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ACOA 2025–26 Departmental Results Report – Details on transfer payment programs

Transfer payment programs with total actual spending of $5 million or more

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Atlantic Innovation Fund – Voted

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: May 10, 2001
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019–20

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts: Contribution for the Atlantic Innovation Fund
• Name of program terms and conditions: Atlantic Innovation Fund 
• Type of transfer payment: Contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objectives of the Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) are to:

  • increase activity in and build capacity for innovation and research and development (R&D) that lead to technologies, products, processes or services that contribute to economic growth in Atlantic Canada

  • increase the capacity for the commercialization of R&D outputs

  • strengthen the region’s innovation capacity by supporting research, development and commercialization partnerships and alliances among private-sector firms, universities, research institutions and other organizations in the Atlantic system of innovation, and to increase their critical mass

  • maximize benefits from national R&D programs

  Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable. Contributions to for-profit businesses to fund R&D projects that involve the commercialization of a product, process, technology or service are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: ACOA’s transfer payment programs are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to the applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve the expected results for which they are designed. Given the recent evaluation findings regarding the AIF, engagement of applicants was minimal.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem

Results achieved: Investments resulted in increased activity in innovation and R&D, leading to technologies, products, processes or services that contributed to economic growth in Atlantic Canada.

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: No evaluations were completed in 2025–26. An Evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programming was done in 2023–24 that included AIF. Given the program’s evolution toward commercial innovation over time, and with minimal investments since the introduction of REGI, the evaluation found that AIF was no longer meeting a demonstrable need and is no longer aligned with federal government priorities.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) – Atlantic Innovation Fund – Voted

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

In 2025–26, there was a lower level of activity than planned because no new projects were approved under the AIF. Many projects focusing on innovation were approved under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program. Furthermore, grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand. A significant portion of the unspent amount was transferred to the REGI program to align with demand. The AIF was phased out in 2025–26.

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Business Development Program – Voted

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: July 25, 1995
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts:
  • Grants to organizations to promote economic co-operation and development
  • Contributions under the Business Development Program
• Name of program terms and conditions: Business Development Program 
• Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Through the Business Development Program (BDP), ACOA works to implement special initiatives identified by the Government of Canada, the Linguistic Duality Economic Development Initiative, and ongoing or future ad hoc and targeted initiatives that help stabilize and strengthen the economic activity in Atlantic Canada in communities experiencing a major economic shock or where there are challenges and specific development opportunities to be seized such as the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement.

  In 2025–26, temporary initiatives delivered through the BDP streams included:

  • The Tourism Growth Program to support communities, businesses and non-profit organizations by investing in local projects and events in the tourism sector. Ended March 31, 2026

  In general, contributions to for-profit businesses are repayable, either conditionally or unconditionally. Under some BDP elements, non-repayable contributions to for-profit businesses may be allowed.

  Contributions to non-profit organizations are non-repayable but are conditionally repayable if a project results in what would normally be considered a commercial activity.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the BDP) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client‑focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations and evaluation practices. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations or collaborations.

  ACOA engages the following stakeholders: the business sector; community-based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; Indigenous communities; and official language minority communities.

  Additionally, BDP information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization; Innovation Ecosystem; Business Growth; Trade and Investment; Policy Research and Engagement

Results achieved: Through the BDP, the Agency supported Atlantic Canada’s economic growth and prosperity by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) compete and succeed in a global market, and by investing in the development of inclusive and diverse communities.

Projects included support to SMEs and business support organizations to help growth and productivity, the hiring of skilled and diverse personnel, the modernization and expansion of businesses, export preparedness notably through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement, training, and the adoption of innovative technologies. The Agency also contributed to the development of dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada by investing in initiatives that fostered entrepreneurship, talent attraction, skills development, business growth and community vitality (such as tourism investments).

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: No evaluations were completed in 2025–26. An evaluation of ACOA’s Economic Development Programming covering 2022–23 to 2025–26 is under way and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2027.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) – Business Development Program – Voted

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand and to reimburse amounts transferred temporarily in the previous fiscal year, as a cash management strategy. A significant portion of the unspent amount was transferred to the REGI program to align with demand.

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – Voted {Growth through Regional Innovation Program (GRIP) (known as Regional Economic Growth through Innovation [REGI] program)}

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: October 18, 2018
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts:
• Grants under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program
• Contributions under the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program
• Name of program terms and conditions: Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program 
• Type of transfer payment: Grant and contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The REGI program builds on the objectives of the Innovation and Skills Plan. Its goal is to provide streamlined, nationally coordinated yet regionally tailored support for business productivity and scale-up, particularly for SMEs, women entrepreneurs and other under-represented groups, and to enhance the regional industrial and technology clusters, and regional innovation ecosystems.

