Whether you are trying to grow your business, help strengthen your community or conduct research and development, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) has a number of programs which may be able to help you reach your goals.
In addition to its own programs; ECBC is responsible for the delivery of programs offered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) on Cape breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
After browsing through our list of programs below, please feel free to contact us to talk to one of our development officers for specific information on program requirements.
Capital Assistance - ECBC provides loans to businesses to cover a portion of the capital costs for the construction, expansion or modernization of certain types a business.
Business Improvement - ECBC provides funding to businesses and non-profit organizations to help them carry out business improvement activities.
Investment Prospecting and Trade Missions - ECBC provides financial assistance to businesses who wish to participate in investment and trade missions organized by the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation.
Non-Commercial - ECBC provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations to implement projects that strengthen and enhance the economic foundations of communities, developing areas that are an attractive place to live and invest.
Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) encourages partnerships among private sector firms, universities, colleges and other research institutions to develop new or improved products and services.
Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership include five initiatives to help Atlantic Canada promote international trade and attract investors.
Building Canada Fund provides funding for municipal infrastructure projects, particularly in smaller communities. It focuses on improving infrastructure in areas such as water, wastewater, culture and recreation.
Business Development Program (BDP) can help you set up, expand or modernize your business. It can also provide financing to develop your innovative ideas and improve your competitiveness. Focusing on small- and medium-sized enterprises, this program offers interest-free loans. Non-profit organizations providing support to the business community may also qualify.
Canada Small Business Financing Program helps new and expanding small businesses access financing for land, buildings and equipment.
Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA) helps established exporters expand their activities into new and more diversified markets. It also helps new exporters get started.
Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) invests in strategic projects that build the economies of Atlantic Canada's communities.
Sector Export Strategies support the development of export development for specific industries in Atlantic Canada.
If you are a young entrepreneur (between the ages of 18 and 34) in an urban centre, the Seed Capital Initiative could provide repayable loans up to $20,000 to start, expand or modernize your business. If you are a young and/or first-time entrepreneur in a rural area, you could access capital, business training and counseling through your nearest Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) by means of their youth or first-time entrepreneur loans.
Trade Education & Skills Development helps entrepreneurs in small- and medium-sized companies acquire the export skills and knowledge they need to export profitably.
Women in Business Initiative (WBI) provides financial support to not-for-profit business organizations to help women entrepreneurs find the resources they need to grow their businesses.
Young Entrepreneur Development Program (YEDI) offers financial support to not-for-profit business organizations, colleges and universities and municipalities for business skills training and financial support to Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs less than 35 years of age.