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

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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Sydney Credit Union

We are a financial cooperative committed to providing programs and services which enhance the economic and social well being of our members and our community. As a Sydney Credit Union member, you have access to a complete and competitive line of financial products and services – and the convenience of our three full service branches, one in Sydney, one in Sydney River and now one in Whitney Pier. We offer personal and commercial loans, mortgages, chequing and savings accounts, MasterCard® products including CHOICE REWARDS®, RRSPs, RRIFs, RESPs, GICs, Internet and telephone banking, and several money savings package plans, suited to meet your financial needs.

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95 Townsend St. Sydney, NS B1P 6K3

(902) 562-5593

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Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS)

TIANS prides themselves as the champion of advocacy for tourism issues in Nova Scotia. By listening to their members, TIANS is fiercely working on their behalf with a passion for the tourism industry, sincere compassion for their well-being and the desire to advance change. In working with their partner associations and stakeholders, they ensure that they are involved in the development of the tourism industry at the regional, provincial, and national levels.

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2089 Maitland Street Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 2Z8

902-423-4480

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Aquaculture Loans – Farmed Shellfish

Licenced Nova Scotia shellfish producers may be eligible for assistance when purchasing farm assets to develop or expand a commercial shellfish farm. An aquaculturist applying for support must be a Canadian citizen and Nova Scotia resident or a registered Nova Scotia company in good standing, be the age of majority at the time of application – at least 19 years old and show evidence of competency in shellfish farming. Financing is available for: Purchase of existing aquaculture operations Collection materials, grow-out equipment and materials, rafts, buoys, flotation devices, anchors, nets, cages for grow-out, small boats, outboard motors and onboard gear handling devices Shellfish seed/spat

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902-896-4800

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BDC – Business Financing

BDC’s mission is to help create and develop strong businesses through financing, consulting services and securitization, with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. Through their subsidiary, BDC Capital, it also offers a full spectrum of specialized – financing, including venture capital, equity, as well as growth and business transition capital. Term loans may be used for the following: Start or buy a business Buy, build or renovate your facilities Buy equipment Research and develop new products Develop new markets for your products Acquire information and communications technology Sell your business

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC – Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

This loan offers up to $250,000 to start or grow your business, whether you operate on or off Reserve. Flexible repayment terms, a loan that gives back to charity and limited personal risk are features of this loan. Use the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan to: Acquire fixed assets Finance franchise fees Cover start-up costs Start exporting Replenish working capital

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC – New Canadian Entrepreneur Loan

Access up to $50,000 in financing for Newcomer Entrepreneurs.

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC – Women in Technology Venture Fund

The BDC Capital Women in Technology (WIT) Fund is one of the world’s largest venture capital funds dedicated to investing in women-led technology companies. Women are under-represented and under-funded in technology and investment companies. BDC wants to change that. We will invest $200 million over the next five years to help bridge this gap.

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Jonathan MacNeil

1-888-463-6232

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BDC- Small Business Loan Online

BDC as of late has seen a lot of success supporting entrepreneurs through our online financing solution up to 100k. If you are a business who need access working capital lending to help better manage your cash flow, we have a really quick and easy to apply solution that can be done online: BDC online Loan Features: Financing up to $100,000 (total) Secured with a personal guarantee Amortized over 5 years plus an upfront 6-month postponement of principal payment No application fee Funds are disbursed immediately, no proof of expenditures required Everything is done electronically Loan can be fully repaid with no penalty Special limited time interest rates Eligibility: Must be in business producing revenue for at least 24 months Good credit history

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Adam Bateman

Account Manager

275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6

(902) 403-3912

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Black Business Initiative Financial Programs

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) promotes and assists in the development of Nova Scotia Black-owned businesses providing business development assistance. BBI provides financial assistance in the form of loans up to $25,000 and facilitates access to other financing. BBI also provides business training programs and opportunities.   Ownership must be 33% black and must be a registered proprietorship, partnerships or limited company. Participants must have a viable business plan, with two year cash flow projections, the ability to repay the loan and a suitable management strategy is required. Types of loans provided include Capital Equipment Acquisition, Working Capital, or Short-term receivable financing.

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Roger Smith

BBI Northern Region

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Build Ventures

Build Ventures is a venture capital company that provides early stage capital to emerging, game-changing Atlantic Canadian technology companies.

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Business Advisory Services Program – Agriculture

The Business Advisory Services Program aims to enhance Nova Scotia farms and agri-businesses ability to be more competitive, manage transition, develop risk management strategies and respond to change. The business advisory services offered under this program will enable the agriculture sector to be proactive in business development decisions.

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Gary Koziel

902-563-2000

902-565-8132

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Business Benefits Finder

The Benefits Finder is a tool that can help you find Benefits and Services that you may be eligible to receive. It asks a few questions and uses your answers to search. It does not collect or track your information. The more questions you answer, the more customized and accurate your results will be.

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