Sydney Makerspace

The Sydney Makerspace gives Cape Breton start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and other creative minds the place, equipment, materials and education to let them design and build innovative products. The 4,000 sq.ft. space in Sydney includes a general work area, a tool library, a metal working shop, a selection of woodworking tools, an electronics/robotics lab, as well as 3D drawing and printing abilities. Discounted memberships are available to students, educators, Veterans, seniors and partner groups (Centre for Craft and Design, Island Sandbox, Navigate, New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation and Mentor Connect)

Tax Deductions TD1

TD1, Personal Tax Credits Return, is a form used to determine the amount of tax to be deducted from an individual’s employment income or other income, such as pension income. There are federal and provincial/territorial TD1 forms. Individuals complete the forms and give them to their employer or payer who should keep the completed forms with their records.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

If your business is facing a labour shortage, or you are unable to find the talent your business needs, why not look outside of Canada? The following programs can help you hire the right match for your business.

The Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

The Canada-European Union (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a progressive trade agreement that upholds and promotes the values that Canada shares with the EU. This landmark agreement was signed on October 30, 2016 and entered into force on September 21, 2017.

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Once fully implemented, the 11 countries will form a trading bloc representing 495 million consumers and 13.5% of global GDP, providing Canada with preferential access to key markets in Asia and Latin America. On December 30, 2018 the CPTPP entered into force among the first six countries to ratify the agreement – Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Singapore. On January 14, 2019, the CPTPP entered into force for Vietnam.

The Nova Scotia Securities Commission

The Nova Scotia Securities Commission was established to provide investors with protection from activities that undermine investor confidence in the fairness and efficiency of Nova Scotia capital markets and where not inconsistent with investor protection, to foster capital formation. Learn about Start-up Crowdfunding Exemptions, Community Economic Development Investment Funds, Corporate Finance, and more!

Trade Commissioner Service Webinars

Do you want to find out more about starting, growing or managing your business? Events such as webinars, Twitter chats, tradeshows and networking events may help you learn more on a variety of topics. Find out how these webinars can help you break into foreign markets.

Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Financing Program

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program is administered by Ulnooweg and offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Eligible applicants are individuals of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve), living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces. Aboriginal business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations are also eligible for contributions. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are:

Business planning
Establishment and operating costs
Business acquisitions and expansions
Local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives
New product or process development
Adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness
Financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services

Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Loan

If you are a status or non-status Aboriginal living in Atlantic Canada, you could get funding to start, buy, grow or refinance a business. The types of loans offered include: Youth Loans General Loans Micro Loans

Venture for Canada

If you run a business in Atlantic Canada and employ no more than 500 people, you could gain access to paid internships of up to $7,000 per intern. As the employer, you must provide:   A standard placement, 5 days a week, 7.5 hours a day, for 14-16 weeks A project focused on innovation   The program provides recruitment, training and support for each of your interns throughout the length of their placement.