Business Information
Creating the right environment for business to flourish in the new economy is one of the strategic directions outlined in the province's growth strategy. To this end, Nova Scotia Economic Development focuses on development of public policy especially as it relates to promoting the best environment for businesses to start and expand in the digital economy.
Business Opportunities
- Nova Scotia Business Directory
This business and manufacturing directory matches suppliers with buyers, creating county-wide partnerships. It allows access to important information on product information and more. It is a unique directory for Nova Scotia that calls on businesses listed to actively update their information to ensure that the directory is as comprehensive and accurate as possible.
Visit nsbizlink.ca regularly to access information, link with businesses to sell your products and services, or to simply collect information on your target markets.
- Procurement
Procurement provides a variety of electronic tools for vendors to use to access information on the goods and services required by the Province of Nova Scotia or to develop business opportunities with the province. This site also provides access to information on goods or services required by the provincial MASH sector (Municipalities, Academic institutions, School boards, and Hospitals).
Programs and Initiatives
- Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia
Government is committed to expanding high-speed Internet access for Nova Scotians, no matter where they live. The goal is to make the province the most connected in all of North America.
- Nova Scotia Strategic Opportunities Fund Inc.
This program allows the province to access federal funds at an attractive cost to provide financial assistance for economic development projects.
- Credit Unions of Nova Scotia - Immigrant Small Business Loan Financing Program (Pilot)
This program is a joint initiative that offers recent immigrants to Nova Scotia help in starting, expanding or buying a small business.
- Credit Unions of Nova Scotia - Small Business Financing Program
This program is a joint initiative that helps establish new businesses and empower entrepreneurs with the support they need to create employment for themselves and others.
- Community Economic Development Investment Funds
NSED administers the CEDIF program, which is a fund created to operate or invest in a business or businesses in a community.
- ExportAbility Program
ExportAbility offers businesses support for professional development in the area of international trade development.
- Go Ahead Program (GAP)
The Go-Ahead Program (GAP) will help exporters convert leads into sales by helping cover the costs of market prospecting.
- Jobs Fund
Jobs Fund is an investment tool that creates jobs and grows the economy in Nova Scotia. It helps existing businesses become more competitive and sustainable, establishes new industries, and creates or sustains jobs.
- Nova Scotia Business Development Program
The Nova Scotia Business Development Program offers the opportunity for businesses to review and assess their practices and develop new approaches, with help from qualified consultants.
- Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program
A "productivity and innovation voucher" is a credit note that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use to acquire the direct assistance from Nova Scotia Universities and Colleges that they need to help make their business more innovative and productive.
- Productivity Investment Program
This program is designed to encourage businesses to become more productive, innovative and globally competitive, and it includes two incentives: the Capital Investment Incentive and the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive.
- Sustainable Procurement
Procuring goods, services and construction in a way that is better for our environment, our economy, and our communities.
Students
- Nova Scotia Business Idea Explorer
Thinking of starting your own business? The Nova Scotia Business Idea Explorer is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs with start-up basics, market information, and helpful advice on fifty different kinds of businesses.
- Student Employment Program
The Student Employment Program (SEP) provides funding to employment initiatives for students.
- Students In Business
Take advantage of all the Students In Business Program has to offer and be your own boss. Loans of up to $5000 are available.
Publications
Resources
- Nova Scotia Business Inc.
While ERD works on constantly improving Nova Scotia's business climate, Nova Scotia Business Inc. is the province's primary point of access for investors and businesses. Find out why so many business are choosing Nova Scotia.
- Regional Development Authorities
From partnerships, to business advice, to government navigation, Nova Scotia RDAs are the first-stop in helping individual and community ventures succeed.
- Trade Team Nova Scotia
Trade Team Nova Scotia is a partnership of government and private sector organizations dedicated to stimulating export activity in Nova Scotia. This site provides links to other important trade resources, and the events calendar maintains an up-to-date listing of trade events that may interest Nova Scotia exporters.
- Department of Finance
The Department of Finance website lists a number of publications that give insight into Nova Scotia's economy and business climate.
- Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Access to forms, regulations, and online registration are some of the services offered to business clients through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
- Canada Business-Nova Scotia
Canada Business-Nova Scotia is a joint federal-provincial information centre that provides informormation about government programs, services and regulations on starting and operating a business in Nova Scotia.
- Community Business Development Corporations
CBDCs comprise a network of 41 organizations across Atlantic Canada that provide assistance to small businesses through financing, counselling and advisory services.