For Profit Organization

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP), administered by Ulnooweg, offers non-repayable business contributions to individual Aboriginal entrepreneurs and community owned businesses. Some of the eligible expenses for ABDP support are: business planning, establishment and operating costs, business acquisitions and expansions, local, domestic or export oriented marketing initiatives, new product or process development, adding technology to improve operations and competitiveness, financial services, business support, business-related training and mentoring services.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is a non-repayable business contribution as following:

1
up to 75% for development of business plans, marketing plans, feasibility studies,
2
up to 40% for establishment, expansion or acquisition,
3
up to 60% for marketing initiatives,
4
up to 90% for business support and project related management.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

entrepreneurs of Canadian Aboriginal status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve, living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces,
community owned businesses,
Aboriginal financial organizations,
development corporations.

Application Steps:

Applicants must contact Ulnooweg for further details by submitting the Client Inquiry Form.

Documentation Needed:

No specific documentation has been identified

Other Things to Note:

The majority of ABFP funding goes towards small and medium-sized businesses.

Program Contact:

Aboriginal Business Financing Program - Ulnooweg

Additional Resources:

As an Indigenous entrepreneur, you have access to a range of resources to help you succeed. Here are some additional resources that can help you grow your business and take it to the next level.

Business Development Support

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF) provides a range of business development support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs. These services include business planning, financial management, marketing, and more. NADF also offers a range of financing options, including the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP). For more information, visit the NADF website.

Networking Opportunities

Networking is an important part of building a successful business. The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) provides networking opportunities for Aboriginal entrepreneurs through its Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP). The AEP offers a range of services, including business planning, financing, and more. For more information, visit the NACCA website.

Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF)

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

$3,000,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants & Loan

Description:

The Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF) is helping Atlantic Canada compete at home and abroad by supporting the development of innovative products and services that lead to commercial success. AIF helps researchers and innovative businesses team up to develop new products and services and put them on the market.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to 80% of total eligible costs for projects led by not-for-profit organizations. Contributions to not-for-profit organizations are non-repayable

Funding is up to 75% of total eligible costs for private-sector-led projects. Contributions to the private sector are conditionally repayable based on the commercial success of a project.

It should be noted that the AIF assistance for eligible building and major renovation costs would not normally exceed 30% of the costs.

Eligible costs could include wages, salaries, capital costs and other operating expenses directly related to the project. The AIF assistance for eligible building and major renovation costs would not normally exceed 30% of the costs.

Funding for innovation project ranges from $500,000 to $3 million. Innovation projects of less than $500,000 may be eligible under ACOA’s Business Development Program.

Types of Projects Eligible for Atlantic Innovation Fund:

The AIF provides funding for a wide range of projects that support innovation and economic growth in Atlantic Canada. Eligible projects may include:

Research and development of new products, services, and technologies
Commercialization of innovative products, services, and technologies
Development of new or improved processes, systems, and technologies
Creation of research and commercialization partnerships among businesses, universities, and research institutions

Evaluation Criteria for Atlantic Innovation Fund:

The AIF evaluates applications based on several criteria. According to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), projects must meet the following essential criteria to be considered for funding:

- Be compatible with AIF objectives
- Be scientifically and/or technically sound
- Demonstrate management capability to successfully undertake the project
- Demonstrate significant economic benefits for Atlantic Canada

In addition to the essential criteria, the AIF also considers the following desirable criteria:

- Includes private sector participation (for institutional proposals)
- Fills a gap in the Atlantic system of innovation
- Improves innovation capacity of the private sector
- Is pan-Atlantic in scope

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicant must be:

private-sector businesses,
universities, colleges,
non-government research institutions,
provincial Crown corporations operating in Atlantic Canada.

Application Steps:

Applicant must complete a Project Concept Template and submit it to the ACOA office nearest to them. ACOA will contact them to confirm receipt and to discuss their project.

Applicant must complete and submit the Application for Financial Assistance form, once they have discussed their project with ACOA.

Documentation Needed:

For-profit applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
incorporation documents and information on ownership names and percentage of ownership
2
fully repayable contributions up to $500,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs
3
R&D project plan, business plan and/or marketing plan,
4
supplier quotes,
5
copies of relevant permits and licenses,
6
other relevant documents (specify).

Not-for-profit applicants and other applicants must submit a completed application form and the following supporting documents:

1
constituting/ incorporating documents and list of directors/members of the board,
2
financial statements (current and last fiscal year),
3
description and mandate of the applicant, including the management and qualifications of key personnel,
4
HST rebate information (I.E. rebate rate),
5
one of the following two items is required: (R&D) project plan or detailed project description, including milestones, costs, financing, key partnerships, established evidence of support from the community,
6
supplier quotes,
7
copies of relevant permits and licenses,
8
other relevant documents (specify).

Other Things to Note:

Date modified: 2022-08-16

Program Contact:

Atlantic Innovation Fund

Application for financial assistance

Atlantic Innovation Fund: Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

START Program Nova Scotia

by Maurice | June 7, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Subsidy

Description:

The START program offers financial incentives to businesses and organizations that have business locations and jobs in Nova Scotia to help them hire Nova Scotians who need work experience. There will be a focus on SMEs.

Benefits of the Nova Scotia Start Program:

The Start Program provides a range of career opportunities for unemployed individuals looking to enter the workforce. The program helps connect job seekers with employers who have vacancies that need to be filled.

One of the main benefits of the Start Program for job seekers is the letter of recommendation that they receive after applying. This letter helps market their skills and experience to potential employers, making it easier for them to find a job.

