Access Nova Scotia

Access Nova Scotia provides answers to questions about doing business in Nova Scotia. Its service locations and online services provide the following: Information on planning, starting, operating and ending your business Research on existing businesses Registering your business Apply, pay for and renew permits and licenses Learn about provincial tax rates and regulations

Access NS-Registry of Joint Stock Companies

If you want to operate a business in Nova Scotia you must register it with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies, with three exceptions: Corporations or partnerships/businesses registered in New Brunswick Individuals or partners who use their own names, without a descriptive element or attachment, such as “and Associates” Farming or fishing partnerships The first step is searching and reserving a business name. Registration fees and procedures will vary depending on the type of business.

Business Navigators

Our Business Navigators can give you personalized and timely help with regulation and requirements, including registration, permit and licences. They can help free up your time so you can focus on your job: building a successful business. Nova Scotia’s business navigators help business owners with business needs such as:

Registering a business
Determining what permits and licenses are required to operate a business
Understanding applicable inspection requirements
Finding resources to assist with financing, taxes, staffing and other needs

Co-operatives Information Guide

Canadian co-operatives operate in a variety of economic sectors such as agriculture, food, social services, retail and wholesale, fishing, energy, recreational services, and financial (including insurance). This information is meant to help entrepreneurs navigate the world of co-operatives. For general information on business start-up, consult the website sections on starting and planning.

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. Online Supplier Registry

Register your business as a potential supplier of goods and services for the shipbuilding industry.

Nova Scotia Co-operatives

Find out how to register a cooperative and learn more about the requirements that you need to follow.

Nova Scotia Online Service for Business

Use this 24-hour service to manage a range of business-related transactions online including: Business registrations and renewals Provincial and municipal permit and licence applications Tender opportunity notifications sign-up Workers Compensation Bureau clearance letter requests Fee payments

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.