Under the Micro-Loan Program, women+ entrepreneurs from across Unama’ki – Cape Breton will be eligible to apply for a loan of up to $10,000. The Micro-Loan Program is made possible by the partnership and participation of the Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney Credit Union, East Coast Credit Union, Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, Centre for Women in Business, and Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development.

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In 2018, the Cape Breton Partnership undertook two research studies regarding women in entrepreneurship in Unama’ki – Cape Breton and the barriers to success they face. In partnership with Status of Women Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, extensive research was conducted across the Island, culminating in two reports, Barriers to Indigenous Female Entrepreneurs in Cape Breton – Unama’ki & Enhancing Entrepreneurial Supports for Women Living and Working in Cape Breton.

As a result of the findings of these reports, the Cape Breton Partnership has partnered with the Sydney Credit Union and East Coast Credit Union to offer the Micro-Loan Program, supporting women+ entrepreneurs in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

About the Micro-Loan Program

Under the Micro-Loan Program, women+ entrepreneurs from across Unama’ki – Cape Breton will be eligible to apply for a loan of up to $10,000 offered at a prime rate with zero percent interest and no payments for the first six months.

Participants in the program are also able to boost their entrepreneurial journey with access to services thanks to our committed Benefits Partners to the Micro-Loan Program, including:

• A one-year membership with either the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce or Strait Area Chamber of Commerce;
• A one-year membership with the Centre for Women in Business; and
• Free access to Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development programming for the Leveling It Up Program, Incubator Program, and Accelerator Program.