The Prime Minister announced $200 billion. You've got a business to run.
Here's the part of that announcement that actually matters this month — which AI funding programmes are open to a Nova Scotia SME right now, which are closed, and what the next step looks like for each.
I can't tell you if you qualify without knowing your business. I can tell you what exists, what's open, and what to read next. This isn't a complete guide to every AI programme in Canada — it's a working list of the federal programmes most relevant to small and mid-sized businesses in Nova Scotia, translated from the press-release language into something you can actually use on a Wednesday afternoon.
If you've been half-watching the AI headlines and half-convinced that the funding is for somebody else — somebody in Toronto with a grant writer on staff, or a university research lab — this is for you.
The door is open. Here's where it leads.
What Was Announced
On June 4, 2026, Prime Minister Carney launched AI for All, Canada's new national artificial intelligence strategy. The headline target: $200 billion in economic growth over five years, with 250,000 new jobs created. The strategy includes $500 million in LIFT financing for AI-enabled infrastructure, $200 million for health AI, and $700 million for sovereign AI compute access for SMEs.
That's the big number. Here's what it means for a business in Nova Scotia.
Programmes That Are Open Right Now
These programmes are accepting applications now or have a clear intake process. Each one includes what it funds, who's eligible, how much is available, how to apply, and what your next step looks like.
Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII)
This is the headline programme from AI for All for small and mid-sized businesses. It's a $200 million national fund delivered through Canada's regional development agencies — which means if you're in Nova Scotia, you're working with ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).
RAII funds AI adoption and commercialisation projects. That means implementing AI tools in your operations, developing AI-enabled products or services, or scaling an existing AI solution. It doesn't fund basic research; it funds real deployment.
What it funds:
- AI adoption projects (implementing AI tools in your business operations)
- AI commercialisation projects (developing or scaling AI-enabled products or services)
- Eligible costs include technology acquisition, professional services, training, and project management
Who's eligible:
- For-profit businesses (sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, cooperatives)
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Indigenous organisations
- Must be majority Canadian-owned
- Must operate in Atlantic Canada (for ACOA delivery)
How much:
- Contributions between $250,000 and $5 million per project
- Projects can run up to three years
- For businesses: repayable contributions (interest-free) covering up to 50% of eligible project costs
- For not-for-profits: non-repayable contributions covering up to 90% of eligible project costs
How to apply: Read the RAII programme applicant guide first — it's detailed but defines eligible costs, application requirements, and assessment criteria clearly. Then contact your nearest ACOA office to discuss your project, and complete and submit an application following the directions on the How to apply for financial assistance page.
Status: Open — applications being accepted on an ongoing basis
Next step: Read the applicant guide. If the eligibility looks plausible and your project is in the $250K+ range, contact ACOA. If you're not sure whether your project qualifies or you need help scoping it before approaching ACOA, email me — that's the conversation I'm here for.
Programmes That Aren't Currently Open
These programmes exist, and they may reopen — but you can't apply right now. I'm listing them here so you know what's out there and can watch for reopening announcements.
AI Compute Access Fund
This fund was part of Canada's Sovereign AI Compute Strategy and provided subsidised access to AI computing infrastructure (GPUs, cloud compute capacity) for Canadian SMEs and researchers. Applications closed July 31, 2025.
The AI for All announcement included $700 million for sovereign compute for SMEs, which may mean the AI Compute Access Fund reopens — but no timeline has been confirmed yet.
What it funded:
- Access to high-performance computing infrastructure for AI development and deployment
- Subsidised rates for GPU clusters, cloud compute, and AI-specific hardware
Who was eligible:
- Canadian SMEs developing or deploying AI models
- Academic researchers and institutions
- Not-for-profits working on AI projects
Status: Closed — applications closed July 31, 2025; no confirmed reopening date
Next step: If compute access is a constraint for your AI project, watch the official AI Compute Access Fund page for reopening announcements. You can also reach out to me if you want to talk through whether this type of funding would fit your project when it reopens.
Where Northlight Fits
If you've read this and you're not sure whether one of these programmes fits your business, that's the conversation I'm here for.
I won't pretend I can tell you if you qualify without knowing what you're building or how you operate. I can help you scope the work, figure out whether the eligibility criteria are plausible, and decide whether it's worth the time to pursue an application. I'll tell you honestly if I think you should walk away.
I also work with businesses on AI adoption and governance — helping you figure out what to solve, who owns decisions, and what guardrails make it trustworthy. If the funding conversation surfaces a bigger question about whether AI makes sense for your business at all, we can talk through that too.
Email me at [email protected]. No hard sell. Just the work.
Final Word
The $200 billion number is real. So is the $200 million in RAII funding being delivered through ACOA. The question isn't whether the funding exists — it's whether it's worth your time to find out if it fits.
If you're running a business in Nova Scotia and you've been half-watching the AI headlines, wondering if there's something in it for you — there might be.
Read the guides. Make the phone call. Or forward this to someone who should.
The big number matters. The small decision is yours.