Top Small Business Grants Atlantic Canada

Atlantic Canada is composed of four provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

With key industries including natural resources like fishing, forestry, oil, mining, and hydroelectricity, along with manufacturing, clean technology, and agriculture, Atlantic Canada provides grants, loans, and wage subsidies tailored to the unique needs of its businesses.

Here are our top picks of small business grants available in Atlantic Canada.

Future Farmer Program

The Future Farmer Program is designed to assist new farmers in Prince Edward Island in establishing or maintaining a profitable and sustainable commercial farm business. The program provides funding for:

• Facilitation and coaching support from a program advisor;
• Development and execution of continuous improvement on-farm projects;
• Skills development and training support from a third-party;
• Business or succession planning assistance;
• Analytical laboratory testing; and
• Participation in the following Business Risk Management (BRM) Programs: AgriStability and AgriInsurance.

‍Amount: Up to $10,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible expenses.Who can apply?

‍You fall within one of the following:

• Are a Mi'kmaq First Nation
• Are a part of an Indigenous group 
• Are an Agricultural Producer

ACOA - REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity

‍The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) supports businesses through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) Business Scale-up and Productivity program. This initiative is designed to help companies in Atlantic Canada expand operations, improve productivity, create new products, and find new markets.

‍Amount: The program covers 75% of eligible project costs.

‍Who can apply?

• Sole proprietorships
• Partnerships
• Social Enterprises
• Incorporated companies
• Corporations and cooperatives
• Indigenous-owned businesses
• All other types of enterprises

NRC – Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

‍The Industrial Research Assistance Program helps small or medium-sized businesses to pursue technological innovation by providing funding to support research and development projects at various stages of the innovation cycle.

‍Amount: Successful applications may get up to 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10 million.

‍Who can apply?

• Incorporated, for-profit, small or medium-sized businesses in Canada
• Have 500 or less full-time equivalent employees
• Plans to pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada

Student Work Placement Program

‍The Student Work Placement Program provides wage subsidies to employers across Canada looking to hire post-secondary STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) interns.

‍Amount: Employers could get up to $5,000 for every student hired through the program or $7,000 for every student hired that is in their first year or is from an under-represented group.

‍Who is eligible?

‍The program is accessible through Employer Delivery Partners that represent multiple industries. To determine your eligibility, visit the program website here.

‍Canada Small Business Financing Program

‍For businesses looking to get more funding, the Canadian Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) makes it easier for small businesses to get loans they need to grow and expand. By sharing the risk with lenders, the program makes it easier for businesses to secure loans for critical investments like property, equipment, working capital, and more. 

‍Amount:

• Maximum term loan of $1 million for the purchase and improvement of real property.
• Of the $1 million, up to $500,000 is available for equipment and leasehold improvements, which includes a maximum of $150,000 for intangible assets and working capital expenses.
• Maximum $150,000 line of credit for working capital expenses.

‍Who is eligible?

‍Start-ups or small businesses with gross annual revenues under $10 million.

‍Canada Job Grant

‍The Canada Job Grant provides funding toward the cost of training provided by eligible third-party trainers. This innovative way of delivering training aims to create jobs and increase skilled workers.

‍Amount: The government provides two-thirds of the cost of training, up to a maximum of $10,000 per grant.

‍Who is eligible?

‍All businesses, including not-for-profit organizations, in all industries are eligible to apply. However, as this program maintains separate provincial streams for New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, eligibility criteria and funding amounts may vary.

‍Need more tailored grant recommendations?

‍Looking for more tailored recommendations for your New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, or Prince Edward Island-based business? GrantFundPro is designed to match users with relevant funding opportunities based on their business profile. Never miss out on funding opportunities by utilizing our advanced AI-powered search tools so you can quickly find grants, loans, tax credits, and wage subsidies that align with your specific needs. Learn more.