ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity: How to Apply + Eligibility Checklist

ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity: How to Apply + Eligibility Checklist

Growing a business in Atlantic Canada takes capital. The ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity stream helps businesses expand, adopt new technology, and improve productivity with repayable government funding that can cover most of your project costs. If you are planning a major growth or efficiency project, this program is one of the largest federal options available in the region.

What Is the ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity Program?

The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream is part of the federal Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Its goal is to help organizations scale up, become more productive, and compete in national and global markets.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

• Up to 75% of eligible project costs
• Funding is provided as a repayable contribution, not a grant
• Total funding depends on your project size, scope, and economic impact

Repayment terms are set in your contribution agreement and are typically structured to reflect your cash flow once the project is complete.

ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity Eligibility Checklist

Use this checklist to see if your business or organization is a strong fit.

Eligible Applicants

You may be eligible if you are one of the following:

• For-profit businesses, including:
  • Incorporated companies
  • Sole proprietorships
  • Partnerships
  • Co-operatives
• Indigenous-owned businesses
• Social enterprises
• Non-profit organizations that support businesses
• Post-secondary institutions
• Business accelerators and incubators
• Angel investor networks
• Industry associations or consortia
• Municipalities and similar organizations

Location Requirements

• Your project must benefit Atlantic Canada
• You do not always need to be headquartered in Atlantic Canada, but the economic impact must be clearly demonstrated in the region

Eligible Projects

Projects should focus on one or more of the following:

• Scaling up operations or production capacity
• Improving productivity through technology or process improvements
• Adopting or commercializing innovative technologies
• Expanding into new domestic or international markets
• Diversifying products or services

Eligible Expenses

Common eligible costs include:

• Equipment and machinery
• Technology adoption and implementation
• Software and digital systems
• Labour directly related to the project
• Market expansion and commercialization activities
• Professional services tied to productivity or scale-up goals

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter whether your planned expenses and location align with ACOA REGI requirements.

How to Apply for ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity Funding

Applying takes more work than for a small grant. Prepare carefully.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Define your project clearly
   Outline objectives, timelines, total costs, and expected outcomes such as job creation or productivity gains.

2. Prepare a strong business case
   ACOA looks closely at financial viability, management capacity, and regional economic impact.

3. Contact ACOA early
   Most applicants are encouraged to speak with an ACOA program officer before submitting a formal application.

4. Submit your application
   Applications are assessed on merit and alignment with REGI priorities.

5. Assessment and approval
   Review timelines vary based on project complexity and funding amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming it’s a non-repayable grant
  This stream provides repayable contributions. Build repayment into your cash-flow planning.

• Weak regional impact explanation
  Applications fail when the benefit to Atlantic Canada is unclear or poorly quantified.

• Applying with incomplete financials
  Missing projections or unclear budgets can delay or derail approval.

• Including ineligible expenses
  General operating costs not tied directly to the project are often excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity funding repayable?
Yes. This stream provides repayable contributions, meaning you must pay the funding back under agreed terms. Repayment usually starts after the project is completed.

Q: How much funding can my business receive?
ACOA can fund up to 75% of eligible project costs. The approved amount depends on your project scope, risk, and expected economic benefits.

Q: Do I need to be located in Atlantic Canada to apply?
Your project must benefit Atlantic Canada. In some cases, organizations outside the region may apply if they can clearly show regional impact.

Q: How long does approval take?
There is no fixed timeline. Larger or more complex projects typically take longer to assess than smaller applications.

Q: Is ACOA REGI funding taxable?
Repayable contributions are generally treated as loans rather than income, but you should confirm tax treatment with your accountant.

Next Steps

The ACOA REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity stream can be a powerful tool if your business is ready to grow and can manage repayable funding. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active federal and provincial programs across Canada — including ACOA funding — so you can quickly see which options match your business profile and growth plans.

See also:

• Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained
• What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
• What Skills and Support Do Canadian Business Accelerator Programs Provide?