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

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Cape Breton

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, they are building a stronger economy.

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70 Crescent Street, Canada, Nova Scotia, Sydney, B1P 6T7

(902) 564-3600

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Business Development Bank of Canada

A financial institution owned by the Government of Canada, BDC supports more than 42,000 small and medium-sized enterprises across the country, complementing services available from private-sector financial institutions. BDC offers business loans and advisory services to help Canadian businesses grow, both at home and abroad. Through their subsidiary- BDC Capital, they also offer a full spectrum of specialized financing, including venture capital, equity as well as growth and business transition capital.

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Johnathan MacNeil

Senior Account Manager

275 Charlotte Street, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C6

(902) 564-7706

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Cape Breton Capital Group

The purpose of the Cape Breton Capital Group (CBCG) is to bring together a group of experienced Cape Breton entrepreneurs and investors to seek out investment opportunities that will help established businesses maintain local ownership and seed new companies based on Cape Breton Island.

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Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design (the Centre), a non-profit charitable organization, is an integral and leading force in the educational, promotional and economic development of the craft sector on Cape Breton Island with a membership of over 300 individuals and organizations throughout Cape Breton Island, the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw people of Unama’ki. The mandate of Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design is to promote excellence in the field of craft and design through education and training, exhibitions and special events. We are committed to developing programs that preserve, elevate, expand, and enhance the creation of craft.

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Stephanie Dupuis

Craft Business Development Coordinator

322 Charlotte Street Sydney, Nova Scotia

902-539-7491

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Cape Breton Centre For Craft and Design – Brand Development

Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design (CBCCD) may provide financial assistance to Cape Breton craft producers who wish to develop branding or further develop existing branding to meet current market demands. The level of non-repayable assistance will be up to 75% of costs to a maximum of $2000.    The eligible costs include direct costs associated with the development of branding such as brand development and the design of new labeling for a product.

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Stephanie Dupuis

322 Charlotte Street, Sydney

902-539-7491 (ext 115)

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Cape Breton Partnership – Business Services

The Cape Breton Partnership provides support, counselling and guidance to businesses at every stage.

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Shannon MacNeil

(902) 562-0122

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CBDC – Coastal Business

Established in 1985, Coastal Business CBDC’s principal goals continue to be the provision of quality financial and advisory assistance to new and expanding business within our community.  To achieve these goals Coastal Business provides access to capital for qualifying small and medium size enterprises.  In addition it provides advisory assistance, training and general counseling to better ensure the success of the assisted businesses. Financial assistance is available in the form of loans, loan guarantees and equity financing to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Business counselling, help & advice is available to small businesses. We help businesses to succeed and therefore we give high priority to the advisory role of our mandate. Entrepreneurship development and training to individuals and small business owners/managers is available in many of our offices. Technical assistance usually takes the form of guidance and coaching, and sometimes advocating on behalf of our clients to other lending establishments or regulatory agencies.

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Patricia MacNeil

Executive Director

292 Charlotte Street Suite 100 Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 1C7

(902) 539-4332

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East Coast Credit Union

At East Coast Credit Union, members are customers and owners. It’s a better relationship that ensures your needs come first. East Coast Credit Union members take control of their own financial future. As an owner with East Coast, members have access to all of our products and services. Chequing/savings accounts, loans, mortgages, MasterCard® & Choice Rewards products, RRSPs, RESPs, GICs, retirement planning and so much more. Members have access to accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through ATM & Internet banking or for those who prefer a little face-to-face you can stop by the branch during regular business hours.

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Corporate Office 257 Main Street Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2C1

1 (902) 747-3142

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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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FCC Starter Loan

Set yourself up for success and rise to your challenge with the FCC Starter Loan. Build your credit history and gain independence with your own loan to purchase livestock, equipment or shares in a company. This program features:   Designed for 18 to 25-year-olds Special rates available No loan processing fees

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC Women Entrepreneur Program

FCC is committed to empowering women in agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food. Through the Women Entrepreneur Program, FCC has dedicated $500 million over the next three years in lending, enhancing events and creating resources specifically for women entrepreneurs to start or grow their business. Assistance includes access to financing, value-added offerings for skill set enhancement and connections to people and organizations across the industry.

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1-888-332-3301

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FCC Young Farmers Loan

If you’re a qualified producer under 40, the Young Farmer Loan can help you take the next step in your agriculture career. This program features:   Purchase ag-related assets up to $1,000,000 Closed variable rates at prime plus 0.5% No loan processing fees Special fixed rates available

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1-888-332-3301

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Financing

Futurpreneur Canada supports young entrepreneurs with up to $45,000 in financing, an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.

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Fisheries and Aquaculture Company Loan Programs

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board assists fishers with financial resources. The board currently holds loans for more $110 million to support the fisheries and aquaculturists. The Board provides loans with a competitive interest rate. Loan amortization schedules for borrowers vary based on the project, ranging from 1-20 years. Companies can apply to the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for a number of purchases, including: New vessels Used vessels License Engine equipment modifications Bait freezer Extras Adam Mugridge Cape Breton East – Cape Breton/Victoria Counties 902-563-3435 Adam.mugridge@novascotia.ca

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Nicole Sampson

Cape Breton West – Inverness/Richmond

902-631-1476

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Futurpreneur Canada Newcomer Financing Program

If you’re new to Canada and don’t have a credit history, Futurpreneur Canada wants to help you launch your business. We provide tailored support and eligibility criteria to reflect your new status in Canada. Using character-based lending, our program for newcomers provides greater flexibility than most banks. But we can’t do it alone. We’re able to finance up to $7,500 per business. If you need more money, BDC may provide up to another $7,500. Eligibility requirements apply.

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GAC – Going Global Innovation

The Going Global Innovation (GGI) program is specifically designed to promote and enhance Canada’s international innovation efforts. The program supports innovators who aim to commercialize technology by pursuing collaborative international research and development (R&D) opportunities through partnerships with key players in foreign markets. Eligible beneficiaries are innovators from Canadian small or medium size enterprises, academic Institutions and nongovernment research centres. GGI provides assistance by funding up to 75% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $75,000 for any approved project. Eligible expenses may include: international and local travel, accommodation, meals, meeting costs, legal fees to support the formalization of partnership agreements, and other costs related to pursuing international collaboration.

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Christine Smith

902-426-6660

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Global Affairs Canada – Business Women in International Trade

The Business Women in International Trade (BWIT) program of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps open doors and opportunities for Canadian women-owned businesses to successfully expand into global markets. BWIT works with Canadian businesses that are at least 51% owned, as well as managed and controlled by one or more women. It can connect you with export advice and support by introducing you to trade commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide and offers: Women-focused trade missions Funding and financing Exporting advice and support International contacts and opportunities

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Global Affairs Canada – CanExport

CanExport SMEs provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in Canada to help them develop export opportunities for their product or service in new international markets. The program is delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) of Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP).

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Christine Smith

902-426-6660

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Global Affairs Canada – Trade Missions

Canada Trade Missions provide access to resources from Canada’s export agencies, and present unique opportunities and benefits to participants. During the trade missions companies will participate in: Business to business meetings Business briefings Market and sector presentations/discussions Site visits (when possible) Networking events Face-time with the minister or senior government officials

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Christine Smith

902-426-6660

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