WHY such a program now?
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is committed to helping young Atlantic Canadians acquire the skills
needed to prosper in the 21st century. Through partnerships with the 40 Community Business Development Corporations
(CBDC) as well as the other delivery agencies, ACOA is helping to address some of the greatest obstacles facing young
entrepreneur: access to capital and good, sound business advice.

ACOA's Young Entrepeneurs ConneXion Seed Capital and Counselling program effectively responds to these needs by
helping those under 30 years of age access small business start-up and financing up to $15,000 while providing them with
sound business counselling and training. This program ensures that active and aspiring young entrepeneurs throughout Atlantic
Canada enjoy equal access to the information and capital they need to make their business succeed.

 WHAT is the Seed Capital and Counselling Program all about?
· access to a maximum of $15,000 in the form of repayable, unsecured personal line.
· equity not neccessarily required
· flexible interest and repayment terms
· business counselling and training costs, up to a maximum of $2,000, paid for by ACOA

WHO is eligible and WHAT qualifies?
· Applicants must be residents of Atlantic Canada and between the ages of 18 and 29
      inclusive(applicants under the age of 19 require the co-signature of an adult)
· the loan must be invested in the start up, expansion or modernization of a business.
· the applicant must be majority owner of the business
· business in most sectors are eligible, including retail and personal services, as well as
      seasonal enterprises
· the loan is intended as a long term investment in the financing of any costs of the business including fixed assets, start-up costs
and working capital
· the loan may be used a s equity to attract other investors
· the loan cannot be used to purchase an existing business
· the loan cannot be used for refinancing of existing debts or business restructuring