Exporting helps Atlantic Canadian businesses grow, but starting can be expensive. Trade missions, market research, product certification, and new equipment all require money before any sales happen. That’s why federal and regional government funding is so important for businesses in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, especially for small and mid-sized companies.
Programs delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and other federal departments help businesses reduce risk, expand exports, and build long-term capacity.
Atlantic Canadian businesses rarely rely on a single grant. Most use a mix of export, productivity, and sector-specific funding to scale in stages.
ACOA’s International Trade and Investment support is the backbone of export funding in Atlantic Canada. It helps businesses prepare for and enter international markets through both financial assistance and advisory services.
Typical supported activities include:
Funding amounts depend on the project and the specific ACOA program. For example, some projects may receive tens of thousands of dollars, while others can qualify for up to several hundred thousand dollars in support. Maximum amounts are set by the program and project needs.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter ACOA export programs by province, industry, and business size in seconds.
For exporters impacted by trade disruptions, the ACOA Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides targeted support.
This program is designed to help businesses:
Who can apply:
To qualify, businesses must show that at least 25% of sales are to the U.S. and/or China, or that they are directly or indirectly impacted by tariff measures or related uncertainty. Eligible project costs can be retroactive to March 21, 2018.
For seafood and ocean-related exporters, the Atlantic Fisheries Fund supports innovation, infrastructure, and science partnerships that improve competitiveness in global markets.
Funding commonly supports:
This fund is particularly relevant for fisheries, aquaculture, and seafood processors looking to scale exports beyond North America.
See also: What expenses are covered by fisheries science and innovation grants in Canada?
Export growth in Atlantic Canada isn’t limited to traditional exports. Some firms scale globally by entering international supply chains tied to defence and aerospace.
Under the Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy, ACOA helps Atlantic Canadian companies access opportunities created by major federal defence procurements.
This support focuses on:
The ITB Policy applies to defence contracts over $100 million, with additional requirements for projects between $20 million and $100 million.
Depending on your industry, additional federal or regional programs may complement ACOA funding. These often support:
Many Atlantic businesses layer these programs over several years rather than applying once and stopping.
Waiting until you have international sales to apply
Many export programs fund preparation, not just execution. Applying early strengthens your case.
Underestimating documentation requirements
Export grants often require detailed budgets, export plans, and proof of market demand.
Ignoring retroactive cost rules
Some programs, like the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, allow retroactive costs. Missing this can reduce your eligible funding.
Applying without a scaling plan
Funders want to see how export activity leads to long-term growth, not one-off sales.
Q: Do Atlantic Canadian export grants cover trade shows and missions?
Yes. Many ACOA-supported export projects include trade shows, trade missions, and international marketing expenses if they align with a broader export plan.
Q: Can Indigenous-owned businesses access export funding in Atlantic Canada?
Yes. Indigenous-owned businesses are explicitly listed as eligible under programs like the ACOA Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
Q: Are export grants taxable in Canada?
In most cases, government assistance is considered taxable income. The exact treatment depends on your accounting method and business structure.
Q: Can non-profits apply for export-related funding?
Some programs allow non-profits and industry associations to apply if they support export-ready SMEs rather than exporting directly.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including export and international trade funding specific to Atlantic provinces — check which ones match your business profile.
Exporting and scaling from Atlantic Canada is possible when funding is used strategically and early. The most successful businesses treat government funding as part of a multi-year growth plan, not a one-time boost. GrantHub helps Atlantic Canadian businesses identify export funding that fits their industry, location, and stage of growth, so you can focus on building international revenue with confidence.
See also:
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.