Halifax County Resources

Summary

Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre

The Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre is part of a national network of Canada Business Service Centres. The Nova Scotia Centre provides free and comprehensive business information and referral services to all regions of the province. The services are accessible to clients by phone, e-mail an in person(no appointment necessary). To better serve the business community, the Centre's store-front office is co-located with the following on-site partners:

• Black Business Initiative
• Canadian Intellectual Property Office (Industry Canada)
• Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network
• Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities
• Student Connections (Industry Canada)

For more information, please contact:
Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-8604
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 (in Atlantic region only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: halifax@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/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 which are not personal in nature

ACOA does not provide financial assistance to the following sectors/areas:

• real estate development
• government services
• services of a personal nature
• retail or wholesale
• purchase of an existing business
• debt consolidation or restructuring
• business in a fully competitive local market

The Area Account Manager for Halifax County is:

Mr. Kurt Lutes
Area Account Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nova Scotia 
Telephone: 902-426-9025
Fax: 902-426-2054
Toll-free (information): 1-800-565-1228
E-mail: kurt.lutes@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/

For more information, contact the Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre at 426-8604 or 1-800-668-1010 or visit ACOA's Web site at: http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/

Black Business Initiative (BBI)

The BBI is a province-wide business development initiative designed to support the development of business and job opportunities among African-Canadian Nova Scotians.  They are colocated with the Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre whose Business Information Officers are available to answer your business questions and assist you in the library.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Starr Francis
Black Business Initiative
1575 Brunswick street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-2224 ext. 0
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010
E-mail: bbi@bbi.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.bbi.ns.ca

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)

CIPO is responsible for giving information on all areas of intellectual property, which are: Patents, Trade-marks, Copyright, Industrial Design, and Integrated Circuit Topographies.

For more information, please contact:
Mr. Tom Boyd
Business Development Officer
Canadian Intellectual Property Office
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: (902) 426-6476
Fax: (902) 426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010
E-mail: boyd.tom@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://cipo.gc.ca

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network, founded in 1995, is an Atlantic Canada-based organization that promotes and facilitates entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities. The organization also plays an advocacy role, representing the needs and interests of existing and potential entrepreneurs with disabilities.

For more information, please contact:
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-0561
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 Nova Scotia only
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-797-4188 Nova Scotia only
TTY (hearing impaired): 902-426-0561
E-mail: info@ednns.ca
Web site: http://www.ednns.ca/

Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities

The primary function of the Regional Development Authorities is to integrate and coordinate the activities of local development groups and/or undertake activities to accomplish common objectives within the regions where each one is located. This is so that communities may build competitiveness and capitalize on market opportunities.

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Holly Boston
Executive Director
Nova Scotia Association of Regional Development Authorities
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-9016
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-866-713-3588
E-mail: hboston@nsarda.ca
Web site: http://www.nsarda.ca/

Student Connections

Student Connections (SC) is an Industry Canada initiative, funded under the Youth Employment Strategy, that began in 1996 to promote youth employment and usage of the Internet among Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

For more information, please contact:
Ms. Sophie Decker
Nova Scotia Coordinator
Student Connections
Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-0566
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-888-807-7777
E-mail: decker.sophie@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.studentconnections.ca/english/ns_scpcentre.cfm

Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs for a range of activities including business planning, start-up, expansion and marketing.  ABC works with clients including Aboriginal heritage groups, on and off-reserve, in urban, rural and remote areas.  They provide eligible majority-owned Aboriginal enterprises with:

• Financial assistance;
• Business information and resource materials; and
• Referrals to other possible sources of financing or business support.

For further information, please contact:
Aboriginal Business Canada
Industry Canada
Floor 16, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
P.O. Box 940, Station M
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2V9
Telephone: 902-426-2018
Fax: 902-426-1643
Web site: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inabc-eac.nsf/en/home

Access Nova Scotia

Access Nova Scotia is a provincial government initiative through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations designed to improve your access to government information, programs and services. Access centres provide information on provincial permits, approvals and licenses for business and limited services of the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Many Access centres have free computer access and a wide-range of business-related materials in a variety of formats - print, video, CD-Rom and computer disk. Using ANS centres you can link directly to the Nova Scotia Public Tenders Noticeboard.

