The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.
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 MORE1250 Grand Lake Rd. Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1M 1A2
+1 888-959-9995
registrar@cbu.ca
Visit websiteCape Breton University Library – Business Resources
Cape Breton University provides a variety of free research to business seeking to find information on starting and growing their companies. Some of the research that can be accessed at CBU includes: Canadian social and economic data Company information Industry information Country information
READ MORECBCL Ltd.
CBCL Limited provides professional consulting engineering and environmental services in the Municipal Services, Water & Wastewater, Buildings, Industry & Manufacturing, Energy & Power, Oil & Gas, Marine, Transportation & Bridges and Environment & Planning sectors.
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 websiteCentre 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
Collegio Technologies Inc.
Collegio is focused on providing educational opportunities to organizations and entrepreneurs. They provide digital skills training to help you and your business succeed in today’s competitive landscape. If you want to learn how to update your WordPress site, launch an e-commerce venture, utilize search engine optimization techniques, or polish up on your React skills, they can provide you with training opportunities to help you thrive in the digital age. They can teach you how!
READ MORE37 Nepean St. Sydney NS B1P 6A7
info@collegio.ca
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.
READ MORECorporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1
1 (902) 747-3142
eastcoast@creditu.ca
Visit websiteEthical Swag
Ethical Swag makes sure your promotional products do what they were intended to do – Get you remembered for all the right reasons! We only work with suppliers that have passed audits related to social compliance, environmental impact, product safety, supply chain security and product quality. Your logo + our products = higher recall and connection to your brand. We are refining the way people experience brands with transparency and cool products!
READ MOREExport Development Canada
Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency. Their job is to support and develop Canada’s export trade by helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. They’re a self-financing, Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from the Government. They provide insurance and financial services, bonding products and small business solutions to Canadian exporters and investors and their international buyers. They also support Canadian direct investment abroad and investment into Canada. In 2016, they helped more than 7,150 Canadian companies do business in over 200 countries. The majority of these companies were small business, and more than 30 per cent of this business was conducted in fast-growing emerging markets. Using their financial products and services, their customers’ export sales and investments totaled almost $99 billion. They estimate that this helped generate $63.9 billion of Canada’s GDP, contributed more than 4 cents for every dollar earned and helped sustain 525,400 jobs.
READ MORE1605-1969 Upper Water St. Tower 2 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 3R7
(902) 450-7610
contactatlantic@edc.ca
Visit websiteGrant Thronton
Grant Thornton—a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm – and the largest accounting firm in Atlantic Canada – providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. To complement our technical knowledge and expertise, we have professionals who are dedicated to developing in-depth industry knowledge. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, we have approximately 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms independently.
READ MORESuite 200 - 500 George St Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 4K6
(902) 562-558
Sydney@GrantThornton.ca
Visit websiteAtlantic Provinces Economic Council on “Navigating US Trade Uncertainty; A Practical Guide for Firms”
This APEC report provides a practical guide to help businesses understand and access most favourable tariff treatment, facilitate temporary entry of professional and service personnel, access procurement opportunities, decisions to diversify to non-US markets, and government resources to assist in accessing export markets.
READ MOREBDC – Advisory Services
BDC consultants and highly experienced specialists can help your business scale up, be more productive, innovate and globalize. Advisory services are available for challenges associated with: Management Coaching for Small Business Business Transformation Sales and Marketing International Growth Operational Efficiency Certification Digital Program for SMEs Growth Driver Program
READ MOREBDC – Business Financing
BDC’s mission is to help create and develop strong businesses through financing, consulting services and securitization, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Through their subsidiary, BDC Capital, it also offers a full spectrum of specialized – financing, including venture capital, equity, as well as growth and business transition capital. Term loans may be used for the following: Start or buy a business Buy, build or renovate your facilities Buy equipment Research and develop new products Develop new markets for your products Acquire information and communications technology Sell your business
READ MOREBDC – Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
This loan offers up to $250,000 to start or grow your business, whether you operate on or off Reserve. Flexible repayment terms, a loan that gives back to charity and limited personal risk are features of this loan. Use the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan to: Acquire fixed assets Finance franchise fees Cover start-up costs Start exporting Replenish working capital
READ MOREBDC – New Canadian Entrepreneur Loan
Access up to $50,000 in financing for Newcomer Entrepreneurs.
READ MOREBDC – Women in Technology Venture Fund
The BDC Capital Women in Technology (WIT) Fund is one of the world’s largest venture capital funds dedicated to investing in women-led technology companies. Women are under-represented and under-funded in technology and investment companies. BDC wants to change that. We will invest $200 million over the next five years to help bridge this gap.
READ MOREBDC- Market Research and Statistics
Find information that can help you make informed decisions and maximize the potential of your business. Learn more about your industry, as well as current and potential customers, competitors, and markets. Conducting market research – Learn more about market research, how it can improve your business decisions, and how to conduct a market research campaign. Industry sector data – Find statistics that can help you better understand your industry, and study the latest trends that could impact your business. General research and statistics – Discover resources available through Canada Business Network Service centres, Statistics Canada, Canada’s government libraries and the United Nations.
READ MOREBDC- Small Business Loan Online
BDC as of late has seen a lot of success supporting entrepreneurs through our online financing solution up to 100k. If you are a business who need access working capital lending to help better manage your cash flow, we have a really quick and easy to apply solution that can be done online: BDC online Loan Features: Financing up to $100,000 (total) Secured with a personal guarantee Amortized over 5 years plus an upfront 6-month postponement of principal payment No application fee Funds are disbursed immediately, no proof of expenditures required Everything is done electronically Loan can be fully repaid with no penalty Special limited time interest rates Eligibility: Must be in business producing revenue for at least 24 months Good credit history
READ MOREAdam Bateman
Account Manager
275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6
(902) 403-3912
adam.bateman@bdc.ca
Visit websiteBecome a Franchisee
Go in business for yourself with the support of a credible franchise system! With hundreds of franchise opportunities in Canada, LookforaFranchise.ca is the most comprehensive online directory of legitimate franchise business investments available. We make searching for a franchise easy – you can find franchises by company name, location, investment or industry.
READ MOREBlack 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.
READ MORE