The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.
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.
READ MOREHolly Chisholm
Manager Operations and Investments
902 565 9782
holly@capebretoncapital.com
Visit websiteCape 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
Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber administers workplace skills training programs focused on new and existing small business owners with an emphasis on financial management, marketing strategies (traditional and social media), leadership, customer service, public relations and supply chain management.
READ MORECape Breton University
Cape Breton University is a place where students don’t just go, they Happen. Because CBU is a unique place where students who believe that they can actually have an effect in the world discover what that effect is going to be. CBU is one of Canada’s youngest and most ambitious universities with a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science and professional programs and a unique commitment to community, economic development, aboriginal learning and research into many aspects of environment and culture. Currently home to approximately 3500 students, CBU’s vision of higher education allows students to pursue diverse fields of study in programs with national reputations in final year student satisfaction, faculty-student interaction and employability. CBU prides itself on providing a personalized undergraduate education that focuses on academic and research excellence, student services, a vibrant campus life and cutting-edge technological tools. The university offers outstanding applied research opportunities to students, and technical assistance to business, industry and community organizations. Home to Canada’s only Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development, CBU is also known as Atlantic Canada’s leader in Aboriginal post-secondary education.
READ MORE1250 Grand Lake Rd. Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1P 6L2
(902) 539-5300
registrar@cbu.ca
Visit websiteCentre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED)
CEED offers entrepreneurs of all ages and stages a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities. In Cape Breton, programs are delivered both in-person at Navigate Startup House and virtually via Adobe Connect. CEED’s experiential programming is designed to ensure the participant leaves with relevant skills that can be immediately employed in the launch or growth of a business. The following programs are available:
Building Financial Models
Value Proposition Design
Business Model Canvas
Pricing Your Product or Service
Craig MacMullin
Navigate Startup House 37 Nepean Street, Sydney
(902)-421-2333
info@ceed.ca
Visit websiteCoastal Business-CBDC
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 websiteColindale Business Soloutions
Our service includes a comprehensive consultation to help identify gaps and opportunities, a comprehensive report that includes a project plan with timelines and milestones, a cost analysis, and a schedule. We also offer a suite of quality products that will help you get there quickly and smoothly. That’s how we ensure your success. We help start ups and existing businesses with the following: Business Management/Development Practices Diagnostic Assessments Access to Capital Market/Export Readiness Business Plan Mentoring Business Coaching Property Management Services
READ MOREDamian MacInnis
151 Little Mabou Rd Port Hood, Nova Scotia
(902) 631-3525
colindaleconsulting@gmail.com
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 MOREInnovacorp Cape Breton
Innovacorp helps Cape Breton start-ups grow stronger, faster. We have entrepreneur-in-residence, acceleration programs, training opportunities, a makerspace, mentorship and networking events. Innovacorp collaborates with Cape Breton Partnership, Cape Breton University, Navigate Start-Up House, NSCC, NRC and Propel ICT to ensure Momentum delivers support Cape Breton start-ups need.
READ MOREMi’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 websiteCape Breton Partnership – Innovation District Project
Creative Island is an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership (with support from Cape Breton University and the Province of Nova Scotia) that is helping to build a culture that values and supports innovation and entrepreneurship; celebrating our rich creative past and present; and developing and supporting programs, services and spaces to help increase the innovation capacity of Cape Bretoners and Cape Breton companies.
READ MOREMickey Freeman
Innovation and Enrepreneurship Officer
285 Alexandra Street, Sydney, B1S 2E8
902-227-5386
902-562-0122
mickey@capebretonpartnership.com
Visit websiteCape 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.
READ MORECape Breton Partnership-Creative Economy
The creative economy extends beyond the culture sector to harness creativity in order to bring about positive social and economic changes across a broad spectrum of industries, sectors and organizations. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is supporting initiatives to grow the creative economy in our region.
READ MOREErin Flynn
902-202-4493
erin@capebretonpartnership.com
Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network
The Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) spans the Island and has the primary goal of supporting the development and attraction of new businesses, and the retention and expansion of existing businesses. CBREN staff are based across the region in Sydney, Baddeck, Port Hood, Inverness and St. Peter’s. The Economic Development team provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage. Services offered include: Business planning Connecting businesses to support programs and economic development partners Providing support and direction to entrepreneurs considering a business start-up Monitoring workforce training requirements Working with businesses to identify programs and initiatives for their existing workforce
READ MORECape Breton University – Innovation and Entrepreneurial Centre
The Cape Breton University Innovation and Entrepreneurial Centre is an inspiring community space where students from all five of CBU’s schools and diverse student body can meet to brainstorm, learn, collaborate and work together.
READ MORECape Breton University-Startup Cape Breton
Startup Cape Breton is an event that happens several times per year in CBU’s Verschuren Centre and is open to the public. Startup Cape Breton was created to promote entrepreneurship on the island by exploring new opportunities in technology, business, and education, and features speakers from Cape Breton, Atlantic Canada, and outside the region. Startup Cape Breton aims to support and promote the emerging startup community on the island, to help it capitalize on its strengths in creativity and human resources with a goal that the island be home to hundreds of startups. Plans are underway to grow the concept from an event to a social hub, with more frequent and various programming.
READ MORECBDC InRich
As CBDCs, we assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. 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. Since 1981, InRich CBDC has been providing valuable business development services to both Inverness and Richmond Counties on beautiful Cape Breton Island. We are proud of our clients and their accomplishments, assisting over 1,400 businesses with start-up and expansions, supporting many various sectors and industries to grow and prosper. If you are interested in knowing more of this beautiful area and our many business opportunities please call us. We would be pleased to talk business with you.
READ MORECBDC Northside Victoria
As CBDCs, we assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. 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. In Nova Scotia, there are 13 CBDCs offering financial, training and advisory services to entrepreneurs. The CBDCs work collectively through the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs, an umbrella organization that supports the common needs of the CBDCs. CBDCs share best practices promote entrepreneurship and deliver provincial initiatives such as Students in Business and the Youth Internship Program.
READ MOREGordie McGean
Executive Director
1 Fraser Avenue, Suite 7 Sydney Mines, NS B1V 2Y4
(902) 736-6211
gord.mcgean@cbdc.ca
Visit websiteCentre for Women in Business
The Centre for Women in Business (CWB) is dedicated to helping women succeed as entrepreneurs through exposure, connection and learning. This includes providing one-on-one business advice, business skills training, trade missions, networking and a membership program designed to develop and support women in business. The CWB has a dedicated business advisor in Cape Breton with office hours in Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Port Hood, and Chéticamp, Isle Madam and area.
READ MORECourtney Schmidt
285 Alexandra Street, Sydney, B1S 2E8
902-217-2660
courtney.schmidt1@msvu.ca
Visit websiteCommon Good Solutions
Common Good Solutions (CGS) is part consultancy, part educator, part social impact incubator, offering a full range of social enterprise consulting, training and coaching services that support entrepreneurs and organizations from launch to growth, and beyond. Nova Scotia’s first Community Interest Company, CGS devotes 60% of all profits toward its social mission: growing the social enterprise sector in Nova Scotia. CGS and SENNS deliver the impact incubator, support entrepreneurs and organizations in starting or growing a social enterprise.
READ MORE