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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Telefilm Canada – Export Assistance Program

Canadian feature films with a budget of less than or equal to $2.5M that received production assistance from Telefilm Canada and that are now market-ready are eligible. Financial support to cover costs relating to the promotional campaign for the theatrical release of the qualified productions (e.g., creation of a new trailer, advertising and marketing costs, airfare, subtitling, etc). The combined maximum assistance per eligible project is $90,000. Note: Program open until funds have been exhausted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

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Farran Baird

647-475-4861

1-800-463-4607

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Telefilm Canada – Participation in International Festivals and Events Program

This program seeks to support the marketing of Canadian feature length and short films that have a potential for success. Supports the international promotion and marketing strategy for Canadian productions officially selected to be presented during a recognized international festival. Nature of the assistance – non-reimbursable contribution that can reach 100% of eligible costs, up to a cumulative maximum of $40,000 per eligible production.

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Risa Veffer

647-475-4899

1-800-567-0890

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The Harold Greenburg / Bell Media Fund

The Harold Greenberg Fund is a national funding organization that supports the development of Canadian dramatic feature films. Since 1986, they have invested over $85 million in the Canadian film and television industry. The English-Language Program is supported by Bell Media and The Movie Network. The Fund helps support the development of narrative theatrical feature films at various stages including: Story Optioning; Feature Script Development; and Shorts-to-Features Program.

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Alan Bacchus

416-384-3446

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TIANS- Tourism Seasonality and Labour Project

The Cape Breton Partnership can connect you to Valuable training opportunities and human resources tools provided by the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) and Nova Scotia Tourism Human Resource Council (NSTHRC), with support from the Nova Scotia Department of Labour & Advanced Education (LAE).   Regularly $25 to approximately $100 per module, these products are available for free for Cape Breton Businesses.   Full Details on the Cape Breton Partnership Website.   Available Items: E-Merit.ca Modules:  the most comprehensive industry-developed training available anywhere in the world.  Topics such as Food & Beverage, Sales, Housekeeping, Event Management, and more! Occupational Skills Training Workshops available such as Nova Scotia Best, Stress Management, Tourism Workplace Essentials, Serve Right Server/Manager, Superhost, & more! Employability Skills Training in topics such as Food Safety, WHMIS, Service Excellence, Serve Right, Workplace Essentials and a new Clean It Right program. eMerit National Occupational Certification e=Cornell Executive Program Courses Human Resource Toolkit with guides, templates, tools, and tips for developing internal policies, recruitment plans, and optimizing resource allocations. Comes with 24 customizable templates.

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Tyler Mattheis

Economice Development Officer- Cape Breton Partnership

902-202-7306

902-562-0122

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Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Financing Program

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program is administered by Ulnooweg and offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Eligible applicants are individuals of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve), living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces. Aboriginal business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations are also eligible for contributions. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are:

Business planning
Establishment and operating costs
Business acquisitions and expansions
Local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives
New product or process development
Adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness
Financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services

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1-888-766-2376

902-893-7379

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Ulnooweg Aboriginal Business Loan

If you are a status or non-status Aboriginal living in Atlantic Canada, you could get funding to start, buy, grow or refinance a business. The types of loans offered include: Youth Loans General Loans Micro Loans

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1-888-766-2376

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Venture for Canada

If you run a business in Atlantic Canada and employ no more than 500 people, you could gain access to paid internships of up to $7,000 per intern. As the employer, you must provide:   A standard placement, 5 days a week, 7.5 hours a day, for 14-16 weeks A project focused on innovation   The program provides recruitment, training and support for each of your interns throughout the length of their placement.

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WIL Digital Wage Subsidies

ICTC’s WIL Digital is an innovative Work Integrated Learning program that helps employers grow their businesses by providing wage subsidies for hiring post-secondary students.

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613-237-8551

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Work Smarts — Wage subsidy program

As an employer in Atlantic Canada, you can apply to receive funding in the form of a wage subsidy if you hire a recent post-secondary graduate. The funds help cover up to 50% of the employee’s wages. To qualify, you must provide:   A $8.5/hr salary top-up (making the minimum salary $17/hr) Up to 26 weeks of employment Relevant work experience Time for the graduate to attend certain training

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Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia – Employment Incentives Program

Take advantage of the Workers’ Compensation Board’s cost-saving incentives by hiring a previously injured worker. The program offers:   Workplace modifications, such as ergonomic chairs and wheelchair ramps Technological enhancements, such as large-screen monitors and computer software Injury cost protection to help protect your Workers’ Compensation Board assessment rate Wage assistance in the form of a forgivable loan if you are likely to hire the employee full-time after the program ends

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902-563-2444

1-800-880-0003

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