In addition to the letter of recommendation, the Start Program also provides job seekers with access to training and education opportunities. By participating in these programs, job seekers can improve their skills and increase their chances of finding employment in their desired field.

Employers who participate in the Start Program also benefit from the program’s incentives. These incentives include wage subsidies and other types of funding that can help offset the cost of hiring an unemployed Nova Scotian. By participating in the program, employers can find qualified candidates for their job vacancies and receive financial support to help with the cost of training and development.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is up to a maximum of $25,000 per hire, and at ENS’ discretion.
Incentives will vary depending on the type of employment offered and the skill level of the employee. Incentives can be used to pay for individual’s wages, MERC, training costs or other related costs associated with hiring of a new employee.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

be a business, organization (Not-for-profit and Social Enterprises), with a focus on SMEs,
be located in Nova Scotia,
have its employees working in the province.

The individual he hires must be:

Nova Scotia resident,
unemployed and actively seeking full time or increasing employment,
Canadian citizens or permanent residents legally entitled to work in Canada OR be an international graduate (additional criteria may apply).

Application Steps:

Applicant must register in the online Labor Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS),

Applicant must complete the application form and submit it electronically.

Documentation Needed:

The applicants must attach a Job Description as supporting documentation.

Program Contact:

START program: hiring incentive

START-Program-Guidelines.pdf

Co-op Education Incentive (CO-OP)

by Maurice | February 6, 2023

Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Subsidy

Description:

The Co-op Education Incentive (CO-OP) provides wage assistance to organizations that offer career-related work experiences for university and college co-operative students. Agreements run from 12 to 16 consecutive weeks per term, depending on the requirements of the cooperative program.

Comments on Funding:

Funding is a subsidy of $7.50 an hour ($9.00 if the student is a member of designated diversity group) for the wages the applicant pays the student.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

January 16, 2023
May 15, 2023

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

be private-sector,
be government-funded
be non-profit, or charitable organization
be a social enterprise
be a municipality
want to hire a co-operative education student for a work term of 12-16 weeks
pay the student at least $15 per hour, plus vacation pay, for 32.5 to 40 hours of work per week.

The student must be enrolled in a co-operative education program at a Nova Scotia university or college.

The work placement must be endorsed in advance by a university or college Coop Coordinator.

Application Steps:

Applicant must register in the online Labor Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS),

Applicant must complete the online application form,

Applicant must submit a separate application for each county, if he wants to hire co-op students in more than one county.

Documentation Needed:

Applicants must:

provide their organization’s Registry of Joint Stocks number, Canada Revenue Agency charities number, or a copy of legal documentation or legislative act that identifies how assets will be distributed upon dissolution of the organization,
describe your organization and the role you want to fill,

If the application is approved, the applicant needs to:

return a signed contract,
provide information about the student he hires, including proof that they’re currently enrolled in a Co-operative Education program at a Nova Scotia university or college,
have his student sign a waiver to let the Nova Scotia's Department of Labor and Advanced Education use his information.

At the end of the program, the applicant needs to:

provide proof of the wages he paid the student—use the Payroll Record form and send a copy of the student’s Record of Employment,
complete a feedback survey,
have his student complete a feedback survey.

Other Things to Note:

Apply between 15 December 2022 and 16 January 2023 for the Summer 2023 co-op term.
Apply between 15 April and 15 May 2023 for the Fall 2023 co-op term.

Program Contact:

Co-operative Education Incentive

Coop_Education_Incentive_Book.pdf

Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI)

by Maurice | February 6, 2023

Amount:

$ 100,000.00

Type of Program:

Grants

Description:

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive provides funding for employers and industry associations for training full-time employees to improve productivity and innovation within the organization.

Comments on Funding:

Funding for small businesses in Nova Scotia with less than 50 employees is up to 100% of the first $10,000 of eligible direct training. Eligible costs over $10,000 can be funded up to 50%.

The minimum application amount is $5,000 in direct training costs. Small businesses can apply for up to $100,000 in a fiscal year.

For larger businesses (more than 50 employees), WIPSI provides up to 50% of direct training costs. The minimum application amount is $10,000 in direct training costs. Larger businesses can apply for up to $100,000 in a fiscal year.

For organizations, business associations and private sector unions the minimum application amount is $10,000 in direct training costs.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicants must be:

individual businesses, both for-profit and not-for profit,
an organization/association/sector councils/private sector unions on behalf of a group of businesses with enough interest from its membership to submit an application for a minimum of a $10,000 WIPSI contribution,
located in Nova Scotia,
registered and active in the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies or incorporated by an Act of the Nova Scotia Legislature,
over one calendar year into operations,
generating directly or representing businesses (e.g. Sector councils) that have at least thirty percent (30%) of revenues from commercial activity,
generating profit not solely from wholesale, retail, and accommodations and foodservices (e.g. businesses that manufacture and sell products).

The eligible staff must:

be currently employed full-time — and will continue to be paid while participating in training (full-time seasonal employees may be considered if being
paid full-time wages during training),
be of legal working age in the province,
live permanently in Nova Scotia.

Application Steps:

Applicant must register in the online Labor Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS),

Applicant must complete the application form and submit it electronically.

Documentation Needed:

Applicants must submit the application form and the following supporting documents:

annual sales/revenues;
annual training investments;
number of employees and total annual salaries paid.

Program Contact:

Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive

WIPSI-Guidelines.pdf

WIPSI-Application.pdf

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