Federal · All Atlantic Canada
ACOA Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)
ACOA's flagship federal program for Atlantic Canadian businesses. Repayable, interest-free contributions of up to 75 percent of eligible project costs for technology adoption, AI, and productivity work.
Quick facts
- Funding cap
- Up to 75% of eligible costs
- Who applies
- For-profit businesses (BSP) and non-profits (RIE) in Atlantic Canada
- Intake
- Continuous intake, no fixed deadline
- Contribution type
- Mixed (varies by stream)
Last reviewed May 12, 2026. Programs change. Verify amounts, deadlines, and eligibility with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Government of Canada before applying.
The Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program is ACOA's flagship federal funding mechanism for Atlantic Canadian businesses and organizations. It supports productivity improvements, technology adoption, digital transformation, commercialization, and market expansion across all four Atlantic provinces. In March 2026, ACOA announced over $8.5 million for 40 AI-focused projects across the region under REGI, a clear signal that digital transformation and AI adoption are funding priorities.
What it covers
Within Business Scale-up and Productivity (the for-profit stream), eligible activities include adoption of new technologies and digital tools, AI integration and automation, productivity and process optimization, product or service commercialization, market expansion (domestic and export), and workforce upskilling related to innovation projects. The Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream funds incubators, accelerators, angel networks, post-secondaries, cluster development, and programs that help SMEs access innovation support.
Funding details
Business Scale-up and Productivity contributions are repayable and interest-free, covering up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. There is no fixed maximum; project size and scope determine the amount. Repayment terms are negotiated based on the project. Regional Innovation Ecosystems contributions to eligible non-profits may be non-repayable (grant-based), with amounts varying by project scope. This distinction matters at the business case stage: BSP is closer to interest-free working capital than to free money.
How to apply
REGI operates on continuous intake, so applications are accepted year-round with no fixed deadline. Early engagement with ACOA is strongly recommended. Contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project idea, work with an ACOA officer to assess eligibility and fit, then complete and submit the Application for Financial Assistance. The two things that move applications forward are a written business case with quantified outcomes and clean financials. Vague scope and project structures that conflate operating expenses with eligible costs are the most common reasons for rejection.
Programs and streams inside ACOA REGI
Different streams target different stages and project types. Confirm which one fits before applying.
Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP)
Up to 75% of eligible costs · No fixed per-project maximum
The primary stream for Atlantic Canadian for-profit businesses funding technology adoption, AI integration, productivity work, commercialization, and market expansion. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, social enterprises, and Indigenous-owned businesses are all eligible.
Eligibility: For-profit businesses located and operating in NB, NS, PEI, or NL. No minimum or maximum employee count.
Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE)
Varies by project; may be non-repayable for eligible non-profits
Supports the organizations that build the conditions for innovation: incubators, accelerators, angel investment networks, post-secondary partnerships, cluster development, and programs that help SMEs access innovation support across Atlantic Canada.
Eligibility: Non-profit organizations serving businesses, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and regional development bodies, Indigenous organizations.
How it stacks with other programs
ACOA REGI stacks with provincial voucher programs (NS PIVP, Innovation PEI), with NBIF in New Brunswick, with InnovateNL, and with SR&ED at year-end. Apply for REGI first because the lead time is longest. The rule that matters: the same eligible cost cannot be claimed under two programs. Structure scope across funders, do not double-count line items.
Stages of work this program tends to fund
Mapped against Aurenia's nine-stage methodology. Useful when scoping the application.
- S4Roadmap & Prioritization
A sequenced 6, 12, and 18-month plan with the trade-offs visible. You see what to build, what to defer, and why.
- S5Business Case
ROI math, total cost, and risk register in plain language. Board-ready, written to win budget approval, including grants where they apply.
- S6Architecture & Vendor Selection
An honest build-vs-buy analysis and vendor short-list, picked for fit. We don't take vendor commissions, so the recommendation is yours.
- S7Design & MVP Build
We orchestrate the build with hand-picked partners. You stay close to the work without managing three vendors yourself.
Common questions
Is ACOA REGI a grant or a loan?
Business Scale-up and Productivity contributions are repayable and interest-free. That is closer to interest-free working capital than to a grant. Regional Innovation Ecosystems contributions to eligible non-profits may be non-repayable. Confirm which stream applies to your project before assuming the structure.
Who is eligible for the Business Scale-up and Productivity stream?
For-profit businesses located and operating in one of the four Atlantic provinces. Sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, co-operatives, social enterprises, and Indigenous-owned businesses all qualify. There is no minimum or maximum employee count specified.
How much of my project will REGI cover?
Up to 75 percent of eligible costs. You contribute the remaining matching share. No fixed per-project maximum; size and scope determine the amount.
What is the application deadline?
REGI runs continuous intake. There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted year-round, but ACOA strongly recommends engaging an officer early in the project planning cycle.
Can I stack REGI with other programs?
Yes. REGI stacks with NS PIVP, NBIF, Innovation PEI, InnovateNL, and SR&ED. The constraint is that the same eligible cost cannot be claimed under two programs at once. Structure scope across funders accordingly.
What does ACOA reject most often?
Vague scope and project structures that mix operating expenses with eligible capital. A clean business case with separated cost categories and quantified outcomes addresses both.
Sources
Last reviewed May 12, 2026. Programs change. Always verify amounts, deadlines, and eligibility with the official program officer before applying.
Want help scoping this against ACOA REGI?
Mapping a project to the right programs is something we do as part of an engagement, not a separate fee. Book a 30-minute call. No pitch, no pressure, just an honest read on which programs realistically apply.
Or email us at hello@aureniagroup.com