October 21, 2026 · Kjipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia) · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Investment: $653,363 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
Support the Atlantic Indigenous Economic Development Integrated Research Program and four community-driven studies on defence, fisheries, Indigenous business and green technology to strengthen research capacity and inform economic development decisions across Atlantic Canada.
Awtij Energy Inc.
Port Williams, Nova Scotia
Investment: $33,015 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
Engage expertise to strengthen investment readiness, attract new investment and expand export opportunities in marine AI, clean technology and Indigenous defence procurement markets.
Kluskap Suliewei Group Limited Partnership
Hantsport, Nova Scotia
Investment: $58,109 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
+ $43,689 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Community Opportunity Readiness Program (CORP)
Obtain certifications and strengthen governance to pursue defence supply chain and major submarine procurement opportunities while creating pathways for Indigenous business growth and workforce development.
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Investment #1: $500,000 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
Launch Atlantic Canada's first Indigenous Collaborative Business Program through the Every One Every Day initiative to provide shared tools, mentorship, infrastructure and culturally relevant services that help Indigenous entrepreneurs start and grow businesses while advancing community-led economic development and economic reconciliation.
Investment #2: $100,000 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
+ $89,500 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI)
Develop an Interpretive Plan and Visitor Experience Program for the future Wije'winen Centre to share Mi'kmaw culture, stories and values while creating tourism experiences that support cultural and economic development.
Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre
Millbrook First Nation, Nova Scotia
Investment: $100,000 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
+ $25,500 from Indigenous Services Canada through the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI)
Extend the entranceway of the Millbrook Cultural Centre to enhance visitor experience, support tourism growth and expand opportunities for cultural programming, exhibits and community economic development.
Paqtnkek Mi'kmaw Nation
Afton Station, Nova Scotia
Investment: $246,750 (non-repayable) Innovative Communities Fund
+ $171,829 from Fisheries and Oceans Canada through the Atlantic Integrated Commercial Fisheries Initiative (AICFI)
Expand a community-owned oyster farm with mechanized equipment and innovative growing technologies to increase production, create more accessible employment opportunities and generate revenues for reinvestment into community programs and infrastructure.
Ulnooweg Development Group Incorporated
Millbrook, Nova Scotia
Investment: $1,200,000 (non-repayable) Business Development Program
Deliver Indigenous business financing and advisory services across Atlantic Canada to help Indigenous-owned businesses start, scale and create sustainable economic opportunities that strengthen community prosperity.
Wskijnu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency
Chapel Island, Nova Scotia
Investment: $100,000 (non-repayable) Regional Economic Growth through Innovation
Establish a Project and Partnership Development Officer position to advance strategic partnerships, attract investment, and support the development of economic opportunities that generate sustainable, long-term benefits for Nova Scotia's 13 Mi'kmaw First Nations.
