Atlantic Canada Business Grants

Property Construction or Improvement

Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program

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Amount:

$3,000,000

Type of Program:

Loan Guarantee

Description:

The Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program supports the development of the province's independent fish harvesting industry by providing a government guarantee on loans through local chartered banks for the construction or purchase of marine vessels and/or to purchase new engines and fishing equipment for the improvement, rebuilding or alteration of existing vessels. Loans may also be approved to refinance loans previously obtained from fish processors for fixed asset costs.

Comments on Funding:

The program offers loan guarantees for combining of enterprises up to $3 million; vessel-related items up to $2 million, and license acquisitions up to $1,5 million.
The Provincial Government’s guarantee can provide up to 100% of an outstanding loan.
Guaranteed loans are offered at the financial institution prime rate, as negotiated between the harvester and the lender, to a maximum of prime plus 2% or 2.5%, depending on the term of the loan.
10-15% down payment and adequate security are required. 

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling deadline

Eligibility:

The applicant must:

  • be entities, individuals or groups,
  • be a Canadian citizen/entity and a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador,
  • harvesters must be registered full time as certified by the Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board and eligible to hold a commercial fishing license,
  • have a favorable credit record and demonstrate commercial viability, including the ability to repay the loan.

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must apply directly to the financial institution, which in turn will request the guarantee from the Provincial Government.

Documentation Needed:

Applicants must submit: 

  1. 1
    the Fisheries Loan Guarantee Application Form;
  2. 2
    previous and current years income and expense statements (income tax returns are acceptable);
  3. 3
    two years forecast of revenues and expenses;
  4. 4
    details of historical and forecast revenues according to: species, volumes and price; and
  5. 5
    a recent balance sheet detailing the businesses assets and liabilities, if incorporated.

Program Contact:

Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program

Fisheries Loan Guarantee Application

fisheries_loan_insert.pdf

Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program

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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

Fixed Farm Mortgage

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Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

The Fixed Farm Mortgage is a fixed rate interest loan for Nova Scotia farmers which can be used for purchasing an operational farm or additional farm land, for construction of farm buildings for livestock housing or other construction projects such as: greenhouse facilities, milking parlors, silos, manure systems, land clearing, or drainage. 

Comments on Funding:

The applicant will pay a fixed rate interest and other fees, if applicable.
Repayment can be amortized over any period from 1-30 years and the repayment schedule can also be tailored to fit the cash flow of a farm.

The Farm Mortgage is typically secured by real property, livestock, quota, equipment and applicable guarantees.
Creditors Life Insurance is available for the full amount of the loan.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicant must be:

  • existing producer
  • new prospective farmers

Application Steps:

Applicant must:

1

Applicants must complete the application form on their own, or call for a loan officer to assist or review it with them.

2

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Documentation Needed: 

Applicant must:

  1. 1
    a completed application form;
  2. 2
    a full Business Plan;
  3. 3
    Cheque for Service Fee – Required for New Clients to the Board or Repeat Applications;
  4. 4
    a summary of their education, training, work and farm experience, and a description of your current farm program and marketing program, if New Clients to Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board;
  5. 5
    Void Cheque and EFT form to authorize payments by Pre-Authorized Debit (page 5 of Loan Application);
  6. 6
    Completed Group Life Insurance Application Form for at least one applicant (contact your local office for application forms), or written confirmation of Life Insurance through a private policy assigned to the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board.
  7. 7
    Quota Information Declaration Form if applicable.
  8. 8
    Specific information for each business type, as following:
  • Sole Proprietor: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Joint Tenants (Spouses): Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Partnership: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements. AND Signed Copy of a Legal Partnership Agreement.
  • Incorporated Business: 
  • Last 3 years, accountant prepared business financial statements,
  • Copy of Company’s Borrowing Resolution Certified by the Registry of Joint Stocks,
  • Copy of Signed Shareholders Agreement,
  • Completed Company Shareholder Information Summary Form.

Additional documentation in case of Property Purchase:

  1. 1
    Signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale;
  2. 2
    Quota Exchange Results (Dairy Quota);
  3. 3
    Authorization for transfer of quota;
  4. 4
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable, at time of closing.

Additional documentation in case of Construction / Development:

  1. 1
    At the application stage: 
  • Itemized Costs and
  • Plans / Drawings. 
  1. 2
    Prior to disbursement of funds:
  • Evidence of costs (invoices or receipts),
  • Copy of Building permit,
  • Location Certificate.
  1. 3
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable.

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Other Things to Note:

No other details available.

Program Contact:

Fixed Farm Mortgage | Lending Products | Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board

How to Apply | Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board

Term Farm Mortgage

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Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

The Term Farm Mortgage is a loan for Nova Scotia farmers which can be used for purchasing an operational farm or additional farm land, for construction of farm buildings for livestock housing or other construction projects such as: greenhouse facilities, milking parlors, silos, manure systems, land clearing, or drainage. 

Comments on Funding:

The applicant will pay interest and other fees, if applicable.
The Term Farm Mortgage can be accessed with three term rate options of 3, 5 and 10 years.

Repayment can be amortized over any period from 1-30 years and the repayment schedule can also be tailored to fit the cash flow of a farm.
It is typically secured by real property, livestock, quota, equipment and applicable guarantees.

