ACOA — Business Development Program — Commercial Component
Get interest-free financing to cover up to 50% of capital costs or 75% of growth activities for your Atlantic Canadian business. This is a repayable contribution, not a grant, so you must secure ACOA approval before spending any money. Verified against the official source on July 3, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“You could get up to 50% of the capital you need to grow your business or launch a new one.”
Before you spend a dollar
You must get written approval from ACOA before you spend a single dollar; retroactive funding is not standard practice.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You operate in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador.
- You have a clear plan to launch, expand, or modernize and need funding for equipment or growth activities.
- You are ready to get written approval from ACOA before you start work or buy assets.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Atlantic Canada, as this program only serves the four eastern provinces.
- You are looking for a grant that does not need to be paid back, since this is a repayable contribution.
- You have already started the project or spent the money, because approval must come before any spending.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to 50% of eligible capital costs for new or expansion projects, or up to 75% of costs for business growth activities.
What may be supported
- Capital for launching a new business
- Capital for business expansion
- Staff training
- Efficiency studies
- Marketing and trade activities
- Productivity improvements
- Quality assurance
- Environmental management systems
- Technology transfer
- Research and development (for non-profits supporting SMEs)
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must register on MyACOA, complete organizational and project modules, and upload detailed financials and quotes. Pre-application discussion with an officer is recommended.
- 01Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project and confirm eligibility.
- 02Register or log in to MyACOA at acoa-apeca.canada.ca.
- 03Create a new application and complete the Organizational Profile and Project Information modules.
- 04Upload required supporting documents, including incorporation documents, financial statements, project plan, quotes, and permits.
- 05Submit the application online via MyACOA, or request a fillable PDF to submit in person, by email, mail, or fax.
Who to ask: Phone: 1-888-576-4444; Email: bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca; Contact Us Page: https://www.canada.ca/en/atlantic-canada-opportunities/corporate/contact-us.html
Documents commonly required
- Incorporation documents
- Financial statements
- Detailed project plan
- Quotes for proposed work or equipment
- Permits (if applicable)
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and e-commerce store using the financing, giving you a professional online presence that captures customers 24/7 and drives sales beyond your physical location.
- BBN uses the financing to optimize your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, designed to help nearby customers find your services.
- BBN implements a Google review system and digital marketing campaigns funded by the loan, turning satisfied customers into social proof and attracting new business through targeted online ads.
- BBN designs modern storefront signage and coordinates qualified partners for installation, using the capital support to upgrade your physical presence and draw more foot traffic.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- It is a repayable contribution, not a grant. You must pay it back over time, though it is interest-free and unsecured.
- Approval is discretionary and relationship-based. You usually need to talk to an officer and present a strong, well-documented plan.
- Cash flow is required upfront. You typically fund your share and claim reimbursement, so you need liquidity to start the project.
- Specific excluded costs (like land or vehicles) are not explicitly listed in the source facts; confirm eligible vs ineligible items with ACOA before applying.
What are your odds?
Approval is discretionary. A clear project plan and strong financial documentation significantly improve your chances.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay interest on this contribution?
No. The repayable contribution is interest-free and unsecured.
Can I apply if I am a non-profit?
Yes, if your non-profit fuels business growth for SMEs in Atlantic Canada. You can fund activities like business counselling, training, or R&D.
What happens if I do not get approved?
You do not receive funding. Since approval must precede spending, you should not start the project until you have a decision.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is published.
What you can combine it with
Check with ACOA if this contribution can be stacked with other federal or provincial programs, as rules vary by project type.
Related programs
BDC Financing — Small Business Loan
Up to $350,000
Access flexible online financing from Canada's federal Crown corporation bank. Use these funds to scale operations, hire staff, or upgrade equipment…
Last verified July 2, 2026
BDC Financing — Start-up
Up to $150,000
BDC Start-up Financing provides the capital you need to turn your business plan into reality. Use these funds to purchase essential assets, cover…
Last verified July 2, 2026
BDC Financing — Working Capital Term Loan
Secure the cash you need for inventory, hiring, or daily operations without draining your current funds. This BDC term loan offers flexible repayment…
Last verified July 2, 2026
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated July 3, 2026; last verified July 3, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.