ACOA at a glance

MANDATE: 

Drive economic growth by boosting business productivity and supporting local communities with an action-oriented, adaptable approach.

CORE VALUES:

• Agile, responsive, innovative, collaborative

• Navigating pathways to federal support 

• Advocating for Atlantic Canada’s priorities

STRENGTHENING PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH

ACOA is enhancing Atlantic Canada’s competitiveness by supporting market diversification, addressing productivity gaps, fostering business development, and driving growth through three key focus areas:

• Growth Sectors

• Technology Adoption

• Workforce Development

KEY GROWTH SECTORS IN ATLANTIC CANADA

Energy

Critical Minerals

Aerospace and Defence

Cybersercurity

Bioscience

Ocean Tech

HELPING BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES

• From 2015-16 to 2024-25, ACOA averaged:

• 1,261 project approvals annually

• $264,501 in funding per project

• Support for 539 businesses and 101 communities annually

• $294M invested in projects each year

ACOA’S INVESTMENTS IN ACTION

• In 2024, ACOA clients had over 100,000 workers.

• Workers at ACOA-assisted firms earn on average $36.90/hr vs. $28.20/hr at non-assisted firms.

• 1% funding increase per project boosts client revenue by $35,000 and wages by $3,500 per employee.

• ACOA clients generate $313,400 in sales per employee.

• For every $1 ACOA invests in a project, $1.46 is raised from other sources.

• ACOA clients experience 15+ percentage points more growth than other firms.

RESPONDING IN TIMES OF NEED

ACOA’s place-based interventions boost productivity, attract investment, and strengthen resiliency.

• Strong local relationships enable quick responses 

• Flexible programs adapt to government priorities

• Proven ability to help manage crises and economic disruptions.

Dedicated support through many service points across Atlantic Canada

N.B.

N.S.

P.E.I.

N.L.