Atlantic Canada is a region in transition, transforming itself into an economy driven by innovation and ideas.

A dynamic trading region in the 19th century, Atlantic Canada’s economy declined in the 20th. Now the pendulum has begun to swing back. The world is smaller, trade barriers fall daily, economies are global, and it’s the innovative and the entrepreneurial who reap the rewards.

In such a world, Atlantic Canada is poised to compete successfully once again. A growing reputation for its skilled workers, a sophisticated telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, along with abundant low-cost energy, a burgeoning oil and gas sector and an ideal location, promise a dynamic future for the region.

While significant challenges remain, the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is taking an aggressive approach to overcoming regional barriers to growth and identifying dynamic opportunities.

As you will see in this reference guide, ACOA and its economic development partners support a large number of initiatives that are fast turning challenges into opportunities.

The Atlantic Innovation Fund, for example, is a driving force behind the latest acceleration of Atlantic research and development. The Strategic Community Investment Fund is helping small and rural communities strengthen their economic base. The Business Development Program and other ACOA programs are helping thousands of entrepreneurs start up and expand businesses, optimize trade and export opportunities, and develop new tourism products.

At ACOA, we recognize there is no easy way to build an economy. Nevertheless, our broad-based approach to development has helped create thousands of jobs in Atlantic Canada, and our investments in the region have helped lower the overall unemployment rate. These are the kinds of practical results that will continue to drive our work in the years to come.

This guide, too is a practical tool, designed to help Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs and community leaders build new enterprises and healthy communities. Together, we can all build a stronger regional economy.