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 MORECBBC Career College
The College offers 11 programs at 2 facilities, employs approximately 35 staff and faculty members, and educates over 350 students annually. They have continued the legacy of CBBC’s founders by offering leading-edge curriculum that prepares students to be successful in an ever-changing job market. CBBC has grown to become one of Nova Scotia’s leaders in post-secondary education.
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 Distance Education
Our diploma programs are career focused and nationally recognized by employers across the country. If you feel stuck trying to balance your family, work and other responsibilities, or classroom learning simply doesn’t work for you – you’ve come to the right place. Some of the many benefits of attending CD-ED are: Classes start weekly – You don’t need to wait for traditional class start dates – we make it easy for you to integrate education to fit into your life. CD-ED works with your busy schedule by offering frequent and flexible start dates. No more waiting around to start your career, begin classes right away. High satisfaction ratings – Be confident when signing up for CD-ED knowing that it offers excellent career-training education. Reputation matters and word of mouth speaks the loudest. Read reviews from our satisfied graduates here. Accessible learning environment – Each student can find something to suit their learning needs because CD-ED offers various learning management systems designed for different learning styles. At CD-ED no one is left behind. 20 years of online training – You can rest assured knowing that CD-ED’s online training experts have over 20 years of experience and thousands of graduate successes who, just like you, needed convenience without affecting quality in their education. Come to CD-ED to join a rich and supportive community. We’ll give you the boost you need to get your career started today.
READ MORECentre for Distance Education Heritage Professional Centre, 222 George St., Suite C Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1J3
1(866)-446-5898
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 MORECentre 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 MORECIBC 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
READ MORECo-operatives Information Guide
Canadian co-operatives operate in a variety of economic sectors such as agriculture, food, social services, retail and wholesale, fishing, energy, recreational services, and financial (including insurance). This information is meant to help entrepreneurs navigate the world of co-operatives. For general information on business start-up, consult the website sections on starting and planning.
READ MORECommon Good Solutions
Common Good Solutions (CGS) is part consultancy, part educator, part social impact incubator, offering a full range of social enterprise consulting, training and coaching services that support entrepreneurs and organizations from launch to growth, and beyond. Nova Scotia’s first Community Interest Company, CGS devotes 60% of all profits toward its social mission: growing the social enterprise sector in Nova Scotia. CGS and SENNS deliver the impact incubator, support entrepreneurs and organizations in starting or growing a social enterprise.
READ MOREMaria Wamboldt
902-407-0822
maria.wamboldt@commongoodsolutions.ca
Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF)
A CEDIF is a pool of capital raised through the sale of shares that is invested in new or existing local businesses. A CEDIF develops within the community. Any individual or group can form a working group to investigate the possibility of starting a CEDIF in their community. As an investor, benefits to buying shares in CEDIFs include: 35% non-refundable provincial income tax credit on your investment Investments are RRSP eligible The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council offers a turnkey CEDIF development package aimed at simplifying the process for your group to start a CEDIF offering.
READ MOREConsultant 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).
READ MORECRA-Changing Your Business Status
Find out what you should do when you make changes to the structure, status or ownership of your business.
READ MORECRA-Payroll Deduction Calculator
Calculate deductions and contributions on employee pay, open a payroll account to send deductions, report income deductions.
READ MOREDigital 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.
READ MOREDAPSB@digitalnovascotia.com
Visit website