The Access Nova Scotia centres in Halifax County are located at:

Halifax Location:
Access Nova Scotia Centre
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
West End Mall
6960 Mumford road
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 4P1
Telephone: (902) 424-5200
Fax: (902) 424-0720
Toll-free (information): 1-800-670-4357
E-mail: askus@gov.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr

Dartmouth Location:
Access Nova Scotia Centre
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Superstore Mall
650 Portland Street
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia  B2W 6A3
Telephone: 902-424-5200
Fax: 902-424-0720
Toll-free (information): 1-800-670-4357
E-mail: askus@gov.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr

Blue Water Business Development Corporation Limited

Flexible term loan programs for small and medium-sized businesses. Up to $150,000 in financing for business start-ups, expansions and other business purposes including fixed asset acquisitions, working capital and change of ownership. It assists in the establishment of new, existing and expanding enterprises in the rural areas of Halifax County. If you are not sure if your business is located in a rural area, please call the Blue Water Business Development Corporation.

For further information, please contact:
Blue Water Business Development Corporation Ltd.
Community Business Development Corporations
24 Rowlings Drive
P.O. Box 39
Musquodoboit Harbour, Nova Scotia  B0J 2L0
Telephone: (902) 889-9040
Fax: (902) 889-9101
Toll-free (information): 1-888-303-2232
E-mail: shar.turner@cbdc.ca
Web site: http://www.bluewatercbdc.ca/

Chambers, Boards of Trade, and Partnerships

Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce
605 Prince Street
Truro, Nova Scotia  B2N 5B6
Telephone: 902-895-6329
Fax: 902-897-6641
E-mail: info@nschamber.ca
Web site: http://www.nschamber.ca/

La Chambre de Commerce Francophone de Halifax
201, avenue du Portage
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia  B2X 3T4
Telephone: 902-830-4081

Halifax Chamber of Commerce
656 Windmill road, Suite 200
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia  B3B 1B8
Telephone: (902) 468-7111
Fax: (902) 468-7333
E-mail: info@halifaxchamber.com
Web site: http://www.halifaxchamber.com

Preston and Area Board of Trade
1900 Highway 7
East Preston, Nova Scotia  B2Z 1M8
Telephone: 902-435-7211

Sheet Harbour and Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 239
Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia  B0J 3B0
Telephone: 902-885-2595
Fax: 902-885-2708
E-mail: shcoc@ns.sympatico.ca

United Board of Trade Mosher River
P.O. Box 20
Mosher River, Nova Scotia  B0J 2K0
Telephone: 902-347-2596
E-mail: charity.shiers@mcti.ca

Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Development Bank of Canada is a crown corporation whose mission is to help create and develop small and medium sized business. It is a financial lending institution that also offers such services as counseling, training and mentoring.

For further information, please contact:
Business Development Bank of Canada
Suite 1400
Cogswell Tower - Scotia Square
2000 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2Z7
Telephone: 902-426-7850
Fax: 902-426-6783
Toll-free (information): 1-877-BDC BANX (1-877-232-2269)
E-mail: info@bdc.ca
Web site: http://www.bdc.ca/en/home.htm

Canadian Federation of Independent Business

A national organization representing 100,000 small and medium-sized business owners with a voice over laws that govern business in Canada.

For further information, please contact:
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Suite 819
1888 Brunswick street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3J8
Telephone: 902-420-1997
Fax: 902-422-8270
Toll-free (information): 1-877-210-4527
E-mail: msns@cfib.ca
Web site: http://www.cfib.ca/default_E.asp?l=E

Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development

The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) has a mandate to nurture entrepreneurship in young people, by undertaking, creating, coordinating and acting as a catalyst in the areas of entrepreneurship education, research and program design, professional development, and community entrepreneurship.

