Business Development Program

Through the BDP, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) funds new ideas so you can get them off the ground. We also help existing companies get to the next level. If you have a non-profit organization that fuels business growth, you can also access support.

Support for entrepreneurs

If you're looking to finance your next expansion or start a new business, we can help! Our repayable funding is interest-free and unsecured. You could get up to 50% of the capital you need to grow your business or launch a new one.

We also support business growth activities. You could get an interest-free contribution to cover up to 75% of the costs for:

• staff training
• efficiency studies
• marketing/trade activities
• productivity improvements
• quality assurance
• environmental management systems

Support for non-profits

ACOA helps non-profit organizations support Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We fund projects so businesses can grow, become more competitive and increase their productivity.

Your organization could receive support to help SMEs with:

• business counselling and advice
• training and specialized services
• networking opportunities
• research and development
• technology transfer

How to apply

Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and then complete and submit the Application for financial assistance.