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.

WIL Digital Wage Subsidies

ICTC’s WIL Digital is an innovative Work Integrated Learning program that helps employers grow their businesses by providing wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students.

Work Smarts — Wage subsidy program

As an employer in Atlantic Canada, you can apply to receive funding in the form of a wage subsidy if you hire a recent post-secondary graduate. The funds help cover up to 50% of the employee’s wages. To qualify, you must provide:   A $8.5/hr salary top-up (making the minimum salary $17/hr) Up to 26 weeks of employment Relevant work experience Time for the graduate to attend certain training

Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia – Employment Incentives Program

Take advantage of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s cost-saving incentives by hiring a previously injured worker. The program offers:   Workplace modifications, such as ergonomic chairs and wheelchair ramps Technological enhancements, such as large-screen monitors and computer software Injury cost protection to help protect your Workers’ Compensation Board assessment rate Wage assistance in the form of a forgivable loan if you are likely to hire the employee full-time after the program ends

Workplace Education Initiative

Get help to plan education programs for your teams, secure funding to hire instructors and support while the training is taking place.