Consultant Advisory Services (CAS)

The Consultant Advisory Services program gives CBDCs the ability to offer Consultant Advisory Services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations. New and existing clients of CBDCs and ACOA will be able to access technical and financial assistance by engaging consultants to assist them with various issues, opportunities and challenges.

Eligible CAS activities include:

Diagnostic Assessment
Business Management Development Practices
Access to Capital
Market Readiness/Export Potential
Specific Studies/Business Plan Mentoring
Aftercare/Mentoring and Follow-up

CRA Checklist for New Small Business

This checklist is for people like you who are starting a business. Using the links below, you can get information about your fiscal obligations and their implications. You can also get information on interactions between your business and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

CRA-Changing Your Business Status

Find out what you should do when you make changes to the structure, status or ownership of your business.

CRA-Payroll Deduction Calculator

Calculate deductions and contributions on employee pay, open a payroll account to send deductions, report income deductions.

Department of Energy – Energy Training Program

The Energy Training Program helps postsecondary students and recent graduates get work experience in the energy sector with a hiring incentive for local businesses. Employers receive up to 50% (up to $7.50 an hour) of the student or graduate’s wages for a 12 to 17-week work term. This program is available to businesses with up to 500 employees operating in Nova Scotia. Businesses must have a direct connection to the energy sector. Employers must provide work experience that’s directly related to the student’s field of study. Work term positions must pay at least the legal minimum wage, plus 4% vacation pay. Larger local companies may be considered for the program if funding levels allow.

Department of Energy – Document Database

The Department of Energy works with a variety of agencies, departments, researchers and not-for-profits to find the best ways to buy, develop and use energy. Through the years, there have been a number of studies and reviews conducted and reports generated, providing insight and information about our changing energy sector in Nova Scotia.

Digital Assistance Program for Small Business

The Digital Assistance Program for Small Business will help businesses across the province adapt to the digital economy, attract more customers and grow sales by providing eligible small businesses up to $5,000 to work with qualified digital service providers. Digital service providers will specialize in website development, search engine optimization, digital marketing and social media strategy, building online booking systems, and e-commerce tools. Applications are now open for small businesses seeking assistance. Businesses that qualified for the Small Business Impact Grant Part 3 that have been directly affected by the April 2021 public health measures will be automatically pre-qualified to participate in the Digital Assistance Program. Applications for Digital Service Providers are always open.

Digital Nova Scotia

Digital Nova Scotia works closely with its stakeholders and funding partners to develop and implement a wide-variety of impactful training and workshop opportunities to foster Nova Scotia’s digital technologies industry. From diversity to youth initiatives, to a globally competitive workforce, Digital Nova Scotia aims to grow our digital economy.

ECO Canada – Environmental Youth Corps Internship Program

If your business is in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields, you may be eligible to hire a young professional for a full-time environmental position. As the leading provider of employment programs that contribute to the development of the environmental workforce for the past 20 years, we are the source for employers and candidates to receive wage funding support. Our program gives eligible employers who work in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or Natural Resources up to 50% of a candidate’s salary for new full-time environmental jobs. Employers may use this program to fund multiple new positions. Funding will be pro-rated dependent upon start date. The program offers:   A wage subsidy up to $15,000 Pre-approved, skilled graduates

EDC Financing

EDC offers competitive payment terms, direct financing for key deals or experienced partnerships for financing high-value, high-stakes international projects.