Business Development Program (ACOA)

The Business Development Program (BDP) is a cornerstone economic support initiative administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) to help entrepreneurs and small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) launch, modernize, expand, and become more competitive within Atlantic Canada.

Through the BDP, businesses can access interest‑free, unsecured repayable funding that may cover up to 50 % of the capital needed to start or grow a business, as well as interest‑free support covering up to 75 % of costs for activities that enhance productivity, marketing, workforce training, quality assurance, and environmental management systems.