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Business Development Program (BDP) is sponsored by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Supports entrepreneurs and businesses in Atlantic Canada with business development and growth projects, including marketing and market expansion activities. Digital marketing agency fees, paid media campaigns, website development projects, and content strategy work tied to market development or business expansion are eligible.
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Business Development Program (BDP) - ACOA — Eligibility, Funding & How to Apply | GrantCompass Updated March 2026 · Verified against Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) guidelines Business Development Program (BDP) - ACOA Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Varies (Repayable Contribution) Visit Official Program → Business Development Program (BDP) - ACOA provides up to Varies (Repayable Contribution) interest-free, repayable contributions to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Atlantic Canada grow, improve productivity, and become more competitive.
The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis . (As of March 2026, verified against Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) program guidelines) What this program funds and who can apply Provides interest-free, repayable contributions to help small and medium-sized enterprises in Atlantic Canada grow, improve productivity, and become more competitive.
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) located in Atlantic Canada (NL, PE, NS, or NB) Must be incorporated and have been operating for more than two years Must be profitable (or have a viable path to profitability) Project must support business growth, productivity improvement, or competitiveness Non-profit organizations may apply for community economic development activities Varies (Repayable Contribution) Up to 50% of eligible costs Competition, effort, and approval at a glance See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time.
Know your real odds before investing 40+ hours Approval likelihood, realistic amounts, competition level, and what winners look like Consultants charge $500–$2,000 per program. This Playbook is $19. Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access Everything you need to win BDP — $19 Not a marketing summary.
The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
8 rejection pitfalls reviewers flag — so you catch them first 7-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking 6-step application timeline with prep hours per step Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners 6-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on Consultants charge $2,000–$5,000 per program.
This Playbook is $19. Yours forever. Unlock this Playbook — $19 Applying for BDP?
Most founders end up needing more than one template — grab the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27 vs separate) → Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like The BDP is still listed on ACOA's website, but the 2023 evaluation showed commercial activity collapsed to just 6 projects by 2021-22. In practice, ACOA may steer your project toward REGI Business Scale-up (BSP) instead.
When you call your regional office (1-888-576-4444), don't ask for 'the BDP' specifically — describe your project and let the program officer recommend the best fit. ACOA is relationship-based: the officer who guides your pre-submission consultation becomes your advocate internally.
The conditionally repayable option is the hidden gem — if structured correctly, contributions may never need to be repaid if commercial conditions aren't triggered. Ask about conditional vs. unconditional repayment terms during your initial consultation. See what trips up most applicants for this program — and how to avoid it.
Business not located in or benefiting Atlantic Canada (NL, PE, NS, NB) Incomplete application — missing financial statements, business plan, or ownership documents Project already started before ACOA approval — retroactive costs are generally ineligible See the most common reasons applications get rejected — before you submit yours. Atlantic Canada-based SME (NL, PE, NS, NB) in any industry.
For Commercial Component: business with a defined capital investment project (equipment, expansion, modernization) and ability to co-fund at least 50%. For Competitiveness Component: existing business seeking to improve through training, marketing, productivity, or quality certification with 25% co-funding capacity.
The ideal BDP applicant has an established relationship with their regional ACOA office, a clear project plan with measurable outcomes, and has incorporated program officer feedback into their application before formal submission. See what successful applicants for this program actually look like. Non-competitive eligibility assessment.
ACOA evaluates: (1) Atlantic location, incorporation age (2+ years required), sector eligibility; (2) financial viability to co-fund (50% capital, 25% soft costs); (3) expected economic impact (jobs, revenue, exports) quantified credibly; (4) additionality (project delayed or scaled back without ACOA); (5) project readiness with validated costs and confirmed co-funding; (6) pre-application consultation completed with positive advisor assessment.
See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus. Don’t waste 50 hours on a preventable rejection 8 reasons applications get rejected, what winners look like, and exactly what reviewers score on Paid grant writers quote $2,000–$5,000 per program. Start with the $19 Playbook first.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses Initial contact with regional ACOA office (mandatory) Call 1-888-576-4444 or contact your regional ACOA office. Describe your project informally. Do NOT submit a cold application — ACOA expects pre-consultation.
An ACOA program officer will confirm fit and recommend the appropriate program (BDP vs REGI BSP). Pre-application consultation meeting Meet with assigned ACOA program officer to align on eligible expenses, required documentation, and project framing. Budget 2-6 weeks for this phase.
Formal application submission Submit via ACOA online application system. Package includes: Application for Financial Assistance form, business/project plan, incorporation documents and ownership structure, financial statements (current + 2 prior fiscal years), detailed project budget with vendor quotes, and co-funding confirmation.
ACOA assessment Service standard: 75 business days from complete application to written funding decision (90% compliance). ACOA acknowledges receipt within 10 business days. Contribution agreement negotiation If approved, negotiate contribution agreement specifying eligible expenses, milestones, reporting requirements, and repayment terms including conditionally repayable structure (if applicable).
Project execution and reimbursement claims Incur eligible costs, then submit reimbursement claims with supporting documentation. ACOA pays within 25 business days of receiving complete, approved claim.
