Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

Support for affected Atlantic Canadian businesses and communities

• applied for other federal relief measures and have not been able to secure funds; or
• accessed COVID-19 relief measures and continue to experience hardship or have ongoing liquidity needs.

Businesses in sectors that are critical to the resilience and survival of Atlantic Canada’s economy, such as advanced manufacturing, ocean industries, clean growth technology, and tourism, may be given priority.

How to apply

ACOA

• If you are unsure whether the RRRF meets your needs, speak with an ACOA program officer;
• Fill out the RRRF application form online;
• Send us your application form:
  • through the application for financial assistance page; or
  • by mail to the ACOA regional office in your province.

CBDCs

• Visit the CBDC website and click on your province for information on how to apply for RRRF funding.

Urban main street lenders

ACOA has enlisted third-party organizations to deliver some funding from the RRRF for urban Main Street support in select cities in Atlantic Canada. Find your local lender below and follow the link for information on how to apply.

• Charlottetown: CBDC P.E.I.
• Fredericton: CBDC Southwest
• Halifax: CEED  
• Moncton: CBDC Westmorland-Albert
• Saint John: CBDC Charlotte/Kings
• St. John’s: Metro Business Opportunities

After you apply

ACOA will assess applications as soon as they are received. We can quickly process applications that are in good order. Please reach out to ACOA to discuss your situation before you apply to ensure a seamless and speedy application process.

If you need additional information

• ACOA clients: contact your program officer directly;
• All other businesses and organizations: call 1-888-576-4444 or send an email to ACOA.information.APECA@acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

If your business is located outside of Atlantic Canada, please contact the regional development agency in your region to see whether the RRRF might be able to help you.

Frequently asked questions

When can I apply for RRRF funding?

The RRRF is now closed and applications are no longer being accepted. Please speak with your ACOA program officer, or contact 1-888-576-4444 or ACOA.information.APECA@acoa-apeca.gc.ca, to discuss other programs that may meet your needs.

I have not received federal emergency funds from other federal programs. Will I automatically get support through the RRRF?

ACOA and the CBDCs are making every effort to extend the RRRF to as many businesses as possible to ensure none are left behind. However, demand for funds may exceed what is available and some businesses may need to seek other options.

Please reach out to ACOA with any questions you have related to your specific needs. ACOA staff are well equipped to guide you through the various federal and provincial support measures available to you.

I received some funds from another program, but I need more support. Can the RRRF help me?

If your business has applied for and received relief funding from other federal measures and is still left with gaps or has been rejected by other relief funding, a repayable or conditionally repayable contribution may be available. Businesses that play a key role in the community, that are experiencing liquidity issues and that can demonstrate they are still active or were active March 15, 2020, may be eligible for funding. Please consult an ACOA official to discuss your particular situation and needs.

How will I receive ACOA funding under the RRRF?

Once you have accepted an offer of approved funds, ACOA may provide you with an advance of up to half of that amount. This will help ensure that you have access to the cash flow you need to keep operating and protect jobs. ACOA will provide the rest of the funding after you submit valid claims.

Will I have to repay the RRRF support I get from ACOA?

Contributions given to not-for-profit organizations will be non-repayable. Businesses may receive repayable or conditionally repayable contributions. All repayment terms and conditions, including timelines, will be detailed in your contribution agreement.

What is the maximum amount I can get for my business through the RRRF?

Depending on the circumstances, if your business does not qualify for existing federal measures, you may be eligible for funding amounts comparable to federal benefits already announced. Please consult an ACOA official to discuss your particular situation and needs.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use RRRF funds?

You can only use the funds from the RRRF to pay for eligible costs as described in your contribution agreement. Eligible costs will be determined on a case-by-case basis, which you can discuss with your ACOA program officer.

How do I know if I am eligible for the repayment deadline extension to qualify for partial loan forgiveness of CEBA-equivalent lending through the RRRF that was announced by the Government of Canada on January 12, 2022?

ACOA funding recipients affected by this change will receive written notification of the extended repayment deadline.

If you are a CBDC client, more information will be provided on the CBDC website as it becomes available.

If you are an Urban Main Street loan client, contact your lending organization to determine if you are eligible for the extension.