There are a number of great reasons to do business in Antigonish. The area features very high education levels and higher incomes compared to provincial averages. Businesses here benefit from the large market area and availability of quality human resources. Economic stability is provided by the educational and health services.
Helpful Resources
Access Nova Scotia - Access Nova Scotia is a provincial government initiative through Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations designed to improve access to government information, programs and services. Access Centres provide information on provincial permits, approvals and licenses for businesses.
Antigonish Chamber of Commerce - The Antigonish Chamber of Commerce actively develops and lobbies business policy positions and organizes special events that provide members with networking opportunities and education.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) - ACOA provides financial assistance to businesses in manufacturing and processing, tourism, aquaculture, innovation and technology as well as non-commercial services which are not personal in nature. an ACOA office is located in the Town of Antigonish at 219 Main St., Suite 201
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.
IGNITE Atlantic - IGNITE Atlantic is a rural innovation hub dedicated to sparking change in rural communities throughout Nova Scotia with offices in Yarmouth and New Glasgow. They focus on helping early-stage companies get off the ground and are committed to fostering a culture of innovation. By bringing together youth, communities, startups, and industries they aim to explore and implement solutions that create opportunities across the province.
Innovacorp - Established in 1995 and based in Halifax, Innovacorp is Nova Scotia's early stage venture capital organization. Target industries include information technology, clean technology, life sciences and ocean technology,
Northern Opportunities for Business Limited (NOBL) - NOBL is a flexible term loan program for small and medium-sized businesses, offering up to $125,000 in financing for business start-ups, expansions and other business purposes. They also provide equity loans for young entrepreneurs and administer the Self Employment Benefit (SEB) program.
Nova Scotia Business Inc. - private-sector led business development agency of Nova Scotia, Canada. We attract global investment to create new jobs across the province and work with companies in all communities to be more successful exporters. Our clients benefit from our business advisory services, skill development and training, and support as they access global markets and succeed in the global economy
Nova Scotia Department of Business - The Department of Business is a new, lean central agency focused on creating the right conditions for the private sector to grow the economy and create jobs
StFX Enterprise Development Centre - The Enterprise Development Centre is one of five University Business Development Centres in the province. Its mandate is to promote entrepreneurial development in Antigonish, Pictou, and Guysborough Counties. They provide support to new entrepreneurs and existing business owners. This is achieved through individual counseling sessions and the Ideas and Entrepreneurship course. They are also able to match entrepreneurs with the resources of the community.
Helpful Links
Consumer Affairs - How to Get a Business Loan - an article published by Consumer Affairs that provides a step-by-step overview of applying for a business loan. There's even a section that breaks down common terms that are used in the process. This article was developed to help new entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to apply for a business loan, how to determine what will work best for them.