✓ Completed Application for Financial Assistance form ✓ Incorporation documents and ownership details (names and percentage ownership) ✓ Financial statements — current and last 2 fiscal years ✓ Business plan and/or marketing plan ✓ R&D project plan (if innovation component) ✓ Supplier quotes for capital expenditures ✓ Copies of relevant permits and licenses Capital equipment and machinery purchases (new or substantially upgraded) Software, digital systems, and technology adoption Leasehold improvements directly enabling the project Construction costs directly tied to expansion or equipment installation Salaries for project-dedicated staff (documented, time-attributed) Professional fees: engineering, consulting, testing, certification Trade show participation and export market development (competitiveness component) Quality certification costs (ISO, HACCP, etc.) E-commerce platform development Land and real estate purchase General working capital and operating expenses Routine marketing and advertising not tied to a defined export or growth project Debt refinancing and loan repayment Goodwill and intellectual property at inflated valuations Costs incurred before ACOA approval GST/HST (recovered via input tax credits) Personal living expenses of business owners Alcohol, entertainment, and hospitality costs Interest charges and financing costs Activities already funded under another federal contribution Continuous year-round intake since 1995.
Budget runs on federal fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). Q1 (April–June) submissions get freshest budget allocation. The BDP has operated on continuous intake since inception in 1995.
No application windows. However, budget availability fluctuates through the fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). The 2023 evaluation showed BDP commercial activity dropped dramatically (from $171M/yr to $15M/yr by 2021-22).
The program authority remains active, but practical funding may be redirected to REGI Business Scale-up. Always confirm current funding availability with regional ACOA office.
Open Application Portal → Federal government entities Provincial and municipal governments and their agencies Unincorporated individuals Companies with fewer than 2 years of commercial operations Businesses not primarily operating in Atlantic Canada (NB, NS, PE, NL) Financial institutions and insurance companies as primary activity Get the step-by-step application guide — documents, timeline, and what to prepare.
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential Provincial programs (NSBI, NBIF, Innovate NL, Innovation PEI) ACOA REGI Business Scale-up Combined Funding Potential See your total funding potential Low-to-moderate.
Risk is mainly triggered by: company sale or merger within 2-3 years post-completion; cessation of Atlantic Canadian operations; project fails to proceed as described; ownership transfer triggers ACOA repayment assessment. Conditionally repayable contributions have additional complexity — if commercial conditions ARE met (product generates revenue), full repayment obligation is activated.
See which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get. See your total funding potential across 6 programs Stacking amounts, clawback details, government stacking limits, and tax implications One avoided clawback typically outweighs the $19 Playbook cost by 50–100×.
Unlock this Playbook — $19 One-time · Yours forever · Instant access Side-by-side with similar programs Business Development Program (BDP) - ... Varies (Repayable Contribution) NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program Call-specific — no open... Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ...
Other programs you might be eligible for Strategic Response Fund (formerly Strategic Innovation Fund) Up to $50 million · Federal Black Entrepreneurship Program Up to $250,000 · Federal Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Up to $1 million · Federal Frequently Asked Questions Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about BDP Can sole proprietors apply?
No. Must be incorporated and have operated for over two years. Non-profits can apply for community development only. What's the realistic award size?
Typical commercial projects: $25K–$500K. Most BDP-I innovation projects were $250K or less. Capital projects require 50% co-funding (e.g., $50K ACOA on $100K total).
Do I need to consult ACOA before applying? Yes. Submitting without prior consultation is a common rejection reason.
Call 1-888-576-4444 to discuss your project first. Can I stack with other programs? Yes, but total government funding can't exceed 100% of eligible costs.
Compatible with SR&ED, IRAP, CanExport, and provincial programs. Not compatible with REGI Business Scale-up for same project. How long until I get paid?
Reimbursement model: pay upfront, submit receipts. Approval takes 3–6 months after submission. Budget availability fluctuates year-round.
Newfoundland & Labrador Grants Prince Edward Island Grants 6 steps · 7 docs · reviewer insights or $29/mo · 30-day money-back
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Businesses and some non-profit organizations that support SMEs, operating primarily in the Atlantic provinces. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Funding amounts vary based on project scope and sponsor guidance. Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is rolling deadlines or periodic funding windows. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
Manufacturing Grants (Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund) is sponsored by FuzeHub (New York State). These grants, part of the Jeff Lawrence Innovation Fund, encourage collaboration between not-for-profit organizations and small to medium-sized manufacturing companies in New York State. Project categories include adoption of new technology to enhance a process and/or product, prototype development, design for manufacturing, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, and manufacturing scale-up.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to four (4) Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) that will provide entrepreneurial development services to Native American communities, focusing on supplying services to socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing SBA resources. Eligible applicants must be Tribal Colleges and Universities as defined in the Higher Education Act HEA 316 (U.S.C. 1059c). Funding Opportunity Number: SB-GC7J-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.007. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,ED. Award Amount: Up to $250K per award.
The purpose of this FOA is to provide funding for up to two (2) private, non-profit organizations that will provide entrepreneurial development services to women, with an emphasis on socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in locations that are outside of the geographical areas of existing WBCs for the District of Columbia (DC) and the State of Oregon. There will be one award for each location. Eligible applicants must be private, non-profit organizations with 501(c) tax exempt status from the U.S. Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service and must provide services to the District of Columbia (DC) and State of Oregon. Funding Opportunity Number: SB-OEDWB-23-002. Assistance Listing: 59.043. Funding Instrument: G. Category: BC,CD,RD. Award Amount: $75K – $150K per award.