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.

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70 Crescent Street, Canada, Nova Scotia, Sydney, B1P 6T7

(902) 564-3600

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Business Development Bank of Canada

A financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, BDC supports more than 42,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across the country, complementing services available from private-sector financial institutions. BDC offers business loans and advisory services to help Canadian businesses grow, both at home and abroad. Through their subsidiary- BDC Capital, they also offer a full spectrum of specialized financing, including venture capital, equity as well as growth and business transition capital.

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Johnathan MacNeil

Senior Account Manager

275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6

(902) 564-7706

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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.

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Cape 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.

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Stephanie Dupuis

Craft Business Development Coordinator

322 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia

902-539-7491

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Cape 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.

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Stephanie Dupuis

322 Charlotte Street, Sydney

902-539-7491 (ext 115)

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Cape Breton Partnership – Business Services

The Cape Breton Partnership provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage.

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Shannon MacNeil

(902) 562-0122

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CBDC – 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.

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Patricia MacNeil

Executive Director

292 Charlotte Street Suite 100 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7

(902) 539-4332

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East 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.

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Corporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1

1 (902) 747-3142

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Invest 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.

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Wanda MacLean

Regional Business Development Advisor

902-227-7144

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Mi’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

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Alex Paul

201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1

902-562-4700

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Nova Scotia Business Inc. – Payroll Rebate Program

If your knowledge-based business generates an economic benefit for Nova Scotia, you may be eligible for a 5% to 10% rebate on your gross payroll. You may be eligible, if you:   Are locating or expanding in Nova Scotia Have strategic plans to improve your competitiveness in export markets by increasing productivity or investing in product development   To get the annual rebate, you must create a minimum of 20 new jobs at a determined salary within a set timeframe.

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Nova Scotia Community College – GradWorks: Employer Incentive Program

You could receive up to 66% of salary costs to a maximum amount of $25,000 to hire a qualified graduate from one of the following programs for up to one year:   Human Resource Management Industrial Engineering Technology Occupational Health and Safety   Employers in most business sectors may apply, but preference will be given to business-to-business organizations focused on export and innovation.

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Tracy Peers

902-491-2013

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Nova Scotia Department of Business

The Department of Business works with Crown corporations and special operating entities (Develop Nova Scotia, Invest Nova Scotia, and Tourism Nova Scotia) to develop plans, programs and policies that encourage entrepreneurship, help attract venture capital investment and grow sectors of the economy. We also work with other government departments and levels of government, universities, NSCC and the private and social enterprise sectors to create a shared strategy for business growth. working to help make Nova Scotia competitive and business-friendly administering the Invest Nova Scotia fund leading projects including rural internet, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and the Halifax Convention Centre accountability reporting on the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund, Nova Scotia Fund, Strategic Investment Funds and Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund

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PO Box 2311 Halifax NS B3J 3C8


Nova Scotia Farm Loans

If you are starting or growing an agricultural business in rural Nova Scotia, you can apply for a variety of lending products to help improve your farm operations. They include: Fixed and term farm mortgages Quota loans Working capital Equipment financing Debt consolidation Eligible projects include: Land purchases Farm acquisitions Farm building construction and improvement Rural agri-business development

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902-893-6506

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Nova Scotia Film & TV Production Incentive Fund

The Nova Scotia Film & Television Production Incentive Fund is based on an all-spend model and payable to producers for eligible Nova Scotia costs. This program enables producers to receive funding up to 32% of eligible costs for all spending in Nova Scotia, including labour, goods and services.

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Linda Wood

902-424-7181

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NRC – Research and Development Programming

Learn about how the National Research Council can support your innovation efforts with strategic and collaborative research centres, scientific and technical advisory services, and licensing opportunities. Programs include: Research and collaboration – Research and collaboration centres, international innovation, libraries and data collections, industrial R&D groups Facilities – Unique and specialized research and testing facilities to support private and public sector partners Products and services – Technical and advisory services, software and applications, reference materials, calibration, construction codes Intellectual property licensing – Patent licensing opportunities to develop integrated and market-ready solutions  

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Steven Manley

902-270-3549

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NSERC- Applied Research and Development Grants

Applied Research and Development Grants support well-defined applied research and development projects undertaken by college researchers with their private-sector partners. Direct project costs are shared by the company partner(s) and the CCI Program. Projects may range from one year to three years in duration. Grants range from up to $75,000 per year to $150,000 per year.

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1-877-767-1767

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NSERC-Alliance Grants

Alliance grants encourage university researchers to collaborate with partner organizations, which can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. These grants support research projects led by strong, complementary, collaborative teams that will generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results to create benefits for Canada. Grants range from $5,000 – $25,000. Research supported by Alliance grants will: Generate new knowledge and/or technology to address complex challenges Create economic, social and/or environmental benefits Contribute to Canada’s long-term competitiveness Support public policy Train new researchers in areas that are important to Canada and to the partner organizations Draw on diverse perspectives and skill sets to accelerate the translation and application of research results

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1-877-767-1767

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PCH – Canada Music Fund

The Canada Music Fund (CMF) helps the Canadian music industry meet new challenges. A wide range of musicians and entrepreneurs who create, produce and market original and diverse Canadian music are eligible to apply. CMF components include: New Musical Works – provides Canadian creators and entrepreneurs with opportunities to produce and promote Canadian sound recordings, to develop their craft and expertise Collective Initiatives – provides financial assistance for conferences and award shows, real and virtual showcases, as well as market development initiatives. Music Entrepreneur- enable established entrepreneurs to offer a wide range of choices that enrich the Canadian musical experience in the long term, to become increasingly competitive nationally and internationally.

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819-997-0055

1-866-811-0055 (toll-free)

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Revenue Canada – Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit

The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice. If your business hires an eligible apprentice, you qualify to claim the credit. An eligible apprentice is someone who is working in a prescribed trade in the first two years of their apprenticeship contract. This contract must be registered with a federal, provincial, or territorial government under an apprenticeship program designed to certify or license individuals in the trade. A prescribed trade includes the trades currently listed as Red Seal Trades.

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1-800-959-5525

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