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

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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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

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Alex Paul

201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1

902-562-4700

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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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902-562-0122

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Learnsphere – Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring

The Commercialization Consulting and Mentoring (CCM) Program provides funds to assist Atlantic Canadian businesses and institutions in the final stages of commercialization. Businesses or institutions may use the funds to hire consultants or mentors to help them get a new and innovative product, technology or process to market. CCM funds can also be used to cover the cost of group learning activities for businesses on the verge of commercialization.

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Laura Maynard

Manager

902.329-4268

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Learnsphere – E-tools for Exporting

LearnSphere’s E-tools for Exporting (E for E) provides financial assistance to help you develop and integrate electronic tools that can help you do business more effectively and get your products and services to international markets more efficiently. If you’ve been working on a recent marketing or business strategy that includes updating or improving your potential to export outside of Canada, you may be eligible for financial assistance. This program can help to hire a consultant or agency for activities such as:

Website development, re-design or rebranding
Responsive web design conversion (ensuring mobile-friendly design)
Integration of e-commerce functionality
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Paid advertising (PayPerClick, Google Adwords, etc.)
Social media strategy or integration
Videos, online catalogues and other online customized tools
Translation of website
Creation/design of language toggle
Training on any of the above

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Lauren Caines

902.802.4740

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Learnsphere – Export Market Access Program

LearnSphere’s Export Market Access Program (EMAP) provides financial assistance to help you market yourself more effectively, increase your exports and grow your business. If you’re working to enhance the way you market and sell your exports outside of Canada, you may be eligible for financial assistance through EMAP to help hire a consultant, mentor or agency for activities such as:

Market research or strategy development
Export plan development
Mentoring / coaching to improve export market research and planning
Lead generation
Sales
Development of promotional materials (brochures, catalogues, trade booth designs, etc.)

The maximum EMAP contribution is 65% of project costs, up to a maximum of $15,000 per year. Total project costs must be more than $5,000 to apply.

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Lauren Caines

902.802.4740

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LSI – Innovate to Opportunity Hiring Incentive

Apply for a wage subsidy to help cover part of the cost of hiring a full-time recent Masters or PhD graduate for 3 years to work on export growth innovations for your business. Eligible work includes:   Applied research Product and/or service development Process development or improvement Market analysis for a new product or activity Technical feasibility studies and pilots for market launches Improvement of product quality, customer services, business efficiencies   This program is available to small and medium-sized businesses with up to 500 full-time employees operating in Nova Scotia. To be eligible for the program, employers must create a new full-time position that:   is based in Nova Scotia is focused on innovation pays at least $60,000 a year   The new hire must have successfully completed a master’s or PhD program at a recognized university within a year of the date the employer’s application is received.

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902-424-6000

1-877-404-7074

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LSI – Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive

WIPSI supplements employer contributions to train full-time staff (permanently located in Nova Scotia) to: Improve productivity and profitability Increase innovation Adapt to new technology, machinery and equipment, or work processes Increase inter-provincial and international competitiveness Foster workplace diversity If you are a small business in Nova Scotia with less than 50 employees, you may be eligible for up to 100% of your training costs to be covered up to $10,000. For larger businesses, WIPSI provides up to 50% of direct training costs. WIPSI may also cover other expenses such as travel, books for participants and accommodation costs for persons with disabilities.

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Maritime Centre 1505 Barrington Street., 4N P.O. Box 697 Halifax Nova Scotia B3J 2T8

1-844-850-2030

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LSI – Graduate to Opportunity Program

If you hire a recent post-graduate student for at least 2 years, and for a minimum pay of $35,000, you could receive a contribution covering up to 25% of their first year salary (35% for members of a designated diversity group), and 12.5% in the second year. The program is open to:   Businesses with less than 100 full-time employees Businesses incorporated in the last 2 years Social enterprises, not-for-profits, and registered charities with recognized standing

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902 424-6000

1-800-424-5418

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Mentoring

Gain valuable business advice, learn from the experience of a seasoned professional, enhance your business network and gain confidence from having someone in your corner.

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Mitacs Accelerate Program

Learn how your business could receive specialized expertise by recruiting a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow to research your technology project for 4 or more months.   Why apply? Expand your R&D program for an investment of $7,500 Recruit highly-skilled future employees Drive your own research projects Start an internship at any time

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Anne Spence

902-523-2826

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National Research Council Canada – Youth Employment Programs

You could receive a financial contribution towards the salary of a post-secondary graduate to help you research, develop and commercialize new technologies, or to hire a youth to work on a green project. To be eligible, your business needs to:   Be incorporated and for-profit Share a portion of the salary costs Have 500 or fewer full-time employees Be ready to enhance its innovation capacity   The duration of the internship must be between 6 and 12 months for graduates and between 3 to 6 months for Youth-Green candidates. Candidates must be between the ages of 15 and 30.

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Steven Manley

902-270-3549

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New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation

The New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation is a 35,000 square foot converted high school in Sydney’s historic Northend. Blocks from downtown, the Centre offers work and meeting space for small businesses, not-for-profits and government departments/agencies. The Centre is adjacent to The Convent – a 36,000 square foot arts centre opening in late 2019/early 2020. Both buildings benefit from ample parking on site and are situated on 2.5 acres of green space. The Centre and the Convent are vibrant, mixed-use spaces that offer small (150-400 square foot) and larger (750-850 square foot) working/office spaces that are bright and spacious. The Centre is three stories with a large Maker Space on the main level.

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Keith Nicholson

Manager, New Dawn Properties

902-539-9560

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