Atlantic Canada Business Grants

Department of Communities

Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program

Amount:

$100,000

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program provides funding to businesses for a cost-shared grant to make accessibility-related improvements. Improvements can be for clients and customers, for employees, or both.

There are five categories of funding:

  1. 1
    Built Environment for removing physical barriers for persons to access business services, by installing ramps, accessible washrooms, door openers, and other projects,
  2. 2
    Accessible Communications Services to ensure that all customers, clients, and employees can access information related to a business,
  3. 3
    Assistive Devices to ensure that employees and consumers who are person with disabilities have the devices they need to effectively do their jobs and access places of business,
  4. 4
    Universal Design Capacity Building for training in the field of Universal Design, both for technical services professionals and for persons with disabilities wishing to better understand its value.
  5. 5
    Accessible Transportation to provide support for businesses to improve access to transportation services.

Comments on Funding:

Maximum grant amounts available per year is $100,000 per applicant.
Funding is up to 2/3 of eligible expenses, to a maximum of:

  • $50,000 for Built Environment and Accessibility Certification,
  • $30,000 for Accessible Communication and Information,
  • $30,000 for Assistive Devices,
  • $20,000 for Accessible Transportation projects.

Funding available for Universal Design Capacity Building is up to 1/2 of eligible expenses.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Next deadlines to be determined

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

  • a business that operates in Nova Scotia,
  • registered as a for-profit entity with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks, including locally owned franchises,
  • open for use by all community members at reasonable rates and reasonable times and not reserved to those belonging by way of a closed membership or other means,

Application Steps:

1

is encouraged to contact the Business ACCESS-Ability program officer, if he has any questions, 

2

must submit the application form by mail, email, or fax,

3

may apply under one or more categories.

Documentation Needed: 

The applicant must submit:

  • the application form,
  • description of business and description of existing place of business,
  • documented use of place of business,
  • description of proposed project,
  • copy of lease agreement or proof of ownership,
  • information about other grants,
  • proof of insurance and proof of registration as a for-profit entity,
  • detailed estimates,
  • proof of skilled labour,
  • proof of need for assistive devices,
  • site photos (before&after),
  • drawings, sketches, maps, if available,
  • a final report within 30 days of completing your project.

Other Things to Note: 

The Business ACCESS-Ability program deadline for 2022-2023 fiscal year was July 29, 2022. Check the website for updates.

Program Contact:

Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program

ba-guidelines-business.pdf

Mi’kmaq Cultural Activities Program

  • This program is currently closed.

Amount:

$10,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Mi’kmaq Cultural Activities Program provides funding to Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaq groups or organization to help build and empower Mi’kmaq communities through artistic and cultural activities and support the sharing of traditional knowledge, culture and language. 

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to a maximum contribution of 75% of eligible costs to a maximum of $10,000. Requests exceeding $10,000 may be given consideration.
Combined public sector contributions cannot exceed 90%.

Applicants must contribute a minimum of 25% towards eligible project costs. This includes a minimum of 10% cash from the project sponsor to demonstrate commitment and sustainability. In-kind support can only be used when there is an incremental and quantifiable value to the service that relates directly to the project.

When It Ends:

Closed

Deadline:

March 31
June 30

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must be Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaq groups or organizations.

Application Steps:

Applicants:

1

are strongly encouraged to speak with the Program Officer to discuss their proposed activity well in advance of the deadline and before completing/submitting an application, 

2

must deliver the application by hand, courier or by regular mail. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on May 1 or September 15. Applications postmarked on the deadline date are acceptable.

Documentation Needed: 

Applicants:

  • must complete, sign and date the application forms,
  • may include relevant support materials such as photos and support letters,
  • must include a proposal with completed cover and budget pages with project details given on separate pages as detailed in Part D of the application.

Other Things to Note:

The deadline for the 2021-2022 cycle was 1 December 2021. 

Program Contact:

​Mi'kmaq Cultural Activities Program

​Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Cultural and Heritage and Support4Culture

​Mi’kmaw Cultural Activities Program​​​​​​