Cape Breton Partnership

The Cape Breton Partnership is Cape Breton-Unama’ki’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.

Cape Breton Partnership-Land Assets

The Land Asset website can direct you to available land assets on Cape Breton Island.

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

CBDC – 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.

CBDC 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.

Centre 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.

CME – Publications and Reports

CME is a provider of Information specifically undertaken and identified for Manufacturers including: Information on policy initiatives Information on economic outlooks Publications and reports

Co-operatives Information Guide

Canadian co-operatives operate in a variety of economic sectors such as agriculture, food, social services, retail and wholesale, fishing, energy, recreational services, and financial (including insurance). This information is meant to help entrepreneurs navigate the world of co-operatives. For general information on business start-up, consult the website sections on starting and planning.

Common 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.

Consultant Advisory Services (CAS)

The Consultant Advisory Services program gives CBDCs the ability to offer Consultant Advisory Services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations. New and existing clients of CBDCs and ACOA will be able to access technical and financial assistance by engaging consultants to assist them with various issues, opportunities and challenges.

Eligible CAS activities include:

Diagnostic Assessment
Business Management Development Practices
Access to Capital
Market Readiness/Export Potential
Specific Studies/Business Plan Mentoring
Aftercare/Mentoring and Follow-up