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.
READ MORE70 Crescent Street, Canada, Nova Scotia, Sydney, B1P 6T7
(902) 564-3600
information@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Visit websiteBusiness 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.
READ MOREJohnathan MacNeil
Senior Account Manager
275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6
(902) 564-7706
jonathan.macneil@bdc.ca
Visit websiteCape 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 MORECape 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
Visit websiteCape 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.
READ MOREStephanie Dupuis
322 Charlotte Street, Sydney
902-539-7491 (ext 115)
stephanie@capebretoncraft.com
Visit websiteCape Breton Partnership – Business Services
The Cape Breton Partnership provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage.
READ MORECBDC – 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.
READ MOREPatricia MacNeil
Executive Director
292 Charlotte Street Suite 100 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7
(902) 539-4332
patricia.macneil@cbdc.ca
Visit websiteEast 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.
READ MORECorporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1
1 (902) 747-3142
eastcoast@creditu.ca
Visit websiteInvest 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.
READ MOREWanda MacLean
Regional Business Development Advisor
902-227-7144
wanda.maclean@investnovascotia.ca
Visit websiteMi’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 websiteCBDC General Business Loan
From small businesses to even larger ones, there are many times when a business may need a loan. Perhaps you need to procure new machinery or equipment? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your facilities or buildings. Or perhaps a loan is the only way for you to improve or expand your business to tap new market opportunities. Banks and other traditional lending institutions can often be unavailable to you. The most flexible business loan we offer, the CBDC General Business Loan was made just for these situations.
Loans up to $150,000* may be available to eligible applicants. All loans are repayable and offer competitive repayment terms and interest rates. Financing can include a demand or term loan, a loan guarantee, or equity investment.
Loans will be secured, and can be from one to ten years, giving you the chance to develop your business while being free from financial burden.
CBDC Innovation Loan
The loan is designed to encourage business productivity and effectiveness in the communities of rural Atlantic Canada. New technologies may include existing methods that have been adapted or repurposed for commercial applications. The loan could also be used for financing for new products or services and training, as well as financial support. CBDC offers up to $150,000 per qualified borrower. All loans are repayable and have competitive interest rates and repayment terms. Financial options include term loan and demand loans, loan guarantees or equity investments.
CBDC Innovation Loans may be used for a variety of things: the acquisition of equipment, software, processes or licenses, and other things that are clearly defined as “new” technology that will improve business operations. Expenses for infrastructure changes or installation, as well as maintenance due to implementation and utilization of new technology also qualify. We can also assist with costs for training employees in the application and use of the new technology.
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 Youth Loan
Young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 know that getting a loan to start a new business can be challenging. Our Youth Loan program offers young entrepreneurs (18-34) access to the capital they need for business startup, expansion or modernization. It’s available as a repayable loan with competitive interest rates and repayment terms.
READ MORECBDC- Entrepreneurial Training Fund (ETF)
CBDC offers individualized training opportunities to existing clients as well as group training to clients and other small business owners. Eligible training and counselling activities may include:
Training courses offered via the Internet or correspondence
University courses (excluding full-time studies)
Training seminars offered by business support or business development organizations or associations
Hiring a qualified consultant to provide business skills training that result in the transfer of knowledge or skills from the consultant to the client
Business skills training and counselling designed to enhance the client’s overall knowledge in business related skills
Costs associated with providing business skills training to potential entrepreneurs and/or existing entrepreneurs
CBDC-Self-Employment Benefits Program
The Self Employment Benefits (SEB) Program is designed to help participants to continue to receive their Employment Insurance Benefits while going through the process of launching a new business. SEA provides assistance in the form of coaching, on-going technical advice and financial support for a maximum of 52 weeks. If you are receiving or are eligible for Employment Insurance Benefits (EI), you can continue to receive these benefits for up to one year.
Services provided with the SEA program include:
Business plan guidance
Business training
Business counselling
CBRM Heritage Property Program
The CBRM is responsible for the Heritage Property Bylaw and for promotion of heritage conservation in our communities. CBRM Planning Department staff work closely with the Heritage Advisory Committee, a committee of Council that includes both elected Council members as well as citizens who are appointed by Council to serve on the Committee. The Objective of the Program is to encourage owners of registered municipal heritage properties to upgrade their properties in a manner that is consistent with the heritage value of the property as stated in the statement of significance for the property and the associated character defining elements. The incentive shall be 50% of the cost of the repairs or renovations up to a maximum of $12,000 per property. In the case of roof replacement and/or repair, the maximum grant shall be 30% of the cost up to a maximum of $6,000. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may award a higher percentage of cost-sharing, as outlined in 4(c)
READ MORECBRM Tax Incentive for Downtowns and Business Parks
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) has a commercial tax incentive to promote downtown revitalization and business park development. The following development or renovations to commercial property are available: Tax assessment increases of $100,000 or more are eligible for up to ten years of tax reductions Tax assessment increases of less than $100,000 are eligible for up to five years of tax reductions Total tax reduction of up to 50% over the phase-in period are possible
READ MORETyler Matthais
President & CEO
285 Alexandra Street
902-562-0122
Tyler@capebretonpartnership.com
Visit websiteCCH – Creative Industries Fund
The Creative Industries Fund invests in Nova Scotia registered cultural businesses that are focused on global exporting and supports not-for-profits and social enterprises focused on development of the culture sector outside of Nova Scotia. Eligible creative industries include fashion/design, film and TV, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, visual art and applied arts, and publishing. Companies can receive up to 50% of project costs through the fund.
READ MORECCH – Screenwriters Development Fund
The Screenwriters Development Fund will consider investment in direct costs for film and TV scriptwriting of Nova Scotia producers with a Nova Scotia writer. A Nova Scotia registered production company can receive up to 50% of project costs through the fund. Applications must demonstrate how your project achieves the following objectives: The creation and development of film and TV script projects by Nova Scotian filmmakers Strengthens the film and TV industry by developing Nova Scotia filmmakers, writers, and producers The encouragement of inclusion and gender parity
READ MOREMickey Quase
(902) 424-3701
mickey.quase@novascotia.ca