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.
READ MORE70 Crescent Street, Canada, Nova Scotia, Sydney, B1P 6T7
(902) 564-3600
information@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Visit websiteCape 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.
READ MORECape 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.
READ MOREStephanie Dupuis
Craft Business Development Coordinator
322 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia
902-539-7491
info@capebretoncraft.com
Visit websiteCape 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.
READ MOREStephanie Dupuis
322 Charlotte Street, Sydney
902-539-7491 (ext 115)
stephanie@capebretoncraft.com
Visit websiteCape Breton Partnership – Business Services
The Cape Breton Partnership provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage.
READ MORECBDC – 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.
READ MOREPatricia MacNeil
Executive Director
292 Charlotte Street Suite 100 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7
(902) 539-4332
patricia.macneil@cbdc.ca
Visit websiteEast 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.
READ MORECorporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1
1 (902) 747-3142
eastcoast@creditu.ca
Visit websiteImmigrant 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%.
READ MOREInvest 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.
READ MOREWanda MacLean
Regional Business Development Advisor
902-227-7144
wanda.maclean@investnovascotia.ca
Visit websiteMi’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
READ MOREAlex Paul
201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1
902-562-4700
info@mebons.ca
Visit websiteFisheries and Aquaculture Company Loan Programs
The Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board assists fishers with financial resources. The board currently holds loans for more $110 million to support the fisheries and aquaculturists. The Board provides loans with a competitive interest rate. Loan amortization schedules for borrowers vary based on the project, ranging from 1-20 years. Companies can apply to the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for a number of purchases, including: New vessels Used vessels License Engine equipment modifications Bait freezer Extras Adam Mugridge Cape Breton East – Cape Breton/Victoria Counties 902-563-3435 Adam.mugridge@novascotia.ca
READ MORENicole Sampson
Cape Breton West – Inverness/Richmond
902-631-1476
Nicole.Sampson@novascotia.ca
Visit websiteFuturpreneur Canada Newcomer Financing Program
If you’re new to Canada and don’t have a credit history, Futurpreneur Canada wants to help you launch your business. We provide tailored support and eligibility criteria to reflect your new status in Canada. Using character-based lending, our program for newcomers provides greater flexibility than most banks. But we can’t do it alone. We’re able to finance up to $7,500 per business. If you need more money, BDC may provide up to another $7,500. Eligibility requirements apply.
READ MOREIndependent Production Fund (IPF)
The Independent Production Fund was established in 1991 to provide financial support for dramatic television and web series created by Canadian independent producers. The web drama series program provides equity financing for content creators of original Canadian drama series created for the web or mobile platforms. The IPF also administers the Bell Fund and the Cogeco Media Fund.
READ MOREInnovation Mobilization Program
Industry can collaborate with Springboard network members in order to access funding (applications for the IM Program must be submitted by a Springboard Atlantic member to qualify for funding). Funding categories include:
Industry Engagement:connects skilled professionals in academia with like-minded contacts in industry to drive new collaborations and support research commercialization in Atlantic Canada.
Proof of Concept:support for developing early stage ideas, from a lab bench to a working prototype or equivalent (e.g. software beta).
Patent and Legal:support for the assessment and protection of ideas with commercial potential. All forms of intellectual property are eligible e.g. patents, industry designs, copyright, trademarking etc.
Marketing Support:validate the commercial potential of an idea. This funding supports market assessment and prototype development.
Invest Nova Scotia
Invest Nova Scotia enables the bold. With strategic investments, we support community-based projects that spark innovation and collaboration and build stronger, more competitive sectors and regions.
READ MOREInvest Nova Scotia – Nova Scotia First Fund
The Nova Scotia First Fund targets emerging venture-grade technology companies with high growth potential and attractive risk-return prospects. We co-invest with institutional, private sector and angel investors from across Canada and beyond.
READ MOREInvest Nova Scotia Accelerate Streams
Invest Nova Scotia is thrilled to announce five Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate streams, each offering cash and expertise to Nova Scotia start-ups hitting milestones on the path to investment-readiness.
READ MOREInvest Nova Scotia Sprint Competition
The Sprint Competition is for early stage software-based technology companies in Nova Scotia. Winners receive up to $25,000 and guidance from seasoned business professionals to put their ideas into action. The goal of Sprint is to find and support high potential, early stage knowledge-based companies, and encourage entrepreneurial activity in the province.
READ MOREInvest Nova Scotia The Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF)
The Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF) helps move Nova Scotia university, college and university-affiliated hospital research to market. Eligible participants include researchers engaged in information technology, life sciences, clean technology, ocean technology, or other technology development with market potential. Up to $50,000 in funding is available per project. Funds can be used to assess market potential, develop go-to-market strategies, perform strategic planning, create/update business plans, assist with intellectual property protection strategies, finish proof-of-concept development, build prototypes and leverage of other funds.
READ MORELearnsphere – Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring
The Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring (CCM) Program provides funds to assist Atlantic Canadian businesses and institutions in the final stages of commercialization. Businesses or institutions may use the funds to hire consultants or mentors to help them get a new and innovative product, technology or process to market. CCM funds can also be used to cover the cost of group learning activities for businesses on the verge of commercialization.
READ MORE