The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.
Hardwire IT Solutions
Hardwire IT Solutions Inc. is an information technology consulting/services firm providing IT consulting, networking services and technical application/hardware support to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and surrounding areas. It was incorporated in September of 2009 and is a 100% Cape Breton owned and operated organization. Hardwire IT Solutions Inc. was formed by the former IT department of a national company whose data center was located in Sydney. Hardwire provides IT service to the CBRM and surrounding areas utilizing the same model that allowed them to support hundreds of users across multiple offices and manage thousands of end point hardware devices/applications on a 24/7 schedule. The Hardwire team has a total combined industry experience of 45 years and has supported a variety of businesses spanning multiple industries. Hardwire IT Solutions Inc. offers the Cape Breton market dependable, quality IT support services at competitive rates.
READ MORE61 Castle Drive Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 2A5
(902) 578-9081
sales@hardwireinc.com
Immigrant Loan Program
Immigrant Loan Program Loans of up to $20,000 for temporary residents, age 19 years and older, wishing to start a registered business in our area; Access to training, advisory and consulting services; Seasonal and part-time businesses are acceptable; Most sectors are eligible; and Fixed interest will be charged at prime rate plus 3%.
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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.
READ MOREWanda MacLean
Regional Business Development Advisor
902-227-7144
wanda.maclean@investnovascotia.ca
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JBW Consulting Inc.
Jim Wooder has a diverse background with a marine focus gained through 30 years of experience that includes maritime law practice (Clyde & Co.; Stewart McKelvey; Gard P&I), offshore oil & gas operations and senior management (Lasmo, PanCanadian, EnCana, Chevron) and more recently leading large scale environmental assessment and port related development projects. Recent experience includes: -led a joint venture among Nabors Drilling, EnCana, Laurentian Energy Corp. and RKO Steel for the fabrication of two complete onshore drill rigs -led the EA for the Sydport Container Terminal Development Project and associated Sydney Harbour Channel Dredging -PM for the 4.5 million m3 Sydney dredge and 175 acre land reclamation project comprising (i)Canada’s largest dredge (ii) one of DFO’s largest ever marine habitat compensation projects developed in collaboration with local fishers, and (iii) a large scale fishery catch & release program that moved circa 250,000 animals out of the dredge path over a 3 month period. -PM for Provincial Energy Ventures planned $75m terminal expansion at the former SYSCO dock (concept engineering, cost estimates and preliminary construction) -evaluation of transshipment options for a planned crude oil storage and transshipment terminal at the Port of Belledune -advisor to Sydport Terminals Limited regarding the establishment of a container terminal in Sydney -advisor to Brightleaf Technolgies, a Colorado based solar power company regarding the establishment of a j.v. at CBU’s Vershuren Center and a subsidiary in Sydney, N.S. Jim’s diverse background is well suited to both general and project management and business development roles. Much of his experience has had a marine focus and provides him with a unique perspective and combination of skills that are well suited to the ongoing development of Atlantic Canada’s evolving energy and transportation industries.
READ MOREJim Wooder
Principal
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
jameswooder@hotmail.com
Kim Long and Associates
Experienced Human Resources Professional with a demonstrated history of working in private and non-profit sectors. Skilled in Training, Program Development, Facilitation, and Management.
READ MOREktlong@EastLink.ca
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MacLeod Lorway
Since 1976, MacLeod Lorway has been serving the needs of individuals, families, and businesses across Nova Scotia. MacLeod Lorway came to life when C.R. Lorway and Son Limited and Stuart MacLeod Limited merged; they began acquiring other agencies shortly after. President Stuart MacLeod Jr. has been in a leadership role since the group’s early beginnings in 1976. The MacLeod Lorway philosophy has always revolved around providing individualized attention to each customer. As Stuart would say, “when you call one of our offices you will speak to a person, not an automated answering service”. Based on this philosophy, MacLeod Lorway has always been for people who appreciate insurance as more than simply coverage at a price. MacLeod Lorway is the insurance broker that includes personal care, understanding, and support with every policy. MacLeod Lorway has brokerages in nine Nova Scotian communities (Check our offices here). They also represent over 160 life insurance companies, allowing them to provide you with the best possible insurance rates.
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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
READ MOREAlex Paul
201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1
902-562-4700
info@mebons.ca
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Micro-Loan Program
Under the Micro-Loan Program, women+ entrepreneurs from across Unama’ki – Cape Breton will be eligible to apply for a loan of up to $10,000. The Micro-Loan Program is made possible by the partnership and participation of the Cape Breton Partnership, Sydney Credit Union, East Coast Credit Union, Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce, Centre for Women in Business, and Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development.
