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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Employment Nova Scotia – Job Creation Partnerships

You may be eligible for funding to hire an unemployed person for up to 52 consecutive weeks. You will need to:

Create a new full-time position with start and finish dates
Provide a meaningful work experience
Supervise and mentor the participant
Ensure that the work project benefits your community or local economy
Register for the Labour Market Support System

Part-time work may be created for participants with disabilities.

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Employment Nova Scotia- START

Receive a financial incentive to hire an unemployed, ready-to-work Nova Scotian. Different types of funding are available for employers, depending on the type of employment offered, the employer’s needs and the employee’s skill level. Wage incentive Wage incentives help offset some of the salary and benefit costs related to hiring a new employee. Preference is given to employers who can offer full-time, sustainable employment. Short-term jobs may be eligible if they help the employee develop transferrable skills that can improve their chances of finding other employment in the future, or if they’re related to a priority sector or industry where a short-term contract is being implemented. Employment Nova Scotia determines wage incentive amounts on a case-by-case basis, considering : type of employment offered wages offered employee’s skill level how long the employee has been looking for work whether the position supports a priority sector in Nova Scotia (like ocean technology, information and communication technology, financial services, clean technology, life sciences or aerospace and defence) Other factors may also be considered.

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1-877-223-0888

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Export Development Canada-Working Capital

EDC’s bonding and guarantee support provides breathing room to pursue opportunities without depleting working capital. Programs include the Export Guarantee Program, Foreign Exchange Facility Guarantee, Account Performance Security Guarantee and Surety Bond Insurance.

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Dan Dooks

902.403.1646

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Farm Animal Health and Welfare

Subsidizes the cost of veterinarian fees for regular herd health check-ups (not emergency calls) for dairy, beef, sheep, swine, and mink farmers.

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1-877-9ENVIRO (1-877-936-8476)

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FCC – Agribusiness and Agrifood Financing

FCC Agribusiness and Agri-Food provides specialized financial services, products and resources for businesses that support primary producers on both sides of the farm gate. Support can help you to minimize operating costs, diversify assets or expand your business.

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC – Agriculture Financing

FCC offers financing built for farmers. Through over a hundred FCC offices across Canada and a network of equipment dealers, crop retailers and livestock finance suppliers, our team will partner with you to create solutions that work.   This program includes financing for such things as:   Credit lines Crop inputs Livestock Equipment Environmental solutions Farm transfers Land and buildings Loan insurance

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC – Young Entrepreneur Program – Agribusiness and Agrifood

This program is targeted at individuals under 40 that require financing for an agriculture retail, manufacturing or food processing business. The Young Entrepreneur Loan can provide the needed capital to launch a new business or take a current operation to the next level. Funds can be used to purchase or improve an agricultural-related business or to purchase shares in an agriculture or agri-food related business.

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC Women Entrepreneur Program

FCC is committed to empowering women in agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food. Through the Women Entrepreneur Program, FCC has dedicated $500 million over the next three years in lending, enhancing events and creating resources specifically for women entrepreneurs to start or grow their business. Assistance includes access to financing, value-added offerings for skill set enhancement and connections to people and organizations across the industry.

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC Young Farmers Loan

If you’re a qualified producer under 40, the Young Farmer Loan can help you take the next step in your agriculture career. This program features:   Purchase ag-related assets up to $1,000,000 Closed variable rates at prime plus 0.5% No loan processing fees Special fixed rates available

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1-888-332-3301

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Financing

Futurpreneur Canada supports young entrepreneurs with up to $45,000 in financing, an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.

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