Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Symbol of the Government of Canada

International business

Why is supporting export and attracting foreign investment a priority?

Trade and investment are key components of a thriving, more prosperous Atlantic Canada. When companies succeed internationally, they create jobs here at home and help grow our economy.

Our role

ACOA is the federal department in Atlantic Canada with a strong on-the ground presence and deep links to businesses, stakeholders and communities. The Agency is well equipped to help businesses succeed in global markets, and to assist the provinces in attracting foreign investment to the region.

Looking to do business outside Canada?

Do you want to increase your sales and revenue, grow your business and expand your markets? ACOA wants to help you grow your business in markets near and far because when you succeed abroad, Atlantic Canada benefits.

What we do…

  • Encourage and demystify doing business in global markets: ACOA provides support, resources and expertise, including assessment tools, information sessions and export plan development to help you determine how exporting can help your company grow.  
  • Prepare you for exporting, and all that comes with it: ACOA provides support and services to help you gain the insight, skills and personalized business strategies needed to enter international markets through activities such as training, coaching, research and competitive intelligence.    
  • Connect you to world markets: ACOA provides resources and expertise to help you get your products and services to market through direct and indirect support for hiring an export manager, and for designing and implementing your export plan. For example, ACOA provides financial support for designing new labels, packaging, promotional materials and websites. We can also help you with advertising and product demonstrations to target new markets and with participating in trade shows and other in-market activities.

Through the Business Development Program, we can help companies and business organizations succeed in global markets.

Contact the ACOA office nearest you to find out more, or send an e-mail to our export development team.

Looking to invest in Atlantic Canada?

Map of Atlantic CanadaIn 2016, Canada maintained its second place position among 10 countries ranked by KPMG , with business costs 14.6 percent below the US. The Atlantic region’s low labor and facility costs makes it the lowest cost region within Canada.

As an entry point to major North American markets, Atlantic Canada has much to offer. Find out why the region is a great place to do business, work and live.

View this video to find out more about doing business in Atlantic Canada and how ACOA can assist you.