For further information, please contact:
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development
Suite 107, Tower 1
Halifax Shopping Centre
7001 Mumford Road
P.O. Box 196
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 2H8
Telephone: (902) 421-2333
Fax: (902) 482-0291
Toll-free (information): 1-800-590-8481
E-mail: info@ceed.info
Web site: http://www.ceed.info/ceedsite
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Centre For Women in Business

A not-for profit resource centre for women entrepreneurs. Provides information, support and consulting services. Located at Mount Saint Vincent University.

For further information, please contact:
Centre for Women in Business
The Meadows, 2nd Floor
Mount Saint Vincent University
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3M 2J6
Telephone: (902) 457-6449
Fax: (902) 443-4687

Community Access Program (CAP)

Provides public computer access to the Internet at the local community level. The overall objective is to provide all Canadians with affordable, convenient access to the global knowledge-based economy and the opportunity to use its technologies.

For further information, please contact:
Community Access Program (CAP)
Industry Canada
Nova Scotia 
Toll-free (information): 1-800-268-6608, 1-800-575-9200
Web site: http://cap.ic.gc.ca

Community Profiles

The following web sites provide a variety of information (labour market/statistical) about selected communities in Nova Scotia:

Human Resources and Social Development:
http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca

Statistics Canada:
http://www12.statcan.ca/english/profil01/CP01/Index.cfm?Lang=E

Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse is a non-profit organization which promotes economic development and the creation of sustainable jobs for Acadians and francophones in Nova Scotia.

For further information, please contact:
Ms. Julie Oliver
Executive Director
Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse
Suite 603
2000 Barrington Street
Cogswell Tower
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3K1
Telephone: 902-424-7230
Fax: 902-424-6002
Toll-free (information): 1-866-552-3363
E-mail: joliver@cdene.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.cdene.ns.ca

Greater Halifax Partnership

The mandate of the Greater Halifax Partnership is to maintain and grow businesses currently located in Greater Halifax, while attracting new investment to the area.

For further information, please contact:
Greater Halifax Partnership
1969 Upper Water Street
Purdy's Tower II, Suite 2101
Nova Scotia  B3J 3R7
Telephone: 902-490-6000
Fax: 902-490-6010
Toll-free (information): 1-800-565-1191
E-mail: info@greaterhalifax.com
Web site: http://www.greaterhalifax.com/

Halifax Regional Development Agency

The Halifax Regional Development Agency (HRDA) provides counselling support to potential new and existing small business owners. Their role is to guide entrepreneurs through the many steps of business start-up or expansion. All services are free.

For further information, please contact:
Halifax Regional Development Authority
11 Glendale Avenue, unit 9
Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia  B4C 3P2
Telephone: 902-869-4040
Fax: 902-869-4091
Toll-free (information): 1-800-650-0039
E-mail: halifaxrda@halifaxrda.ca
Web site: http://www.halifaxrda.ca/

Halifax Regional Municipality

Provides a link for businesses and individuals requiring information concerning municipal regulations, programs and organizations.

For further information, please contact:
Halifax Regional Municipality
P.O. Box 1749
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3A5
Telephone: 902-490-4000
Toll-free (information): 1-800-835-6428 (Toll free Nova Scotia Only).
TTY (hearing impaired): 902-490-6645
Web site: http://www.halifax.ca/
Hours of operation: 7:30am to 10:00pm by telephone everyday except New Year's day and Christmas day.

Industrial Parks/Incubator Malls

There are over 60 business/industrial parks in Nova Scotia with serviced and non-serviced lots of all sizes with incubator malls at specific locations. Many have existing buildings for sale or lease. These sites are placed for cost-efficient transport to market, include all the usual services and amenities, and are attractively priced.

For a list of Industrial Parks and Malls in Nova Scotia visit:
http://www.targetnovascotia.com/industrialparkpdfs.htm

For further information, please contact:
Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre
1575 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-8604
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010 (in Atlantic region only)
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: halifax@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/ns

MISA (Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association)

Offers a free orientation package for immigrant entrepreneurs that includes seminars, chances for networking, and a business information centre.

