ACOA at a Glance

MISSION: Help Atlantic Canada’s economy grow

Support provided through:

• Flexible tools and programs for SMEs and community groups
• Repayable contributions to businesses
• Non-repayable contributions to community and support organizations
• Convening and pathfinding

ACOA funding aims to:

• Improve the quality of jobs
• Increase productivity and digitalization
• Build a diverse workforce
• Leverage green technologies

Key areas of focus:

Advanced Manufacturing

Immigration

Tourism

Indigenous Economic Development

Oceans

Food

Clean Growth

Start-up Ecosystem

ACOA supports businesses and communities

ACOA supported or contributed to an average of 1,248 projects per year, with an average contribution of $233,279.

ACOA’S impact on businesses

From 2013 to 2018, sales by ACOAassisted firms grew an average of 4.4% per year (compared to 1.0% for similar unassisted firms).

During the period 2008 to 2018, the business survival rate for ACOAassisted start-ups was 69% after the crucial fifth year following launch (compared to 33% for unassisted firms).

ACOA investments

2011-2012 to 2020-2021

• Average annual spending: $276M

2020-2021

• Total spending: $575M
  • $496M in grants and contributions
  • $79M in operating funds

2021-2022

• $462M in planned expenditures, including $166M in temporary allocations.

30 service points across Atlantic Canada