Provincial · Prince Edward Island
Innovation PEI: Capital Acquisition Assistance
PEI program for offsetting the cost of technology, equipment, and infrastructure. First-come, first-served within the April-to-March fiscal year. Stacks with companion small-business programs.
Quick facts
- Funding cap
- Companion programs up to $3,750 / $4,000 · Capital Acquisition: project-dependent
- Who applies
- For-profit PEI businesses with at least one employee (or owner-primary income)
- Intake
- Ongoing within fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), first-come, first-served
- Contribution type
- Grant (non-repayable)
Last reviewed May 12, 2026. Programs change. Verify amounts, deadlines, and eligibility with Innovation PEI, Government of Prince Edward Island before applying.
Innovation PEI's Capital Acquisition Assistance program helps Prince Edward Island businesses invest in the equipment, technology, machinery, and infrastructure they need to grow and compete. The program sits within Innovation PEI's broader mandate to accelerate economic development on the Island, alongside two companion programs that cover smaller projects.
What it covers
Eligible capital acquisitions typically include machinery and equipment (including technology hardware and production equipment), leasehold improvements and renovations directly tied to establishing or expanding a business, technology upgrades (hardware, devices, infrastructure), and other capital assets that support business expansion. Crucially, the application must be submitted in the same fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) that the eligible capital assets are purchased. Retroactive applications are not accepted.
Funding details
Three related programs. Capital Acquisition Assistance subsidizes costs related to acquiring capital infrastructure essential for business growth; specific amounts vary by project (contact Innovation PEI for current rates). The Small Business Investment Grant pays up to $3,750 (non-repayable), covering 15 percent of eligible capital asset costs, with an annual cap of $3,750 per fiscal year. The Small Business Assistance Program pays up to $4,000 per project, covering up to 50 percent of admissible expenses, with broader eligibility than the capital-specific programs.
How to apply
Innovation PEI strongly recommends talking to a Development Officer before applying. The officer confirms eligibility and identifies the right program mix. Prepare a complete list of all capital assets purchased or planned for purchase within the April 1 to March 31 fiscal year, then apply online. Complete applications are reviewed first-come, first-served, so timing matters: submit before the purchase or in the same fiscal year as the purchase. Programs run through March 31, 2027.
Programs and streams inside Innovation PEI Capital Acquisition
Different streams target different stages and project types. Confirm which one fits before applying.
Capital Acquisition Assistance
Project-dependent
Subsidizes the cost of acquiring capital infrastructure essential for business growth. Specific funding amounts vary by project and are confirmed with Innovation PEI directly.
Eligibility: For-profit PEI businesses in good standing, with at least one employee or owner-primary income.
Small Business Investment Grant
Up to $3,750 (15% of eligible capital costs, annual cap)
Covers a portion of eligible capital asset costs for small businesses improving efficiency through equipment, leasehold improvements, and technology.
Small Business Assistance Program
Up to $4,000 per project (50% of admissible expenses)
Broader-eligibility small-business support covering admissible expenses beyond capital purchases.
How it stacks with other programs
Innovation PEI stacks with ACOA REGI: the PEI program handles the capital piece, REGI handles the broader productivity work. For PEI businesses doing AI-heavy work, BDC LIFT is also worth investigating (queued for a future reference page).
Stages of work this program tends to fund
Mapped against Aurenia's nine-stage methodology. Useful when scoping the application.
- 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
Who is eligible?
For-profit businesses operating in Prince Edward Island, with at least one employee or with the business as the primary source of income for the owner. Businesses must be in good standing (no defaulted debt on file with the Province's Central Default Registry).
Which sectors are not eligible?
Fishing and aquaculture (other provincial programs apply), farming and agriculture, real estate and property management, financial services, and non-profit organizations.
Can I apply after I have already purchased the equipment?
Only within the same fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) as the purchase. Retroactive applications outside the fiscal year are not accepted. Innovation PEI recommends submitting before the purchase wherever possible.
How much will these programs cover?
Capital Acquisition Assistance amounts are project-dependent; confirm with Innovation PEI. The Small Business Investment Grant pays up to $3,750 (15 percent of eligible capital costs, annual cap). The Small Business Assistance Program pays up to $4,000 per project (50 percent of admissible expenses).
Will Innovation PEI fund a full transformation?
No. For larger PEI projects, pair Innovation PEI with ACOA REGI as the federal anchor.
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 Innovation PEI Capital Acquisition?
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