NB Competitiveness and Growth Program

Insider Tip

This program is designed for companies large enough to have a meaningful impact on the NB economy — think 50–500+ employees, significant NB manufacturing or processing footprint, and a realistic case for long-term provincial commitment. If your company fits this profile, the first move is a direct conversation with an ONB Business Navigator or senior ONB executive — not a formal application. The proposal process is relationship-driven: ONB needs to understand why keeping and growing this company in NB is a provincial priority. Frame the ask around job retention, productivity investment, and export diversification — these are the levers that matter to the NB government.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• Company too small to constitute a significant NB economic impact
• No genuine long-term commitment to grow NB operations
• Non-profit, government body, or retail/service sector (not industrial/export focus)

Success Profile

New Brunswick-based industrial company with 50–500+ employees, significant export revenues, and a credible multi-year investment plan to modernize operations, retain workers, and grow its NB footprint. Sectors: food processing, manufacturing, wood products, seafood/fisheries, or technology with major NB employment concentration. Company is at a strategic inflection point where provincial support could determine whether investment occurs in NB or elsewhere.

Evaluation Criteria

ONB evaluates proposals on economic impact (scale of NB employment retained or created, productivity investment magnitude, export revenue significance), company financial viability, credibility of the long-term NB commitment, and alignment with NB economic priorities (manufacturing resilience, tariff response, productivity modernization). Discretionary approval by ONB and provincial government.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 5

• Capital equipment and technology modernization investments
• Facility upgrades and productivity-enhancing infrastructure
• Workforce training and skills development tied to the competitiveness plan
• Professional services (engineering, consulting) for modernization planning
• Export market development activities (where included in the approved plan)

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Routine operating costs and maintenance
• Expenses incurred before the contribution agreement is signed
• Refinancing of existing debt
• Costs covered at 100% by another government grant
• Executive compensation and shareholder distributions

Intake Periods

Ongoing, rolling intake via ONB proposal process. No published application windows. Companies initiate through ONB direct contact.

Deadline Notes

Program active under NB Budget 2025-26 (3-year commitment). No public intake windows — companies submit proposals to ONB on a rolling basis. The $54.3M envelope is finite; large companies with significant NB employment are the target audience. Contact ONB to gauge interest and initiate a conversation.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Non-profit organizations
• Government bodies and public-sector agencies
• Retail trade and personal services businesses
• Companies without significant NB economic footprint
• Companies unwilling to commit to long-term NB operations

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

High Risk

Performance-based clawback provisions are standard in contribution agreements. If job-retention or capital investment commitments are not met within the agreed period, assistance is partially or fully repayable. Conditionally-repayable assistance becomes fully repayable if conditions are not satisfied. Retain full documentation of investments and employment levels throughout the agreement term.