The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Cape Breton

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, they are building a stronger economy.

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70 Crescent Street, Canada, Nova Scotia, Sydney, B1P 6T7

(902) 564-3600

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Cape Breton Capital Group

The purpose of the Cape Breton Capital Group (CBCG) is to bring together a group of experienced Cape Breton entrepreneurs and investors to seek out investment opportunities that will help established businesses maintain local ownership and seed new companies based on Cape Breton Island.

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Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (the Centre), a non-profit charitable organization, is an integral and leading force in the educational, promotional and economic development of the craft sector on Cape Breton Island with a membership of over 300 individuals and organizations throughout Cape Breton Island, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people of Unama’ki. The mandate of Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is to promote excellence in the field of craft and design through education and training, exhibitions and special events. We are committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft.

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Stephanie Dupuis

Craft Business Development Coordinator

322 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia

902-539-7491

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Cape Breton Centre For Craft and Design – Brand Development

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design (CBCCD) may provide financial assistance to Cape Breton craft producers who wish to develop branding or further develop existing branding to meet current market demands. The level of non-repayable assistance will be up to 75% of costs to a maximum of $2000.    The eligible costs include direct costs associated with the development of branding such as brand development and the design of new labeling for a product.

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Stephanie Dupuis

322 Charlotte Street, Sydney

902-539-7491 (ext 115)

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Cape Breton Partnership – Business Services

The Cape Breton Partnership provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage.

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Shannon MacNeil

(902) 562-0122

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CBDC – Coastal Business

Established in 1985, Coastal Business CBDC’s principal goals continue to be the provision of quality financial and advisory assistance to new and expanding business within our community.  To achieve these goals Coastal Business provides access to capital for qualifying small and medium size enterprises.  In addition it provides advisory assistance, training and general counseling to better ensure the success of the assisted businesses. Financial assistance is available in the form of loans, loan guarantees and equity financing to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Business counselling, help & advice is available to small businesses. We help businesses to succeed and therefore we give high priority to the advisory role of our mandate. Entrepreneurship development and training to individuals and small business owners/managers is available in many of our offices. Technical assistance usually takes the form of guidance and coaching, and sometimes advocating on behalf of our clients to other lending establishments or regulatory agencies.

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Patricia MacNeil

Executive Director

292 Charlotte Street Suite 100 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7

(902) 539-4332

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East Coast Credit Union

At East Coast Credit Union, members are customers and owners. It’s a better relationship that ensures your needs come first. East Coast Credit Union members take control of their own financial future. As an owner with East Coast, members have access to all of our products and services. Chequing/savings accounts, loans, mortgages, MasterCard® & Choice Rewards products, RRSPs, RESPs, GICs, retirement planning and so much more. Members have access to accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through ATM & Internet banking or for those who prefer a little face-to-face you can stop by the branch during regular business hours.

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Corporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1

1 (902) 747-3142

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Immigrant Loan Program

Immigrant Loan Program Loans of up to $20,000 for temporary residents, age 19 years and older, wishing to start a registered business in our area; Access to training, advisory and consulting services; Seasonal and part-time businesses are acceptable; Most sectors are eligible; and Fixed interest will be charged at prime rate plus 3%.

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Patrica MacNeil

Executive Director

(902) 539-4332

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Invest Nova Scotia

At Invest Nova Scotia we are working towards a strong, thriving and globally competitive Nova Scotia through attracting global investment to create new jobs across the province and working with companies in all communities to be more successful exporters. We can help you get there from here. With extensive industry and market expertise, we are passionate about helping Nova Scotia companies discover new exporting opportunities. Make Nova Scotia your business solution. If you are not yet familiar with our province, allow us to show you why our talent, geographic location, reputation, and research and development are attracting world-leading companies to establish operations here. You may also be interested in our Industrial Lands that offer access to shipping, logistics and distribution of your products.

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Wanda MacLean

Regional Business Development Advisor

902-227-7144

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Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office

The mandate of the Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO) is to maximize the employment and contract opportunities for indigenous community members in Unama’ki (Cape Breton).  We achieve this by continually expanding our broad network of industry partners across all sectors. MEBO supports the growth of businesses as well as aspiring entrepreneurs in the establishment of new businesses. We can help with: providing training workshops assistance preparing funding applications business plan development

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Alex Paul

201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1

902-562-4700

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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.

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1-866-367-8506

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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

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1-877-246-4682

613-773-2600

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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

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902-896-4800

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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

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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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

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC – New Canadian Entrepreneur Loan

Access up to $50,000 in financing for Newcomer Entrepreneurs.

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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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.

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC- Small Business Loan Online

BDC as of late has seen a lot of success supporting entrepreneurs through our online financing solution up to 100k. If you are a business who need access working capital lending to help better manage your cash flow, we have a really quick and easy to apply solution that can be done online: BDC online Loan Features: Financing up to $100,000 (total) Secured with a personal guarantee Amortized over 5 years plus an upfront 6-month postponement of principal payment No application fee Funds are disbursed immediately, no proof of expenditures required Everything is done electronically Loan can be fully repaid with no penalty Special limited time interest rates Eligibility: Must be in business producing revenue for at least 24 months Good credit history

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Adam Bateman

Account Manager

275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6

(902) 403-3912

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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.

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Roger Smith

BBI Northern Region

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Build Ventures

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

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