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 – 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.

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

Cape 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.

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.

Craft Alliance Atlantic Association – Programs

Part of the Craft Alliance’s mandate is to provide marketing opportunities for craft producers in the Atlantic Provinces. This includes offering opportunities for educational mission, trade shows & exhibitions, and export opportunities at craft and giftware events across North America. Visit our Producer Registration page and sign up as a Project Member to gain access to our special projects section. Once registered, you will gain access to the full list of opportunities we are currently offering access to:

The Craft Hub – Direct consultation with the craft sector across Atlantic Canada and engage with our craft industry partners to deliver programs and services relevant to the sector both provincially and regionally.
The Craft Lab – Assist craft producers with business development by providing marketing support, educational opportunities, trade show assistance, exhibition assistance, product development, productivity/capacity building and more!
Craft Tek – Technology development by investigating and initiating projects that contribute to innovation through design, collaboration or creation of new cross-sectoral initiatives that advance the craft sector.
Craft X – Exporting initiatives including trade shows, training resources, market development and travel, cost related to initiatives that assist with export market development outside of the region.

Customs House Artisan Incubator

The Customs House is a craft incubator in Port Hawkesbury. Are you a textile, clay or jewellery artist? As our artists in residence, you’ll have access to: Fully equipped studios Subsidized studio rent Craft business development support Technical mentorship Opportunities to take your craft to market

Digital Nova Scotia

Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) is the industry association for Nova Scotia’s $2.5 billion ICT and digital technologies sector. Our programs, events, and opportunities enable us to connect our digital community and proudly promote its successes. Through skills development, capacity building, industry events, strong partnerships and the promotion of IT opportunities, we are supporting our sector as it continues to grow, evolve and thrive.  

Food and Beverage Atlantic

Known as the Atlantic Food & Beverage Processors Association since 2007, it remains dedicated to a legacy of supporting and helping the processing industry grow in Atlantic Canada. FBA continues to expand its activities in key programs including delivering affordable, accessible food safety and regulatory training programs, industry conferences and leading export trade missions in the United States, Latin America, Asia, India and Europe.