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