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling Deadline

Eligibility:

Applicant must be:

  • existing producers,
  • new prospective farmers.

Application Steps:

Applicant must:

1

Applicants must complete the application form on their own, or call for a loan officer to assist or review it with them.

2

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Documentation Needed: 

Applicants must submit:

  1. 1
    a completed application form;
  2. 2
    a full Business Plan;
  3. 3
    Cheque for Service Fee – Required for New Clients to the Board or Repeat Applications;
  4. 4
    a summary of their education, training, work and farm experience, and a description of your current farm program and marketing program, if New Clients to Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board;
  5. 5
    Void Cheque and EFT form to authorize payments by Pre-Authorized Debit (page 5 of Loan Application);
  6. 6
    Completed Group Life Insurance Application Form for at least one applicant (contact your local office for application forms), or written confirmation of Life Insurance through a private policy assigned to the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board.
  7. 7
    Quota Information Declaration Form if applicable.
  8. 8
    Specific information for each business type, as following:
  • Sole Proprietor: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Joint Tenants (Spouses): Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Partnership: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements. AND Signed Copy of a Legal Partnership Agreement.
  • Incorporated Business: 
  • Last 3 years, accountant prepared business financial statements,
  • Copy of Company’s Borrowing Resolution Certified by the Registry of Joint Stocks,
  • Copy of Signed Shareholders Agreement,
  • Completed Company Shareholder Information Summary Form.

Additional documentation in case of Property Purchase:

  1. 1
    Signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale;
  2. 2
    Quota Exchange Results (Dairy Quota);
  3. 3
    Authorization for transfer of quota;
  4. 4
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable, at time of closing.

Additional documentation in case of Construction / Development:

  1. 1
    At the application stage: 
  • Itemized Costs and
  • Plans / Drawings. 
  1. 2
    Prior to disbursement of funds:
  • Evidence of costs (invoices or receipts),
  • Copy of Building permit,
  • Location Certificate. 
  1. 3
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable.

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Other Things to Note:

No other details available.

Program Contact:

Term Farm Mortgage | Lending Products | Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board

How to Apply | Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board

Wild blueberry Business Enhancement Loans

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Amount:

No Fixed Amount

Type of Program:

Loan

Description:

The Wild Blueberry Business Enhancement program aims to increase wild blueberry production in Nova Scotia through efficiencies and land expansion by providing lending options for equipment, purchase and improvement of existing land, and new site development.

Comments on Funding:

The applicant will pay interest and other fees, if applicable.  

When It Ends:

Ongoing

Deadline:

Rolling deadline

Eligibility:

Applicant must:

  • be actively farming in Nova Scotia,
  • be registered with the Wild Blueberry Producers Association of Nova Scotia,
  • provide proposed expansion plan or project detail.

Application Steps:

1

Applicants must complete the application form on their own, or call for a loan officer to assist or review it with them.

2

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Documentation Needed: 

Applicants must submit:

  1. 1
    a completed application form;
  2. 2
    a full Business Plan;
  3. 3
    Cheque for Service Fee – Required for New Clients to the Board or Repeat Applications;
  4. 4a summary of their education, training, work and farm experience, and a description of your current farm program and marketing program, if New Clients to Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board;
  5. 5
    Void Cheque and EFT form to authorize payments by Pre-Authorized Debit (page 5 of Loan Application);
  6. 6
    Completed Group Life Insurance Application Form for at least one applicant (contact your local office for application forms), or written confirmation of Life Insurance through a private policy assigned to the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board.
  7. 7
    Quota Information Declaration Form if applicable.
  8. 8
    Specific information for each business type, as following:
  • Sole Proprietor: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Joint Tenants (Spouses): Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements.
  • Partnership: Last 3 years Income Tax Return & Statement of Net Worth for each individual and/or 3 years’ financial statements. AND Signed Copy of a Legal Partnership Agreement.
  • Incorporated Business
  • Last 3 years, accountant prepared business financial statements,
  • Copy of Company’s Borrowing Resolution Certified by the Registry of Joint Stocks,
  • Copy of Signed Shareholders Agreement,
  • Completed Company Shareholder Information Summary Form.
  1. 9
    A copy of your Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency;
  2. 10
    Copy of two pieces of current government photo ID (birth certificate, driver’s license, etc.).

Additional documentation in case of Equipment Purchase:

  1. 1
    Copy of Bill of Sale / Sales Contract;
  2. 2
    Details (Make, Model, Year etc.) and Serial Numbers of Equipment to be Purchased.

Additional documentation in case of Property Purchase:

  1. 1
    Signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale;
  2. 2
    Quota Exchange Results (Dairy Quota);
  3. 3
    Authorization for transfer of quota;
  4. 4
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable, at time of closing.

Additional documentation in case of Construction / Development:

  1. 1
    At the application stage: 
  • Itemized Costs and
  • Plans / Drawings. 
  1. 2
    Prior to disbursement of funds:
  • Evidence of costs (invoices or receipts),
  • Copy of Building permit,
  • Location Certificate.
  1. 3
    Written confirmation of Property Insurance coverage with the NSFLB as the named loss payable.

Applications are processed on the basis of a security appraisal, an assessment of the farming program and a review of the completed application form.

Other Things to Note:

No other details available.

Program Contact:

Wild Blueberry Business Enhancement Loan

How to Apply