Business Development Program

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) 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 unsecured and interest-free contributions. 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 non-profit organizations are eligible. 

Eligible Area

Atlantic Canada

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, productivity improvement and quality assurance - normally up to a maximum of $500 000.

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
• 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.

Note: "non-profit" also known as nonprofit organizations, non profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, voluntary organizations and volunteer organizations. *To download publications in PDF format, Adobe Reader is required (available free of charge).

Newfoundland and Labrador Contact(s):
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
11th Floor
John Cabot Building
10 Barter's Hill
P.O. Box 1060, Station C
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador  A1C 5M5
Telephone: 709-772-2751
Fax: 709-772-2712
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010
Web site: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/

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National Contact(s):
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Feel free to call the toll-free line: 1-800-561-4030 which will access the ACOA office nearest you.
Web site: http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/e/contact/index.shtml

Claire DuLong
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
8th 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