA requires that
all projects conform with the environmental guidelines
set out in the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
Contact the ACOA office nearest you.
- New Brunswick: 1-800-561-4030
- Prince Edward Island: 1-800-871-2596
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-800-668-1010
- Nova Scotia: 1-800-565-1228
- Cape Breton, Nova Scotia (Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation):
1-800-705-3926
