Program Objective

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association (ACADA), with the support of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing Human Resources (HR) support to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Aerospace, Defence, and Security industries across Atlantic Canada to address core workforce development challenges.

ACADA’s HR Essentials Program (“the Program”) is designed to assist Atlantic Canadian SMEs address key workforce development challenges – including recruitment and selection for mid- and senior-management roles, retention and workplace culture and the fundamentals of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).

Eligible Companies

To qualify for the Program, companies must meet the criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines.

Project Costs

Approved projects will be cost-shared between ACADA and the SME. The maximum project cost eligible for support is $11,250, with the SME responsible for 35% of the total cost.

Eligible projects:

  • Development of HR Policies and Processes (onboarding, interviews)
  • Workplace Culture Measurement Tools and Activities
  • HR Program Development (e.g., rewards programs)
  • Training programs/sessions
  • Recruitment for Mid-level or Senior-level Roles
  • DEIB Policy and Commitment Development
  • DEIB Education Series and Training Programs
  • Development of DEIB Calendar of Events
  • Other deliverables discussed with individual SMEs (to be approved by ACADA)

Program Timeline

Application Period: December 11, 2025 to January 16, 2026

Selection: January 23, 2026

Project Completion: March 31, 2026 or March 31, 2027

Project completion deadlines are set to align with funding requirements, with some projects required to be completed by March 31, 2026, and others by March 31, 2027. SMEs may apply to either timeline based on their project needs and the schedule specified in their approved Statement of Work.

Read Full 2025-26 Eligibility Guidelines HERE

For more information about the program, please contact us at info@ac-ada.ca