ACOA – Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF)

The AIF encourages partnerships among private sector firms, co-operatives, universities, colleges and other research institutions to develop and commercialize new or improved products and services. Helps Atlantic Canadian companies develop innovative new products and services and then take them to market.

ACOA – Business Development Program

The BDP can help you expand or modernize your business. It can also provide funding to develop your innovative ideas, improve your competitiveness, and develop clean technology projects. Designed to assist with the financing of your project, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program offers access to interest free repayable assistance.

ACOA – Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)

Funding offered under the REGI Business Scale-up and Productivity stream helps businesses to accelerate their growth and adopt innovative technologies. Business Scale Up and Productivity support is available for ambitious companies in need of growth funding. Funding offered under REGI helps businesses to accelerate their growth and assists with the adoption of innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity and global competitiveness as well as the development of and entry into new markets.

BDC – Advisory Services

BDC consultants and highly experienced specialists can help your business scale up, be more productive, innovate and globalize. Advisory services are available for challenges associated with: Management Coaching for Small Business Business Transformation Sales and Marketing International Growth Operational Efficiency Certification Digital Program for SMEs Growth Driver Program

Black Business Initiative Constructing the Future Training

Constructing the Future is a program aimed at increasing the participation of working age tradespersons in the mainstream economy of Nova Scotia. It will equip existing and aspiring tradespersons from the Black community with enhanced skills, basic certifications and competencies to establish a stronger presence in Nova Scotia’s construction sector.   This program offers participants hands-on work experience through eight weeks on-the-job training. Participants receive a stipend (weekly allowance) while undertaking the program. Participants build the required confidence, skills and knowledge to work in the construction sector: secure a job, start a business, or go back to trades school.

Black Business Initiative Financial Programs

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) promotes and assists in the development of Nova Scotia Black-owned businesses providing business development assistance. BBI provides financial assistance in the form of loans up to $25,000 and facilitates access to other financing. BBI also provides business training programs and opportunities.   Ownership must be 33% black and must be a registered proprietorship, partnerships or limited company. Participants must have a viable business plan, with two year cash flow projections, the ability to repay the loan and a suitable management strategy is required. Types of loans provided include Capital Equipment Acquisition, Working Capital, or Short-term receivable financing.

Business Advisory Services Program – Agriculture

The Business Advisory Services Program aims to enhance Nova Scotia farms and agri-businesses ability to be more competitive, manage transition, develop risk management strategies and respond to change. The business advisory services offered under this program will enable the agriculture sector to be proactive in business development decisions.

Cape Breton Partnership – Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a pilot project that attracts and retains skilled immigrants in Atlantic Canada. This program helps employers who are looking to hire full-time, non-seasonal international candidates (from inside or outside of Canada).

Cape Breton Partnership – Connector Program

The Connector Program matches community and business leaders (Connectors) with immigrants, international and local graduates (Connectees) in their industry of expertise. The Connector Program is a simple and effective networking program that connects driven individuals with industry leaders who can help facilitate the growth of their careers here in Cape Breton.

Cape Breton Partnership – Safety First

The Safety First Network will demonstrate Leadership by providing safe work environments for employees, distributing online newsletters to share with industry about safety related topics, highlight the work of the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and showcase the safety champions in the Cape Breton region.