  The program provides assistance through two streams:

  • The Business Scale-up and Productivity Stream invests in and supports businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth and assist them in scaling up, enhancing their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets
  • The Regional Innovation Ecosystems Stream creates, grows and nurtures inclusive regional ecosystems that support business needs and foster an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation, growth and competitiveness

  Temporary initiatives delivered through these two streams include:

  • The Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative to help bring new AI technologies to market and help accelerate AI adoption in critical sectors such as agriculture, health care, clean technology, manufacturing and other sectors of regional importance. Ending March 31, 2029.
  • The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative to provide support to pursue new approaches for building houses, including designing and upscaling modular homes, the use of 3D printing and panel construction, as well as implementing net-zero and climate resilient homebuilding practices. Ended March 31, 2026.
  • The Black Entrepreneurship Program National Ecosystem Fund to provide financial support to not-for-profit Black-led organizations who provide business advisory services to the Black community. Ending March 31, 2030.
  • The Canada Coal Transition Initiative – Infrastructure Fund to support a just and sustainable transition away from coal-powered plants in affected rural communities. Ended March 31, 2025.
  • The Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region impacted by tariffs. This initiative is part of the broader Government tariff response plan to protect Canadian businesses and workers, and is strengthening the competitiveness of Atlantic businesses by helping them boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets. Ending March 31, 2029, or when funds are fully committed.
  • The Regional Defence Investment Initiative to accelerate the integration of businesses and regional ecosystems into domestic and international defence supply chains to increase their industrial and innovation capacity. Ending March 31, 2030.

  Contributions issued under the REGI program may be unconditionally or conditionally repayable, or non-repayable.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: ACOA’s transfer payment programs (including the REGI program) are designed, delivered and managed in such a way that they remain client-focused, are relevant to applicants’ and recipients’ needs, and achieve expected results. Engaging key stakeholders in discussions regarding the creation or review of ACOA’s programming is part of the Agency’s operations and evaluation practices. To ensure the ongoing relevance of programming, the Agency solicits feedback from clients and stakeholders on an ongoing basis, whether through information sharing, consultations or collaborations.

  ACOA engaged with other RDAs and the following stakeholders: the business sector; community‑based economic development organizations and volunteer groups; universities and colleges; research institutes; other levels of government; Indigenous communities; and official language minority communities.

  Additionally, information regarding the REGI program is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website and outreach events in communities across Atlantic Canada.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Business Growth; Innovation Ecosystem; Trade and Investment; Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities; Research and Development, and Commercialization

Results achieved: Projects supported under the REGI program aimed to accelerate the growth of firms and to assist with the adoption of innovative technologies, to accelerate the scale-up and productivity improvement of SMEs, as well as the development of and entry into new markets. REGI also funded projects that supported the growth and development of a strong and inclusive regional ecosystem to foster the entrepreneurial environment necessary for more innovative regional economies and to increase the competitiveness of SMEs, women entrepreneurs and under‑represented groups.

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: An evaluation of the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), delivered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), was completed in 2024–25 but published in April 2025. It found that the WES saw significant uptake and continued demand. The strategy resulted in better support, increased access, and more networking and collaboration.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) - Regional Economic Growth through Innovation – Voted {Growth through Regional Innovation Program (GRIP) (known as Regional Economic Growth through Innovation [REGI] program)

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand and to reimburse amounts transferred temporarily in the previous fiscal year, as a cash management strategy. A significant portion of unspent amounts from other transfer payment programs was transferred to the REGI program to align with demand.

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Community Futures Program – Voted

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: May 18, 1995
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021–22

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts: Contributions under the Community Futures Program
• Name of program terms and conditions: Community Futures Program 
• Type of transfer payment: Contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Community Futures (CF) Program’s purpose is to help communities develop and implement local solutions to local problems. The program provides financial support to CF organizations that, in collaboration with other partners and stakeholders, can assess their situation and develop strategies to meet their needs to provide support to SMEs and social enterprises, and to undertake appropriate community economic development initiatives.

  The CF Program provides non-repayable contributions to CF organizations, known in Atlantic Canada as Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs), and their associations. More information on services provided through the CBDCs can be found on ACOA’s website.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: The Agency continued to engage with and align its support to the CBDC network as part of the implementation of the Community Futures of Tomorrow model. This maximized all available resources, including the funds provided by the CF Program.

  As part of its due diligence process and accountability to Parliament, the Agency has a responsibility to ensure that appropriate governance practices are in place with respect to organizations to which it provides operational support. ACOA continues to collaborate with the CBDC network and individual organizations to enhance governance practices, where required, and provide ongoing training to board members to ensure a continued understanding of effective governance and the importance of achieving desired results the right way.

  ACOA continues to work with other RDAs, the Community Futures Network of Canada (CFNC) and the CBDCs to increase the integrity and consistency of performance results, improve the collection of data, and implement the CF Program’s performance measurement strategy. In collaboration with other federal departments responsible for the management of the program, ACOA presents performance results for 2025–26 and continues to engage the CFNC in refining the collection and use of performance information needed by all stakeholders, including the CBDCs.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Inclusive Communities; Diversified Communities

Results achieved: CBDCs provide an essential source of investment capital focused on rural businesses as well as business counselling and skills development. The Agency maximized the use of funds available to CBDCs as recipients of CF Program funding in accordance with the Community Futures of Tomorrow model. ACOA continued to collaborate with the CBDC network in providing business counselling and support to enhance the business skills of local entrepreneurs.

