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ACOA regular programming supporting trade activities

Last Revised: February 1, 2024

ISSUE: ACOA Programming in Support of Export Development

RESPONSE

• ACOA invests in Atlantic Canadian businesses to help them innovate, grow and create good paying jobs.
• ACOA is one of seven Regional Development Agencies (RDA). The RDAs are focused on advancing and diversifying regional economies and helping communities thrive.
• The Agency delivers programs and time-limited initiatives for every need to help Atlantic Canadian businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive and to expand local economies.
• Through the Business Development Program – or BDP – ACOA helps entrepreneurs launch, modernize and grow their businesses. This program is designed to provide SMEs with the flexible support they need to take their innovative ideas and products to the next level and beyond.
• ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program – or REGI – creates the right conditions to start and grow businesses in Atlantic Canada.
• Through the REGI program, the Agency helps businesses speed up their growth so they can be more productive, compete on the world stage and reach new markets.
• REGI also focuses on making business support networks stronger for under-represented groups and provides funding to non-profit organizations that support businesses at each stage of development. By doing this, we create strong and inclusive regional ecosystem to fuel growth and innovation. 

BACKGROUND

ACOA Programming in Support of Export Development

• In addition to its participation in ATIGS, ACOA delivers programs and services that help businesses become more innovative, productive, and export-ready:
  • Support for business productivity and scaleup: Through the Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation (REGI) program, ACOA helps firms increase technology adoption, improve productivity, commercialize new products, and increase export capacity.
  • Business ecosystem support: Through REGI and the Business Development Program, ACOA supports organizations that help businesses scale, be more productive, increase their ability to compete globally, attract new investments, and participate in global supply chains.
  • Policy, advocacy, and coordination: ACOA is active in policy development, and works to ensure that Atlantic firms are considered in national policies and programs. Examples include the Trade Commissioner Service, the North American Platform Partnership, and the Industrial and Technical Benefits (ITB) policy. To support the development of green supply chains, ACOA is currently collaborating with Transport Canada on the Green Shipping Corridors Program, announced in Budget 2023, by increasing outreach and facilitating regional tours.
  • Business intelligence and guidance: Businesses can access export-related research, analysis and insights through ACOA Business Information Services. Account Managers also engage regularly with businesses to address their export development needs across various markets and sectors.

PREPARATION AND APPROVALS

Prepared by: Stéphanie Bilodeau, Principal Advisor, Communications, 506-478-4777
Sector contact: Faith McIntyre, Director General, Programs, 902-940-1417
Sector approval: Daryell Nowlan, Vice-President, Policy, Programs and Communications, 506-851-3805