The following companies/organizations are Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership and offer services specific to business development.

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency. Their job is to support and develop Canada’s export trade by helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. They’re a self-financing, Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from the Government. They provide insurance and financial services, bonding products and small business solutions to Canadian exporters and investors and their international buyers. They also support Canadian direct investment abroad and investment into Canada. In 2016, they helped more than 7,150 Canadian companies do business in over 200 countries. The majority of these companies were small business, and more than 30 per cent of this business was conducted in fast-growing emerging markets. Using their financial products and services, their customers’ export sales and investments totaled almost $99 billion. They estimate that this helped generate $63.9 billion of Canada’s GDP, contributed more than 4 cents for every dollar earned and helped sustain 525,400 jobs.

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1605-1969 Upper Water St. Tower 2 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 3R7

(902) 450-7610

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Grant Thronton

Grant Thornton—a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm – and the largest accounting firm in Atlantic Canada – providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations.  To complement our technical knowledge and expertise, we have professionals who are dedicated to developing in-depth industry knowledge. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, we have approximately 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd (Grant Thornton International). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms independently.

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Suite 200 - 500 George St Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 4K6

(902) 562-558

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Group ATN Consulting

Group ATN Consulting is a diversified consultancy serving the public and private Sectors, First Nations and Aboriginal Interests and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). Their mission is to support and optimize value to our clients. Their philosophy springs from key commitments to quality, thought leadership, focused customer service, innovative solutions, and absolute accountability. Group ATN Consulting provides services including feasibility assessments, business development strategies, government relations services, policy development and analysis, economic analysis, and more. Their team also works hard to remain current on leading issues and trends by exposing their consultants to a network of thought leaders, tracking and analyzing economic and social trends, subscribing to social media, maintaining an advisory group of seasoned leaders, and actively participating in forums and events that provide opportunities for learning and the collision of ideas.

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5663 Cornwallis Street, Suite 100 Halifax Nova Scotia B3K 1B6

(902) 482-1221

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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.

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61 Castle Drive Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 2A5

(902) 578-9081


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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Patrica MacNeil

Executive Director

(902) 539-4332

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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.

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Wanda MacLean

Regional Business Development Advisor

902-227-7144

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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.

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Jim Wooder

Principal

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia


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.

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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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215 Charlotte Street Sydney, NS B1P 6K3

902-539-6666

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Maritime Environmental Training Institute

Maritime Environmental Training Institute (METI) is a private career college, providing occupational, environmental health and safety training through their accredited and industry-approved full-time programs, safety courses, safety services, and in-demand online training. METI’s training is geared to provide students with the knowledge, skills and certification needed to meet the requirements of a person employed in a variety of industries. METI is centrally located in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Cape Breton) and occupies 18,000 square feet along with a modern training yard, measuring 2.5 acres, making it an ideal setting for your safety training, safety courses, safety certification and safety services.

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301 Alexandra Street Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 2E8

(902) 539-9766

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CRA-Changing Your Business Status

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

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CRA-Payroll Deduction Calculator

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

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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.

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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.

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Ulrike Bahr-Gedalia

902 -809-5332

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EDC Financing

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

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Dan Dooks

902.403.1646

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EDC Research

Export development Canada offers a variety of information that can assist companies in preparing for export. The type of information EDC can provide is Market Information Webinars Articles Trade Insights Export Hub Help

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Dan Dooks

902-403-1646

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EDC-NEDC Insurance Programs

EDC’s credit insurance protects Canadian exporters against the risk of non-payment caused by an array of events including customer bankruptcy or non-payment, contract cancellation, issues with currency conversion or transfer, and more. With credit insurance protection, your bank will typically lend against your insured invoices for 90% of their value, significantly increasing your access to cash.

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Dan Dooks

902.403.1646

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Efficiency Nova Scotia

We help all types of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large industrial manufacturers and everything in between. Here’s how we can help small businesses: We provide rebates that cover up to 60% of the total project cost for energy efficiency upgrades, a free energy assessment for businesses who qualify and 24-months interest free financing on your Nova Scotia Power bill. Until December 31, 2021, incentives have increased to cover up to 80% of the total project cost on select lighting and all commercial heating measures. Starting June 29, incentives for energy efficiency upgrades will be available for non-electrically heated small businesses and not-for-profits. Incentives will be available for select products in the following categories: Heating Kitchen Equipment Water Heating Laundry Equipment Agriculture Technologies Solar Our Business Energy Rebates Program offers instant and mail-in rebates for qualifying energy efficient products, too. For more information on programs for small businesses, contact Spencer Leblanc our Business Development Manager dedicated to helping small businesses save. Contact information can be found below. If you’re constructing a new building, planning an expansion, or undertaking major renovations, larger businesses can benefit from rebates on high quality, efficient equipment and programs that identify energy savings to reduce their maintenance costs and equipment run times. For more information on our programs please visit our website.

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Spencer LeBlanc

Business Development Manager

902-414-9065

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Employment and Social Development Canada – Canada Summer Jobs Fund

Do you plan to hire students to help out at your small business next summer? This wage subsidy could help you pay up to 50% of the salary to an eligible full-time student. To qualify:   Students must be between 15 and 30 years old You should have no more than 50 full-time employees You need to meet the priorities set by your region   The value of the subsidy is based on the minimum wage in your region. Not-for-profit organizations are eligible for 100% of the student’s salary.

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Employment and Social Development Canada – Career Focus

You could get financial assistance if you can offer career-related work experience to young people between the ages of 15 and 30. To qualify, your business or non-profit organization needs to:   Hire 8 or more recruits (exceptions for rural or remote regions) Offer between 6 and 12 months of work that improves the skills of recruits Provide coaching or mentoring Base the project in Canada   Priority is given to work experience in growth sectors.

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