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Navigate
Navigate, located in the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, aims to foster and keep burgeoning companies in Cape Breton by providing space, support, and resources. Navigate provides: Subsidized office space for early-stage companies Common workspace available to all members The ability to tap into a worldwide network of experts in the fields of business and technology Event programming provided for tenants, members, and the community includes lunch and learns, workshops, hackathons, and start-up weekends
READ MOREMegan MacAulay
Project Director
37 Nepean Street, Suite 105, Sydney, NS, B1P 6A7
902-565-1102
megan@navigatestartup.ca
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Nova Scotia Community College- Marconi Campus
Located in Sydney, the Marconi Campus offers a range of programs and a friendly learning atmosphere. Students enjoy plenty of open space with comfy seating, quiet study areas, wireless access and computer labs. The campus business centre serves as an incubator for small businesses and provides opportunities for students to work part-time in their field of study, and build their portfolio. It also provides the resources to help them develop their own small business ideas. A new trades wing features shop space, classrooms, offices and a green design, meeting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
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CBDC General Business Loan
From small businesses to even larger ones, there are many times when a business may need a loan. Perhaps you need to procure new machinery or equipment? Maybe it’s time to upgrade your facilities or buildings. Or perhaps a loan is the only way for you to improve or expand your business to tap new market opportunities. Banks and other traditional lending institutions can often be unavailable to you. The most flexible business loan we offer, the CBDC General Business Loan was made just for these situations.
Loans up to $150,000* may be available to eligible applicants. All loans are repayable and offer competitive repayment terms and interest rates. Financing can include a demand or term loan, a loan guarantee, or equity investment.
Loans will be secured, and can be from one to ten years, giving you the chance to develop your business while being free from financial burden.
CBDC Innovation Loan
The loan is designed to encourage business productivity and effectiveness in the communities of rural Atlantic Canada. New technologies may include existing methods that have been adapted or repurposed for commercial applications. The loan could also be used for financing for new products or services and training, as well as financial support. CBDC offers up to $150,000 per qualified borrower. All loans are repayable and have competitive interest rates and repayment terms. Financial options include term loan and demand loans, loan guarantees or equity investments.
CBDC Innovation Loans may be used for a variety of things: the acquisition of equipment, software, processes or licenses, and other things that are clearly defined as “new” technology that will improve business operations. Expenses for infrastructure changes or installation, as well as maintenance due to implementation and utilization of new technology also qualify. We can also assist with costs for training employees in the application and use of the new technology.
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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.
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CBDC Youth Loan
Young entrepreneurs aged 18-34 know that getting a loan to start a new business can be challenging. Our Youth Loan program offers young entrepreneurs (18-34) access to the capital they need for business startup, expansion or modernization. It’s available as a repayable loan with competitive interest rates and repayment terms.
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CBDC- Entrepreneurial Training Fund (ETF)
CBDC offers individualized training opportunities to existing clients as well as group training to clients and other small business owners. Eligible training and counselling activities may include:
Training courses offered via the Internet or correspondence
University courses (excluding full-time studies)
Training seminars offered by business support or business development organizations or associations
Hiring a qualified consultant to provide business skills training that result in the transfer of knowledge or skills from the consultant to the client
Business skills training and counselling designed to enhance the client’s overall knowledge in business related skills
Costs associated with providing business skills training to potential entrepreneurs and/or existing entrepreneurs
CBDC-Self-Employment Benefits Program
The Self Employment Benefits (SEB) Program is designed to help participants to continue to receive their Employment Insurance Benefits while going through the process of launching a new business. SEA provides assistance in the form of coaching, on-going technical advice and financial support for a maximum of 52 weeks. If you are receiving or are eligible for Employment Insurance Benefits (EI), you can continue to receive these benefits for up to one year.
Services provided with the SEA program include:
Business plan guidance
Business training
Business counselling
CBRM Heritage Property Program
The CBRM is responsible for the Heritage Property Bylaw and for promotion of heritage conservation in our communities. CBRM Planning Department staff work closely with the Heritage Advisory Committee, a committee of Council that includes both elected Council members as well as citizens who are appointed by Council to serve on the Committee. The Objective of the Program is to encourage owners of registered municipal heritage properties to upgrade their properties in a manner that is consistent with the heritage value of the property as stated in the statement of significance for the property and the associated character defining elements. The incentive shall be 50% of the cost of the repairs or renovations up to a maximum of $12,000 per property. In the case of roof replacement and/or repair, the maximum grant shall be 30% of the cost up to a maximum of $6,000. In exceptional circumstances, the Committee may award a higher percentage of cost-sharing, as outlined in 4(c)
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CBRM Tax Incentive for Downtowns and Business Parks
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) has a commercial tax incentive to promote downtown revitalization and business park development. The following development or renovations to commercial property are available: Tax assessment increases of $100,000 or more are eligible for up to ten years of tax reductions Tax assessment increases of less than $100,000 are eligible for up to five years of tax reductions Total tax reduction of up to 50% over the phase-in period are possible
READ MORETyler Matthais
President & CEO
285 Alexandra Street
902-562-0122
Tyler@capebretonpartnership.com
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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.
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CIBC Succession Planning
When considering business transition, a plan is key in ensuring you get a good price for your business, finding a good buyer (if selling), and completing a smooth transition to the new owner. A business transition plan has many benefits, regardless of the size of your business and what stage of the business cycle it’s in. An effective succession plan will help you: Arrange for the tax-effective transfer of your company’s ownership and management Maximize the value of your business before transition Structure a retirement income that meets your needs and maximize your financial security Protect against unforeseen events, including death and disability Accomplish the smooth transfer of your business
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