For further information, please contact:
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
Suite 201
7105 Chebucto Road,
Chebucto Place
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 4W8
Telephone: (902) 423-3607
Fax: (902) 423-3154
E-mail: info@misa.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.misa.ns.ca

Municipal Contacts

To locate municipal contact information for your region, town municipality, rural municipality, or village contact Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations:

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
Public enquiries
Mail room, 8 South, Maritime Centre
1505 Barington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B35 3K5
Telephone: 902-424-5200
Fax: 902-424-0720
Toll-free (information): 1-800-670-4357
E-mail: askus@gov.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr

Address for mail enquiries only.  For walk-in service, please visit your local Access Nova Scotia centre.

Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) is a private-sector led organization whose goal is to expand business activity in Nova Scotia. NSBI is primarily focused upon activities that result in sustainable, value-added growth to the economy in order to increase employment and provincial revenues.

For further information, please contact:
Nova Scotia Business Inc.
Suite 701
World Trade & Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street
P.O. Box 2374
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 3E4
Telephone: 902-424-6650
Fax: 902-424-5739
Toll-free (information): 1-877-297-2124 (in Nova Scotia) 1-800-260-6682 (in North America)
E-mail: nsbi@gov.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.novascotiabusiness.com/services/advisory/index.html

Open For Business

Offers a dynamic environment where you can discover and fine-tune your business skills, or take that great idea and turn it into a successful entrepreneurial adventure. The staff can give you great advice on anything you ever wanted to know about business: developing a business plan, getting your business off the ground, marketing your product, bookkeeping, expanding your company and much, much more. Drop in and talk to one of the Entrepreneurship Apprentices about your business ideas or concerns.

For further information, please contact:
Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development
Open For Business
Suite 107, Tower 1
Halifax Shopping Centre
7001 Mumford Road
P.O. Box 196
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 2H8
Telephone: 902-482-0297
Fax: 902-482-0291
Toll-free (information): 1-800-590-8481
E-mail: ofbhalifax@ceed.info

Saint Mary's University Business Development Centre

A consulting centre for starting and operating small businesses and involves students in its activities.

For further information, please contact:
Saint Mary's University Business Development Centre
Barrington Gate
1546 Barrington Street

Halifax  B3J 3X7
Telephone: 902-429-2992
Fax: 902-429-0330
E-mail: smubdc@smu.ca
Hours of operation: September 1st to May 31st 9:00am - 5:00pm, June 1st to August 31st 9:00am - 4:30pm

Statistics Canada

An advisory service that provides assistance in meeting business information needs.

For further information, please contact:
Advisory Services
Statistics Canada
Foor 1
1888 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B37 2G7
Fax: 902-426-9538
Toll-free (information): 1-800-263-1136
Toll-free (publications): 1-800-267-6677
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-363-7629
E-mail: infostats@statcan.ca
Web site: http://www.statcan.ca/start.html
Hours of operation: 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday

Women in Business Initiative (WBI)

The WBI is designed to improve the growth and competitiveness of women-owned businesses and increase their representation in Atlantic Canada's emerging growth sectors. The WBI focuses on strengthening management capabilities and business development skills of women business owners, improving their access to capital and business support services, and increasing involvement of women-owned business in exports and knowledge-based industries.

For further information, please contact:

Halifax Region
Ms. Shelley Simpson-McKay
Project Manager
Women in Business Inititative
Telephone: (902) 457-6474
E-mail: wbi@msvu.ca
Web site: http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/business/entrepreneurship/wbi/wbi.shtml

Eastern Shore
Ms. Karen Donnelly
Regional Business Facilitator
Women in Business Inititative
Telephone: (902) 223-3715
E-mail: wbieastern@msvu.ca
Web site: http://www.acoa.gc.ca/e/business/entrepreneurship/wbi/wbi.shtml

Special Programs/Services

There are special programs/services for entrepreneurs in the following categories: Aboriginal, Black, Disabled, Employment Insurance (EI) Recipient, Immigrant, and Young Entrepreneur (16-34). If you would like further information on any of these programs, contact the Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre.

This information is updated on a regular basis, but organizations change unpredictably – therefore, not all the information as presented may be timely or accurate.