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: A Horizontal Evaluation of the Community Futures Program (CFP), delivered by the regional development agencies (RDAs), was completed in 2025–26 but published in April 2026. It found that there is a strong need for the services provided by the CFP and it aligns with RDA priorities for community economic diversification and the federal government’s Rural Economic Development Strategy. The financing and business services provided by the CFP have contributed to increased entrepreneurship, business development and business survival rates. The program design and delivery model is well established and incorporates key features, including community engagement, local decision making, flexibility and leverage that contribute to its effectiveness and efficiency. Despite this, some challenges emerged related to potential needs for continuing improvements in operations of the CFP and for strengthening CFP’s performance measurement strategy.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) – Community Futures Program – Voted

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

No significant variances were observed in 2025–26 compared to planned spending beyond minor operating variances.

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Innovative Communities Fund – Voted

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: April 1, 2005
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts: Contribution for the Innovative Communities Fund
• Name of program terms and conditions: Innovative Communities Fund 
• Type of transfer payment: Contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Innovative Communities Fund’s purpose is to diversify and enhance the economies of Atlantic communities, many of which are vulnerable to industry closures and major economic adjustments. In doing so, the program capitalizes on the opportunities and strengths that exist in these communities as identified in each community’s regional and/or sectoral strategic economic development plan. The focus of the ICF is the long-term sustainable economic development of communities in Atlantic Canada.

  The objectives of the program are as follows:

  • enhance community or regional capacity through the development of competitive, productive, strategic industry sectors

  • strengthen community infrastructure in rural communities to improve their economic development capacity

  • support initiatives that enhance communities’ capacity to overcome economic development challenges and take advantage of their strengths and assets, and of the opportunities presented

  Contributions issued under the ICF are non-repayable.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: Eligible recipients for the ICF include municipalities and local organizations, Indigenous communities, industry-related groups (e.g., industry or sector associations) and non-profit organizations.

  Under the ICF, the Agency continues to proactively engage with its partners and stakeholders, including community organizations, educational institutions, official language minority communities, Indigenous communities and other levels of government, through discussions regarding strategic community development opportunities. These discussions ensure that the Agency’s investments continue to respond to the evolving economic needs and priorities of Atlantic Canadian communities. In addition, ICF information is continually shared with applicants and recipients through ACOA’s website.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Diversified Communities; Inclusive Communities; Innovation Ecosystem

Results achieved: The ICF capitalizes on the strengths of Atlantic Canadian communities and provides them with the tools needed to identify opportunities for sustainable economic growth. The overall expected result is to build dynamic and sustainable communities in Atlantic Canada while focusing on increased economic and business activity. ACOA continued to work with communities and stakeholders on strategic projects related to economic development capacity as well as business-sector development.

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: No evaluations were completed in 2025–26.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) - Innovative Communities Fund – Voted

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Grant and contribution transfers were made to better align regional funds with demand.

Transfer Payment Programs with total actual spending of less than $5 million

Transfer payment program or funding agreement: Atlantic Policy Research Initiative – Voted

Time frame of the transfer payment program

• Start date: July 1, 2000
• End date: Ongoing
• Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015–16

Funding Details

• Listing in the Public Accounts: Contributions under the Atlantic Policy Research Initiative
• Name of program terms and conditions: Atlantic Policy Research Initiative 
• Type of transfer payment: Contribution
• Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through Estimates

Purpose and objectives

• Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Atlantic Policy Research Initiative (APRI) is the primary funding instrument through which ACOA supports policy research.

  The objectives of the program are to:

  • generate and disseminate knowledge that enhances policy knowledge, considering regional economic opportunities and challenges

  • support and influence the policy research priorities that impact the Atlantic region, particularly those related to economic development

  • establish and promote networks among stakeholders

  The program provides non-repayable contributions.

• Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025–26: On a regular basis, ACOA meets with regional stakeholders and eligible applicants to discuss Government of Canada priorities and policy research opportunities. Regional program officers frequently refer eligible applicants looking to conduct policy research on diverse topics.

Departmental Results Framework

Link to departmental result(s): Communities are economically diversified in Atlantic Canada; Businesses invest in the development and commercialization of innovative technologies in Atlantic Canada; and Businesses are innovative and growing in Atlantic Canada

Link to the department’s program inventory: Policy Research and Engagement

Results achieved: APRI helped fund research to support well-informed policy decisions, reflecting the opportunities and challenges of the Atlantic region’s economy while considering enterprise and community development potential.

Evaluations and audits

Findings of audits completed in 2025–26: No audits were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2025–26: No evaluations were completed in fiscal year 2025–26.

Financial Information

Financial information (dollars) – Atlantic Policy Research Initiative – Voted

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

In 2025–26, actual spending fell slightly short of planned spending due to lower-than-anticipated costs on some projects.