Agricultural Production Extension Program

Informally known as ‘farm extension’, this program has been provided by Perennia since 2001 at no cost to eligible producers, or cost recovery for some basic costs not covered by the program. Sectors covered include: horticulture, livestock, field crops and soils for both conventional and organic systems. Services covered by the program include: individual farm advice by phone, electronically and in person at the discretion of the specialist; publications and information online and in hard copy; virtual and in-person workshops and field days; and sector development projects. with collaborative partners.

AgriMarketing Program: Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Component

The Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) Component provides targeted support to companies for international initiatives. All activities must promote international business development and must go beyond the applicant’s core activities and represent new initiatives that provide an opportunity to yield incremental results. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) funding for a project will normally not exceed $50,000 per fiscal year; and $100,000 over two consecutive fiscal years and an applicant can apply more than once, but for each applicant, funding will not be more than $250,000 over five years.

Atlantic Canada Aerospace & Defence Association

The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association (ACADA) is a collaborative SME-focused organization representing the interests of the aerospace, defence, and security industries in Atlantic Canada. ACADA is comprised of approximately 200 industry members and organizations across Atlantic Canada. ACADA provides research, hosts industry events, workshops, training and trade missions to better prepare its sector for development and growth both nationally and internationally.

BIONOVA – BioInnovation Challenge

The BioInnovation Challenge is an Atlantic Canadian business competition to recognize significant commercialization potential in Health and Life Sciences. BioNova understands that, more than ever, a strong and vibrant economy in the province requires continuous innovation and the creation of new Nova Scotian Health and Life Sciences companies. Early stage companies evolve over time to become major employers in the community and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation – key ingredients for prosperity.

BIONOVA – Financial BioBusiness Accelerator Program (BAP)

BioNova’s BAP program is a suite of individual program initiatives that are assembled based on the present day needs of the local life science community. The program has an over-arching goal to move businesses down the commercialization pathway faster to get technologies and products to the market sooner. The suite of programs offered include: Investor Kit Program Photography Portfolio Project Investor Pitch Training Specific Consulting Engagements Business Development Assistance and Consulting Reimbursement Assessments

Black Business Initiative Constructing the Future Training

Constructing the Future is a program aimed at increasing the participation of working age tradespersons in the mainstream economy of Nova Scotia. It will equip existing and aspiring tradespersons from the Black community with enhanced skills, basic certifications and competencies to establish a stronger presence in Nova Scotia’s construction sector.   This program offers participants hands-on work experience through eight weeks on-the-job training. Participants receive a stipend (weekly allowance) while undertaking the program. Participants build the required confidence, skills and knowledge to work in the construction sector: secure a job, start a business, or go back to trades school.

Black Business Initiative Financial Programs

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) promotes and assists in the development of Nova Scotia Black-owned businesses providing business development assistance. BBI provides financial assistance in the form of loans up to $25,000 and facilitates access to other financing. BBI also provides business training programs and opportunities.   Ownership must be 33% black and must be a registered proprietorship, partnerships or limited company. Participants must have a viable business plan, with two year cash flow projections, the ability to repay the loan and a suitable management strategy is required. Types of loans provided include Capital Equipment Acquisition, Working Capital, or Short-term receivable financing.

Business Management Skills Training

Our team offers many different types of training programs all intended to help business people and entrepreneurs improve their business management skills so they can improve their businesses or build new ones. We provide business skills training on lots of different and business topics, such as market development, feasibility studies, bookkeeping, finance, business analysis and more.

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 – Northside Victoria

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. In Nova Scotia, there are 13 CBDCs offering financial, training and advisory services to entrepreneurs. The CBDCs work collectively through the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs, an umbrella organization that supports the common needs of the CBDCs. CBDCs share best practices promote entrepreneurship and deliver provincial initiatives such as Students in Business and the Youth Internship Program.