Fisheries 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

Futurpreneur 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.

Independent 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.

Innovation 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.

Invest 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.

Invest 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.

Invest 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.

Invest 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.

Learnsphere – 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.