Advance Payments Program (APP)

The Advance Payments Program (APP) is a federal loan guarantee program which provides agricultural producers with easy access to low-interest cash advances. Under the program, producers can access up to $400,000 per program year in advances based on the value of their agricultural product, with the Government of Canada paying the interest on the first $100,000 advanced to a producer. Advances are repaid as the producer sells their agricultural product, with up to 18 months to fully repay the advance for most commodities (up to 24 months for cattle and bison). As a producer, an APP advance can help you to meet your financial needs, such as farm input costs, immediate financial obligations, and product marketing costs. It can also allow you to make the decision to sell your agricultural products based on market conditions rather than the need for cash flow.

AgriScience Program

The AgriScience Program aims to accelerate the pace of innovation by providing funding and support for pre-commercial science activities and cutting-edge research that benefits the agriculture and agri-food sector and Canadians. There are two components:   AgriScience Clusters (Clusters) – intended to mobilize industry, government and academia through partnerships, and address priority themes and horizontal issues that are national in scope AgriScience Projects (Projects) – aims to support specific shorter-term research activities to help industry overcome challenges and address fiscal barriers experienced by small and emerging sectors – it also seeks to mitigate high risk opportunities that have the potential to yield significant returns

Aquaculture Loans – Farmed Shellfish

Licenced Nova Scotia shellfish producers may be eligible for assistance when purchasing farm assets to develop or expand a commercial shellfish farm. An aquaculturist applying for support must be a Canadian citizen and Nova Scotia resident or a registered Nova Scotia company in good standing, be the age of majority at the time of application – at least 19 years old and show evidence of competency in shellfish farming. Financing is available for: Purchase of existing aquaculture operations Collection materials, grow-out equipment and materials, rafts, buoys, flotation devices, anchors, nets, cages for grow-out, small boats, outboard motors and onboard gear handling devices Shellfish seed/spat

BDC – Business Financing

BDC’s mission is to help create and develop strong businesses through financing, consulting services and securitization, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Through their subsidiary, BDC Capital, it also offers a full spectrum of specialized – financing, including venture capital, equity, as well as growth and business transition capital. Term loans may be used for the following: Start or buy a business Buy, build or renovate your facilities Buy equipment Research and develop new products Develop new markets for your products Acquire information and communications technology Sell your business

BDC – Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

This loan offers up to $250,000 to start or grow your business, whether you operate on or off Reserve. Flexible repayment terms, a loan that gives back to charity and limited personal risk are features of this loan. Use the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan to: Acquire fixed assets Finance franchise fees Cover start-up costs Start exporting Replenish working capital

BDC – New Canadian Entrepreneur Loan

Access up to $50,000 to start your company. With your new life in Canada, starting a business that you can call your own is an exciting prospect. But as a newcomer here with little or no credit history, where do you find the money to get your company off the ground? With a minimal personal investment in your business, BDC can provide the financing you need to launch your company and create your own success story. Benefits for your business include: Flexible repayment terms Financing designed for new Canadians Limited personal risk

BDC – Women in Technology Venture Fund

The BDC Capital Women in Technology (WIT) Fund is one of the world’s largest venture capital funds dedicated to investing in women-led technology companies. Women are under-represented and under-funded in technology and investment companies. BDC wants to change that. We will invest $200 million over the next five years to help bridge this gap.

BDC- Crowdfunding

Raising funds for your business can be a challenge. Crowdfunding — collecting financial contributions from many strangers not usually connected to the financial sector — represents an alternative to traditional forms of financing your business dream. Crowdfunding is usually done over the Internet, for a fee, through crowdfunding platforms and funding portals. Participating in online communities dedicated to this type of fundraising can help you collect donations, offer rewards and take pre-orders. Equity crowdfunding is an option in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It is being considered by other provincial and territorial securities regulators and could become an option in those regions. Stay informed about what you can and can’t do.

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.

Build Ventures

Build Ventures is a venture capital company that provides early stage capital to emerging, game-changing Atlantic Canadian technology companies.