Access Nova Scotia

Access Nova Scotia provides answers to questions about doing business in Nova Scotia. Its service locations and online services provide the following: Information on planning, starting, operating and ending your business Research on existing businesses Registering your business Apply, pay for and renew permits and licenses Learn about provincial tax rates and regulations

ACOA Business Information Services

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is here for you. Our Business Information Services team can help you figure out your next steps and find what you need to start or grow your business. Who we are Our one-stop information shop is free of charge and available in both official languages. We’re ready to answer your business questions and guide you through the steps to take to make your great ideas a reality. From funding to planning, from research to regulations, if there’s something you need to run your business, look no further! What we do Business support is what we know. We can give you information on: business planning – get personalized advice no matter how far along you are. financing – learn about different funding options (loans, grants, wage subsidies, COVID-19 relief, etc.). government regulations – learn about taxes, permits, licences, and more to make sure you’re operating legally. imports and exports – find out how to move goods and services across the Canadian border. reliable market research information – access research on the topics you need: Demographics (e.g., age, household income, marital status, etc.) Potential competitors Suppliers and distributors Industry performance International market and industry data Financial benchmarking specific to your industry Consumer trends Import and export statistics

Agriculture and Food Industry, Markets and Trade Information, Data and Statistics

Access market information, data and statistics about the Canadian and international agriculture and agri-food sector and business opportunities to be more competitive. This information includes:

Market intelligence and resources on Canadian agriculture and food by sector
Global agriculture, food opportunities and trends in your market of interest
Market information, programs and services to help you export your agriculture and food products
Product fact sheets, supplier directories and news about Canadian agriculture and food products
Global agricultural trade, technical barriers, geographical indications
Information on market priorities, strategies and research for various food sectors
A suite of free marketing tools to differentiate your products across the globe
Programs, services and tools to help manage and support your farming operations
How governments assist the agricultural sector to prevent, prepare for, respond to or recover from emergencies

Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia

The Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia Research and Development Initiative offers support the development and growth of aquaculture sector. The AANS plays an important role in supporting the development and growth of the aquaculture industry, all species(finfish, shellfish and seaweed). The AANS develops, manages, supports and leads multiple R&D initiatives that address the priorities identified for the sector.

Atlantic Provinces Economic Council on “Navigating US Trade Uncertainty; A Practical Guide for Firms”

This APEC report provides a practical guide to help businesses understand and access most favourable tariff treatment, facilitate temporary entry of professional and service personnel, access procurement opportunities, decisions to diversify to non-US markets, and government resources to assist in accessing export markets.

BDC- Market Research and Statistics

Find information that can help you make informed decisions and maximize the potential of your business. Learn more about your industry, as well as current and potential customers, competitors, and markets.   Conducting market research – Learn more about market research, how it can improve your business decisions, and how to conduct a market research campaign. Industry sector data – Find statistics that can help you better understand your industry, and study the latest trends that could impact your business. General research and statistics – Discover resources available through Canada Business Network Service centres, Statistics Canada, Canada’s government libraries and the United Nations.

BIONOVA – Financial BioBusiness Accelerator Program (BAP)

BioNova’s BAP program is a suite of individual program initiatives that are assembled based on the present day needs of the local life science community. The program has an over-arching goal to move businesses down the commercialization pathway faster to get technologies and products to the market sooner. The suite of programs offered include: Investor Kit Program Photography Portfolio Project Investor Pitch Training Specific Consulting Engagements Business Development Assistance and Consulting Reimbursement Assessments

BIONOVA Boost

BioNova provides this workshop series to accelerate the innovation and productivity of Nova Scotia’s businesses while boosting the bioeconomy. The sessions bring together BioNova members, business professionals, industry representatives, students and other key stakeholders to offer:

Informational seminars to boost your chances of achieving your business goals, such as accessing new sources of funding and emerging business needs
Educational events to facilitate business development, such as Intellectual Property and Patent system changes, Marketing and Communications workshops to improve outreach and Talent Recruitment & Management training to enhance your workforce
Industry related workshops to address known challenges and emerging issues, such as regulatory changes within the FDA & Health Canada, CE Marking and reimbursement strategies

Business Navigators

Our Business Navigators can give you personalized and timely help with regulation and requirements, including registration, permit and licences. They can help free up your time so you can focus on your job: building a successful business. Nova Scotia’s business navigators help business owners with business needs such as:

Registering a business
Determining what permits and licenses are required to operate a business
Understanding applicable inspection requirements
Finding resources to assist with financing, taxes, staffing and other needs

Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative

The Cape Breton Music Industry Cooperative (CBMIC) supports members of the Cape Breton music industry by providing them with the training, information and resources needed to establish themselves as viable industry professionals and to succeed in business. Throughout the year, CBMIC offers:

Business development workshops for new and existing musicians
Collaborates with partners to host business-to-business meetings for Cape Breton musicians with incoming buyer delegations during the East Coast Music Week, Nova Scotia Music Week and Celtic Colours
Hosts showcases where Cape Breton artists can apply to participate
Offers the Product Development Program to offer a funding assistance program to Cape Breton artists who are planning on recording new music product for the purposes of artist development and export growth opportunities. Potential eligible costs under this program are studio prep and recording time, engineers, producers, equipment rental, studio musicians, mixing, mastering, video production, editing project and art work both digital and print