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

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 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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Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber administers workplace skills training programs focused on new and existing small business owners with an emphasis on financial management, marketing strategies (traditional and social media), leadership, customer service, public relations and supply chain management.

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Jenna Lahey

Chief Executive Officer

902-202-2347

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Cape Breton University

At Cape Breton University, we push the boundaries of innovation and thought leadership to create a global academic experience and build a sustainable future for our island. Surrounded by pristine natural landscape, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities, Cape Breton University (CBU) is home to nearly 7,000 students from more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to the future of Cape Breton Island, innovative economic development and sustainability programs, and Indigenous learning leadership. CBU offers a comprehensive set of liberal arts, science, business, health and professional programs. As a university that is dedicated to excellence in teaching and learning, CBU provides students with the advantage of outstanding experiential learning and undergraduate research opportunities in a supportive academic environment. Our programs, in diverse fields of study, consistently rank well above the national averages in faculty-student interaction and service learning. Our people, our cultures, and our strong sense of community make Cape Breton University a special place.

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1250 Grand Lake Rd. Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada B1M 1A2

+1 888-959-9995

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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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Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development (CEED)

CEED offers entrepreneurs of all ages and stages a wide variety of hands-on learning opportunities. In Cape Breton, programs are delivered both in-person at Navigate Startup House and virtually via Adobe Connect. CEED’s experiential programming is designed to ensure the participant leaves with relevant skills that can be immediately employed in the launch or growth of a business. The following programs are available:

Building Financial Models
Value Proposition Design
Business Model Canvas
Pricing Your Product or Service

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Kim Desveaux

Navigate 37 Nepean Street, Sydney

(902)-217-2092

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Colindale Business Soloutions

Our service includes a comprehensive consultation to help identify gaps and opportunities, a comprehensive report that includes a project plan with timelines and milestones, a cost analysis, and a schedule. We also offer a suite of quality products that will help you get there quickly and smoothly. That’s how we ensure your success. We help start ups and existing businesses with the following: Business Management/Development Practices Diagnostic Assessments Access to Capital Market/Export Readiness Business Plan Mentoring Business Coaching Property Management Services

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Damian MacInnis

151 Little Mabou Rd Port Hood, Nova Scotia

(902) 631-3525

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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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Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur

Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur is a national program for transitioning Canadian Armed Forces members interested in starting their own business. It offers the education, tools and resources needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.

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844-763-6371

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Propel – E-Accelerator

Propel’s e-accelerator program based out of Atlantic Canada helps businesses realize their big ambitions. Set apart as one of the only 100% online accelerators of its kind, you’ll learn what it takes to launch and build a successful ICT company from where you live. ‍Already launched your company? No problem! Our programming is tailored to fit where you are at right now! Our promise: Customized programming: Every company is different and we focus on an applied experiment-based approach to validate assumptions, test and iterate through LEAN SPRINTS. Virtual Delivery: Propel provides access to premium content without the cost and disruption of travel or relocation. Because of this we’re able to evaluate and accept companies year round! Dedicated coaching: Learn from our experienced founders to provide guidance, feedback, and accountability during your startup journey.

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Screen Nova Scotia

Screen Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit membership organization representing over 2,000 people working in film, television and animation across the province. Membership includes producers, service providers, local cast and crew, unions and guilds, and industry organizations.  Screen Nova Scotia works with and advocates on behalf of the screen-based industry in Nova Scotia to build long-term economic and cultural sustainability of the sector, and to create opportunities for the film, television, and digital media content creators based in the province. Services provided for include business development training, attendance at conferences and trade missions, research and information on funding programs provided by various partners.

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Laura Mackenzie

902-405-1499

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Sydney Makerspace

The Sydney Makerspace gives Cape Breton start-ups, entrepreneurs, students and other creative minds the place, equipment, materials and education to let them design and build innovative products. The 4,000 sq.ft. space in Sydney includes a general work area, a tool library, a metal working shop, a selection of woodworking tools, an electronics/robotics lab, as well as 3D drawing and printing abilities. Discounted memberships are available to students, educators, Veterans, seniors and partner groups (Centre for Craft and Design, Island Sandbox, Navigate, New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation and Mentor Connect)

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(902) 322-4078

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Telefilm Canada

Telefilm Canada is a team of 200 professionals serving the industry from four offices located across Canada. Dedicated to the cultural, commercial and industrial success of Canada’s audiovisual industry, Telefilm, through its various funding and promotion programs, supports dynamic companies and creative talent here at home and around the world. Telefilm Canada supports all stages of a feature film, from development, to production and post-production, to marketing to audiences both at home and abroad.

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Lori McCurdy

902.426.8425 (2720)

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THINKFARM – Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture

THINKFARM.ca provides introductory level resources for starting a farm in Nova Scotia. The website has information on defining your farm vision, business planning and regulations which apply to new farm businesses. It is a good starting point before accessing advisory services from the Department of Agriculture and Perennia Field Services staff. The THINKFARM Facebook page and electronic mailing list provide information about training workshops and events of interest to new and aspiring farmers in the province.

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Gary Koziel

902-563-2000

902-565-8132

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TIANS – One-on-One Tourism Mentorship Program

TIANS offers the Mentorship Program for Nova Scotia Tourism Operators – The mentorship program matches experienced Tourism Industry operators who are willing and able to share their expertise with their Industry colleagues.

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Darlene Grant Fiander

902-423-4480

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TIANS – Technology Project

TIANS offers the technology product program for operators looking to more effectively market your business online, but don’t know where to start, or just need some extra assistance? We’ve got the solution!  TIANS is offering the following assistance: Tailored one-on-one mentoring meetings Technology workshops and webinars On-going resource for tourism operators

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Darlene Grant Fiander

902-423-4480


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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Tourism Nova Scotia – Business Development

Tourism Nova Scotia’s Business Development team works with new and existing tourism operators to identify compelling business opportunities and provide coaching aligned with our target markets, based on research and market intelligence.   For New & Existing Accommodations: Nick Fry nick.fry@novascotia.ca

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Jennifer McKeane

902-717-3623