Starting a Business

The following organizations can assist you in evaluating your business idea and will provide you with the support and guidance that will help make your idea become a reality.

Cumberland Development Corporation

As CBDCs, we assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. Typically, our services are targeted to entrepreneurs who require customized financing not normally available from traditional sources.

5 Ratchford Street
Amherst, NS, B4H 1X2
Phone: 902-667-5700
Fax: 902-897-1452
website: Cumberland Development Corporation

Cumberland Business Connector

The Cumberland Business Connector is a business led, not for profit organization. Our focus is to foster a strong business environment in order to strengthen Cumberland County by removing barriers to business, and connecting businesses with the resources they need to be successful.

5 Ratchford St.
Amherst, NS B4H 1X2
Phone: 902-614-7214
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website: Cumberland Business Connector

IGNITE Atlantic

IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub dedicated to sparking change in rural communities throughout Nova Scotia with two offices in Yarmouth and New Glasgow. We have a focus on helping early-stage companies get off the ground and are committed to fostering a culture of innovation. By bringing together youth, communities, startups, and industries we aim to explore and implement solutions that create opportunities across the province.

IGNITE Northern
345 Temperance Street
New Glasgow, NS B2H 3P7
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Website: IGNITE Atlantic

Invest Nova Scotia

Invest Nova Scotia offers a broad range of services for business. We know that a strong economy starts at home, so we're helping Nova Scotia companies grow through service offerings like financing, export development and business advice. If you are a small to medium-sized business in Nova Scotia, we want to talk to you. Visit our advisory services, export programs, and financing links to find out how we can help your business grow and succeed.

Contact: David Copus
Phone: 893-6156
Fax: 902-893-6108
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Website: Invest Nova Scotia

Services for Businesses

Link to the Nova Scotia Government Online service for business including Tax Commission, Registry of Lobbyists and Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
website: Services NS

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

ACOA provides financial assistance to business in the following sectors/areas: manufacturing & processing (involves value-added activity)tourism, aquaculture innovation (new or improved product service or process) information and technology-based industries, non-commercial services to business that are not personal in nature.

Phone: 667-3638
Toll Free: 1-800-565-1228
Fax: 902-667-2270
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
website: ACOA

Black Business Initiative (BBI)

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) is a Province-wide business development initiative committed to fostering the growth of businesses owned by members of the Nova Scotia Black Community. It also places priority on educating Black business owners in the operation of their business - from marketing to budgeting to securing funding.

1575 Brunswick Street,
Halifax, NS, B3J 2G1
Phone: 902-426-2224
Toll Free: 800-668-1010
Fax: 902-426-6530
website: Black Business Initiative (BBI)

Centre for Women in Business

For the past twelve (12) years the Centre has assisted many entrepreneurs, providing them with the support, resources, training and information they needed to start or grow their businesses.

Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS, B3M 2J6
Phone: 902-457-6449
Fax: 902-457-6455
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website: Centre for Women in Busines

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada's innovation performance, increase Canada's share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace.
website: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Canadian Innovation Centre

The Canadian Innovation Centre (CIC) is Canada's leading organization dedicated to assisting inventors and innovative companies. The range of services includes invention evaluation, technology due diligence, market research, and education programs.

490 Dutton Drive, Unit 1A,
Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 6H7
Toll Free: 800-265-4559
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website: Canadian Innovation Centre