ACOA Business Information Services

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is here for you. Our Business Information Services team can help you figure out your next steps and find what you need to start or grow your business. Who we are Our one-stop information shop is free of charge and available in both official languages. We’re ready to answer your business questions and guide you through the steps to take to make your great ideas a reality. From funding to planning, from research to regulations, if there’s something you need to run your business, look no further! What we do Business support is what we know. We can give you information on: business planning – get personalized advice no matter how far along you are. financing – learn about different funding options (loans, grants, wage subsidies, COVID-19 relief, etc.). government regulations – learn about taxes, permits, licences, and more to make sure you’re operating legally. imports and exports – find out how to move goods and services across the Canadian border. reliable market research information – access research on the topics you need: Demographics (e.g., age, household income, marital status, etc.) Potential competitors Suppliers and distributors Industry performance International market and industry data Financial benchmarking specific to your industry Consumer trends Import and export statistics

AgriMarketing Program: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component

The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Component provides targeted support to companies for international initiatives. All activities must promote international business development and must go beyond the applicant’s core activities and represent new initiatives that provide an opportunity to yield incremental results. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) funding for a project will normally not exceed $50,000 per fiscal year; and $100,000 over two consecutive fiscal years and an applicant can apply more than once, but for each applicant, funding will not be more than $250,000 over five years.

Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is a collaborative SME-focused organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defence, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA is comprised of approximately 200 industry members and organizations across Atlantic Canada. ACADA provides research, hosts industry events, workshops, training and trade missions to better prepare its sector for development and growth both nationally and internationally.

BIONOVA – BioInnovation Challenge

The BioInnovation Challenge is an Atlantic Canadian business competition to recognize significant commercialization potential in Health and Life Sciences. BioNova understands that, more than ever, a strong and vibrant economy in the province requires continuous innovation and the creation of new Nova Scotian Health and Life Sciences companies. Early stage companies evolve over time to become major employers in the community and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation – key ingredients for prosperity.

BIONOVA – Financial BioBusiness Accelerator Program (BAP)

BioNova’s BAP program is a suite of individual program initiatives that are assembled based on the present day needs of the local life science community. The program has an over-arching goal to move businesses down the commercialization pathway faster to get technologies and products to the market sooner. The suite of programs offered include: Investor Kit Program Photography Portfolio Project Investor Pitch Training Specific Consulting Engagements Business Development Assistance and Consulting Reimbursement Assessments

BIONOVA – International Bio-Partnering Program

This program provides financial assistance to further develop international business and/or research relationships for Atlantic Canadian Companies. It facilitates the creation of focused international business and research alliances for Atlantic Canadian life sciences companies and research organizations and is an opportunity to move existing international relationships into the next level of the collaborative process, and may include company recruitment, new product development, investment opportunities, in/out licensing agreements for intellectual property, R&D collaborations, and potential export opportunities. Eligible costs include travel-related costs of the business guests being invited to the region.

BIONOVA – Technical Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP allows life sciences SMEs to apply for small project funding to engage technical expertise that is not available within their company. The technical expertise received is intended to allow the company to overcome an immediate challenge that is acting as a barrier to commercialization. This program provides direct financial assistance for approved projects that seek to resolve an issue that is hampering product development, and is critical to commercialization. Projects that will be considered include those that engage a subject matter expert to help with: science and / or engineering challenge experiment design prototype development advice other assistance of a technical nature that cannot be solved with in-house expertise

BIONOVA Boost

BioNova provides this workshop series to accelerate the innovation and productivity of Nova Scotia’s businesses while boosting the bioeconomy. The sessions bring together BioNova members, business professionals, industry representatives, students and other key stakeholders to offer:

Informational seminars to boost your chances of achieving your business goals, such as accessing new sources of funding and emerging business needs
Educational events to facilitate business development, such as Intellectual Property and Patent system changes, Marketing and Communications workshops to improve outreach and Talent Recruitment & Management training to enhance your workforce
Industry related workshops to address known challenges and emerging issues, such as regulatory changes within the FDA & Health Canada, CE Marking and reimbursement strategies

C100

C100 is a community of influential Canadians in technology who are committed to supporting, inspiring, and connecting the most promising Canadian entrepreneurial leaders. We connect experienced entrepreneurs, executives of technology companies, and venture capital investors with the purpose of accelerating Canada’s innovation economy. C100 is headquartered in San Francisco, California, with members across the major technology hubs of the US, Canada, and beyond.

Canadian Digital Media Network – Soft Landing Program

The CDMN Soft Landing program offers qualified, mature start-ups and scale-ups exposure to business opportunities outside of Canada. Companies can utilize this program to open new markets, close international sales, secure investment and connect with new partners abroad. Successful candidates will receive up to $4,000 CAD in reimbursable expenses to help offset transportation and accommodation costs. Companies landing at a co-working space, accelerator or incubator may also have the costs associated with workspace covered for up to three months. Both the location and the specific landing facility are always determined by the company based on their business needs and market pull. Qualification criteria include: