Last updated: February 2026 | By GrantCompass
📋 NL Grants Overview
Newfoundland and Labrador offers 49 funding programs for businesses across the province. The NL Fisheries Technology & New Opportunities Fund provides up to $300,000 for fisheries and aquaculture innovation. The province's offshore energy sector benefits from dedicated innovation funding for oil & gas technology development. ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) provides substantial regional development funding including business development grants up to $100,000+. Strong sectors include fisheries, oil & gas offshore, ocean technology, and mining. Memorial University research partnerships create additional pathways for technology commercialization. Rural and remote communities benefit from enhanced funding programs designed specifically for NL's unique geography.
Key Facts: NL Business Funding
- 49 programs available (34 federal + 15 provincial/territorial)
- NL Fisheries Technology & New Opportunities Fund: up to $300,000
- ACOA provides dedicated Atlantic Canada regional development funding
- Strong oil & gas offshore innovation support programs
- Ocean and fisheries technology leadership across Canada
- Enhanced funding for rural and remote communities
Compare Top NL Grants
Quick comparison of major funding programs for Newfoundland & Labrador businesses
| Program | Max Amount | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Fisheries Tech Fund | Up to $300K | Fisheries innovation | Provincial |
| ACOA Business Dev | Up to $100K | Regional development | Federal |
| IRAP | Up to $1M | SME R&D | Federal |
| Offshore Energy Innovation | Up to $500K | Oil & gas tech | Provincial |
| CanExport | Up to $99,999 | Export markets | Federal |
| Futurpreneur | Up to $60,000 | Young entrepreneurs | Federal |
NL-Specific Grant Programs
Provincial programs for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses
Innovation funding for fisheries and aquaculture technology development. Supports projects that advance sustainable fishing practices, develop new aquaculture technologies, and create value-added seafood products. A cornerstone program for NL's vital fishing industry.
Supports offshore energy technology development and innovation in NL's oil & gas sector. Funds projects related to Hibernia, Terra Nova, and Hebron supply chain optimization, subsea technology, and offshore safety innovations.
Provides financial support for business expansion, equipment acquisition, and working capital for NL businesses. Designed to stimulate economic growth in both urban centres like St. John's and rural communities across the province.
Funding for tourism infrastructure and experience development. Supports new tourism products, facility upgrades, and innovative visitor experiences across Newfoundland and Labrador's iconic destinations including Gros Morne, Signal Hill, and L'Anse aux Meadows.
Federal Programs Available in NL
National funding opportunities for Newfoundland & Labrador businesses
ACOA is the primary federal economic development agency for Newfoundland and Labrador. Provides business development funding, innovation support, and community economic development programs. Key programs include the Business Development Program and Atlantic Innovation Fund.
Premier innovation funding for Canadian SMEs. Provides advisory services and funding for R&D, product development, and technology commercialization. Strong support for NL's ocean technology and offshore energy innovation sectors.
Federal tax incentive for research and development activities. NL companies in fisheries technology, offshore energy, and ocean tech can claim significant credits on eligible R&D expenditures including salaries, materials, and contractor costs.
Helps NL businesses pursue international export opportunities, particularly for seafood products, ocean technology, and offshore services. Covers trade shows, market research, and business development activities.
Helps NL businesses adopt digital technologies for growth. Covers e-commerce platforms, digital marketing tools, cloud computing, and business management software. Ideal for rural NL businesses going digital.
Financing and mentorship for young entrepreneurs aged 18-39. Includes startup, Black entrepreneur, and Indigenous entrepreneur programs. Available across Newfoundland and Labrador including rural communities.
Financing and support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador. Includes loans, mentorship, and business support services.
Supports development of clean technology solutions. NL's growing clean energy sector, including wind power and hydrogen projects, positions businesses well for this significant federal funding opportunity.
Supports agri-food innovation and commercialization. NL businesses in agriculture, food processing, and cranberry farming can access repayable contributions for projects that bring innovative products, processes, and technologies to market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Newfoundland and Labrador businesses can access 49 funding programs, including 34 federal programs available nationwide and 15 provincial and territorial programs specific to the Atlantic region and NL. These cover fisheries, oil & gas, technology, tourism, and rural development.
The NL Fisheries Technology & New Opportunities Fund provides up to $300,000 for fisheries and aquaculture technology innovation. Additionally, federal fisheries programs through DFO and ACOA support ocean technology development, sustainable fishing practices, and aquaculture expansion in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Yes, Newfoundland offers the Offshore Energy Innovation Fund providing up to $500,000 for offshore energy technology development. The province's major offshore projects including Hibernia, Terra Nova, and Hebron create opportunities for supply chain innovation funding through both provincial and federal programs.
Yes, rural Newfoundland and Labrador businesses have dedicated access to ACOA rural development programs, community economic development funding, and enhanced support for remote communities. Many federal programs also offer additional support or higher funding levels for rural and remote applicants.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is the primary federal agency for regional economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. ACOA provides business development funding up to $100,000+, supports innovation and commercialization, invests in community economic development, and helps NL businesses access export markets.
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