Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF)

A CEDIF is a pool of capital raised through the sale of shares that is invested in new or existing local businesses. A CEDIF develops within the community. Any individual or group can form a working group to investigate the possibility of starting a CEDIF in their community. As an investor, benefits to buying shares in CEDIFs include: 35% non-refundable provincial income tax credit on your investment Investments are RRSP eligible The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council offers a turnkey CEDIF development package aimed at simplifying the process for your group to start a CEDIF offering.

Consultant Advisory Services (CAS)

The Consultant Advisory Services program gives CBDCs the ability to offer Consultant Advisory Services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations. New and existing clients of CBDCs and ACOA will be able to access technical and financial assistance by engaging consultants to assist them with various issues, opportunities and challenges.

Eligible CAS activities include:

Diagnostic Assessment
Business Management Development Practices
Access to Capital
Market Readiness/Export Potential
Specific Studies/Business Plan Mentoring
Aftercare/Mentoring and Follow-up

Continuing Education Program

As the owner of a licensed childcare facility or day care centre, you could get $13 an hour towards the salary of a substitute so that you or your employees can take approved courses in Early Childhood. You need to ensure that the employees have worked for you for a minimum of 6 months. Since the program also reimburses your employees for course costs, this can be a practical way for everyone at your facility to benefit from skills upgrades.

Customs House Artisan Incubator

The Customs House is a craft incubator in Port Hawkesbury. Are you a textile, clay or jewellery artist? As our artists in residence, you’ll have access to: Fully equipped studios Subsidized studio rent Craft business development support Technical mentorship Opportunities to take your craft to market

Department of Energy – Energy Training Program

The Energy Training Program helps postsecondary students and recent graduates get work experience in the energy sector with a hiring incentive for local businesses. Employers receive up to 50% (up to $7.50 an hour) of the student or graduate’s wages for a 12 to 17-week work term. This program is available to businesses with up to 500 employees operating in Nova Scotia. Businesses must have a direct connection to the energy sector. Employers must provide work experience that’s directly related to the student’s field of study. Work term positions must pay at least the legal minimum wage, plus 4% vacation pay. Larger local companies may be considered for the program if funding levels allow.

Digital Animation Tax Credit

Nova Scotia’s animation industry has grown exponentially in recent years. One contributor is the industry-leading animation tax credit, which create significant cost savings for animation companies and studios. The Digital Animation Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for costs directly related to the development of digital animation in Nova Scotia. This tax credit provides an incentive of up to 60% on labour associated with the project, including a labour bonus of 17.5% on animation-specific activities. Learn more about the Digital Animation

Digital Media Tax Credit

Nova Scotia offers a digital media tax credit that rivals all others in Canada – making this the ideal place for video game development and interactive media. Qualifying companies can claim the lesser of 50% of the qualifying expenditures or 25% of total expenditures. Qualifying expenditures could include: 100% of eligible salaries in Nova Scotia, 65% of third-party labour remuneration and up to $100,000 in marketing and distribution expenditures.

ECO Canada – Environmental Youth Corps Internship Program

If your business is in the science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields, you may be eligible to hire a young professional for a full-time environmental position. As the leading provider of employment programs that contribute to the development of the environmental workforce for the past 20 years, we are the source for employers and candidates to receive wage funding support. Our program gives eligible employers who work in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or Natural Resources up to 50% of a candidate’s salary for new full-time environmental jobs. Employers may use this program to fund multiple new positions. Funding will be pro-rated dependent upon start date. The program offers:   A wage subsidy up to $15,000 Pre-approved, skilled graduates

EDC Financing

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

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.