The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.

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.

READ MORE

Johnathan MacNeil

Senior Account Manager

275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6

(902) 564-7706

Visit website

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Stephanie Dupuis

Craft Business Development Coordinator

322 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia

902-539-7491

Visit website

Cape Breton Partnership – Business Services

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

READ MORE

Shannon MacNeil

(902) 562-0122

Visit website

Cape Breton University

At Cape Breton University, we push the boundaries of innovation and thought leadership to create a global academic experience and build a sustainable future for our island. Surrounded by pristine natural landscape, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities, Cape Breton University (CBU) is home to nearly 7,000 students from more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to the future of Cape Breton Island, innovative economic development and sustainability programs, and Indigenous learning leadership. CBU offers a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science, business, health and professional programs. As a university that is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, CBU provides students with the advantage of outstanding experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities in a supportive academic environment. Our programs, in diverse fields of study, consistently rank well above the national averages in faculty-student interaction and service learning. Our people, our cultures, and our strong sense of community make Cape Breton University a special place.

READ MORE

1250 Grand Lake Rd. Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1M 1A2

+1 888-959-9995

Visit website

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.

READ MORE

Patricia MacNeil

Executive Director

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

(902) 539-4332

Visit website

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED)

CEED offers entrepreneurs of all ages and stages a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities. In Cape Breton, programs are delivered both in-person at Navigate Startup House and virtually via Adobe Connect. CEED’s experiential programming is designed to ensure the participant leaves with relevant skills that can be immediately employed in the launch or growth of a business. The following programs are available:

Building Financial Models
Value Proposition Design
Business Model Canvas
Pricing Your Product or Service

READ MORE

Kim Desveaux

Navigate 37 Nepean Street, Sydney

(902)-217-2092

Visit website

Colindale Business Soloutions

Our service includes a comprehensive consultation to help identify gaps and opportunities, a comprehensive report that includes a project plan with timelines and milestones, a cost analysis, and a schedule. We also offer a suite of quality products that will help you get there quickly and smoothly. That’s how we ensure your success. We help start ups and existing businesses with the following: Business Management/Development Practices Diagnostic Assessments Access to Capital Market/Export Readiness Business Plan Mentoring Business Coaching Property Management Services

READ MORE

Damian MacInnis

151 Little Mabou Rd Port Hood, Nova Scotia

(902) 631-3525

Visit website

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.

READ MORE

Wanda MacLean

Regional Business Development Advisor

902-227-7144

Visit website

Invest Nova Scotia – Cape Breton

Invest Nova Scotia helps Cape Breton start-ups grow stronger, faster. We have entrepreneur-in-residence, acceleration programs, training opportunities, a makerspace, mentorship and networking events. Invest Nova Scotia collaborates with Cape Breton Partnership, Cape Breton University, Navigate, NSCC, NRC and Propel ICT to ensure Momentum delivers support Cape Breton start-ups need.

READ MORE

Bob Pelley

902-564-2951 (ext 1)

902-577-2689

Visit website

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.

READ MORE

Perry Chandler

CEO

15381 Hwy 19 Inverness

(902) 258-3698

Visit website

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.

READ MORE

Eirinn Fraser

Business Advisor, Cape Breton

902-217-2660

Visit website

CME – Lead to Succeed Program

At CME, along with our partner ACHIEVEBLUE Corporation, our goal is to help our members make a difference in their businesses. CME’s new Lead to Succeed program helps leaders meet challenges head-on by: Focus their business on a compelling, measurable, strategic vision Develop the people management skills of their leaders Develop the organization’s business process improvement and innovation skills Increase the quality and output of cross-functional and intact teams Ensure front-line employees are not only kept informed, but kept inspired and engaged This program is available to CME members only: New managers Aspiring managers Organizations who wish to leverage internal talent

READ MORE

Michael Raymond

902-422-4477


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

READ MORE

Laura Collinet

902-539-7491 ext 116

Visit website

DigiPort

Delivered in partnership between Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia, DigiPort is an online hub where you can connect with qualified digital service providers for one-on-one support and access to articles, videos, tip sheets, webinars and more to help you be more visible online, reach more potential customers, and close the sale. DigiPort is available to tourism businesses and organizations that are based in or regularly conduct business in Nova Scotia. There is no cost to register for DigiPort.

READ MORE
Visit website

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.  

READ MORE

1301-1809 Barrington Street, Halifax, NS B3J 3K8

902-809-5332

Visit website

Farm Safety Nova Scotia

Established in July 2010, the Society of Farm Safety Nova Scotia is a not–for–profit organization that works with Nova Scotia farms to keep farmers, their families, and their employees safe. It is our goal to ensure farmers have access to the tools and resources they need to operate safe and productive farms.

READ MORE

902-893-2293


Visit website

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.

READ MORE

506-857-4255

Visit website

Futurpreneur Canada Newcomer Mentoring Program

Futurpreneur Canada’s Newcomer offering includes participation in our 2 year industry-leading mentoring program. We’ll match you with a business professional to suit your needs and help increase your opportunity for success.

Business mentoring can help you:

Gain insight and perspective by having someone to bounce your ideas off of.
Identify opportunities and risks by learning from someone experienced.
Focus on and strategically work towards your business vision.
Grow your own business network and enhance your business acumen.
Shorten your learning curve.
Build confidence knowing you have someone in your corner.

READ MORE

Global Affairs Canada – Business Women in International Trade

The Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) program of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps open doors and opportunities for Canadian women-owned businesses to successfully expand into global markets. BWIT works with Canadian businesses that are at least 51% owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women. It can connect you with export advice and support by introducing you to trade commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide and offers: Women-focused trade missions Funding and financing Exporting advice and support International contacts and opportunities

READ MORE
Visit website