We realize it can be difficult to find a list of organizations dedicated to helping businesses through the community. Here is a list of several in the Truro/Colchester Region and around Nova Scotia who have resources (whether it be lending power, advice, information, etc.) that can help existing and future entrepreneurs get what they need to start and grow their business. If there is something specific that you are looking for that you can’t find here, please get in touch using the contact us page. If you are looking for a specific product or service for your business (i.e. website design, accounting services, etc.) try our membership directory by clicking here.
Agritech Park
Agritech Park is strongly influenced by one of the most research intensive universities in the country – the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. With a mandate for AgriScience and BioTech excellence, Agritech could be the park for your business to bloom and grow. For more information, click here.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACoA)
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. For more information, click here.
Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC)
The Atlantic Provinces Chambers of Commerce (APCC), formerly the Maritime Board of Trade, was formed in 1896. It has been championing the cause of business in Atlantic Canada for more than a century, and continues to promote and support business and economic development in Atlantic Canada. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is a long-time member of APCC. For more information, please click here.
BizPal
BizPaL helps you find the permits and licences you may require when starting or operating your business. Use Step-by-Step instructions when you’re looking for permits and licences for a particular business type and its related activities or topics. For more information, click here.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC promotes entrepreneurship by providing highly tailored financing, venture capital and consulting services to entrepreneurs. It focuses on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in sectors such as manufacturing, exporting, innovation and knowledge-based industries. It pays particular attention to start-ups, innovators, fast growth companies, manufacturers and exporters. It also focuses on entrepreneurs who are working to commercialize the fruits of Research and Development to create innovative products and globally successful companies. For more information, click here or call 1-888-463-6232
Canada Business Nova Scotia
Bilingual staff can help you navigate the worlds of government programs and services, regulations and permits, taxation, importing and exporting, market research and much more. You can also access over 2000 business-related publications and valuable licensed databases. For more information, please click here.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As Canada’s largest and most influential business association, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the primary and vital connection between business and the federal government. It continually demonstrates impact on public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada. The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is a long-time member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please click here.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
Are you an aspiring young entrepreneur, aged 18 to 39, with a solid business idea? Are you looking for the financial support and expert advice that will help you bring your great business idea to life? The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) can help. For more information, please click here.
Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development (CEED)
CEED works with individuals to harness the power of entrepreneurial thinking, and learn the skills of the entrepreneur, in order to make lasting change in their lives, families and communities. It introduces people to entrepreneurship as a way of life and empowers them with the structure and resources they need to take responsibility for their journey. For more information, click here.
Centre for Women in Business
The Centre is a university-based business development centre dedicated to offering practical, results-oriented programs and services for women entrepreneurs across mainland Nova Scotia. Business management training, trade missions, one-to-one business advice, networking and a membership program are among the opportunities the Centre offers to develop and support women-owned enterprises. For more information, click here.
County of Colchester
Colchester is nestled at the head of the world famous Bay of Fundy and is strategically located at the junction of Highway 102 and the Trans-Canada Highway. The Municipality is home to many long established communities including Bible Hill, Old Barns, Brookfield, Upper Stewiacke, Salmon River, Valley, Tatamagouche, North River, Debert and Great Village. For more information, please click here.
Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC)
In Nova Scotia, there are 13 CBDCs offering financial, training and advisory services to entrepreneurs. The CBDCs work collectively through the Nova Scotia Association of CBDCs, an umbrella organization that supports the common needs of the CBDCs. CBDCs share best practices promote entrepreneurship and deliver provincial initiatives such as Students in Business and the Youth Internship Program. For more Information, click here or call 1-888-303-2232.
Downtown Truro Partnership
With over 300 professional, service and retail members represented in the Urban Regional Core, the Downtown Truro Partnership works towards the revitalization of this vibrant business and cultural community. The Downtown Truro Partnership is the marketing and promotions coordinator for the Downtown and coordinates many of the popular events that have become traditional favorites in Downtown Truro, such as the Canada Day fireworks display which attracts approximately 15,000 people, The Santa Claus parade which attracts approximately 16,000 people over a 1.5 kilometer route through the downtown and other activities. For more information, click here.
Nova Scotia Department of Business
. For more information, please click here.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Canada’s export credit agency, its job is to support and develop Canada’s export trade by helping Canadian companies respond to international business opportunities. EDC provides insurance and financial services, bonding products and small business solutions to Canadian exporters and investors and their international buyers. It also supports Canadian direct investment abroad and investment into Canada. Much of its business is done in partnership with other financial institutions and through collaboration with the government of Canada. For more information, click here.
Industry Canada
Industry Canada works with Canadians in all areas of the economy and in all parts of the country to improve conditions for investment, enhance Canada’s innovation performance, increase Canada’s share of global trade and build a fair, efficient and competitive marketplace. This includes managing Canada’s airwaves and overseeing its bankruptcy, incorporation, intellectual property and measurement systems; providing financing and industry research tools to help businesses develop, import and export; encouraging scientific research; and protecting and promoting the interests of Canadian consumers. For more information, please click here.
Innovacorp
Innovacorp helps high potential early-stage Nova Scotia companies commercialize their technologies and succeed in the global marketplace with financial investments. The organization is especially interested in the clean technology, information technology and life sciences industries. Innovacorp is an early-stage venture capital firm. For more information, click here.
Junior Achievement Nova Scotia
Junior Achievement was formed in 1919 and established its first presence in Nova Scotia in 1969. Its mandate is to provide youth across the province with opportunities to learn about business and entrepreneurship. Volunteers from the business community deliver the programs through a variety of classroom activities, discussions, and exercises that simulate real world business practices. For more information, click here.
Labour and Advanced Education (Department of the Nova Scotia Government)
The department of Labour and Advanced Education is responsible for delivering effective and efficient regulatory management for the protection of the health and safety of Nova Scotians. We have a staff of more than 400 employees working from offices throughout Nova Scotia. Many of the department’s resources support inspections and monitoring activities. The items we are responsible for include workplace safety, fire safety, alcohol and gaming, pensions, apprenticeship, adult education, and many other facets of everyday life. For more information, please click here.
Millbrook First Nation
The Millbrook First Nation, located adjacent to the Town of Truro, has become a model community for other First Nations across the country. The Millbrook Band has been working progressively to increase economic development in the community and in the early 2000s opened the Truro Power Centre, a business park adjacent to Highway 102. For more information, please click here.
Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI)
NSBI promotes the competitive advantages of doing business in Nova Scotia through our four business units: trade development, business financing, venture capital and investment attraction. It was created in 2001 as Nova Scotia’s business development agency led by a private-sector board of directors. To learn more about NSBI, click here.
Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity
https://www.tcpep.ca/our-business-supporters
Town of Stewiacke
Stewiacke (2011 population: 1,438) is a town located in southern Colchester County. The town was incorporated on August 30, 1906. For more information, click here.
Town of Truro
The Town of Truro is a community of approximately 12,500 people located in central Nova Scotia. Truro is known as the “Hub of Nova Scotia”, because of its geographical position and historical significance. In the mid-19th century Truro had become a manufacturing centre and – thanks in large part to the railroad facilities – a natural distribution centre for the province; thereby earning the Town of Truro the nickname “Hubtown.” For more information, please click here.
Truro Power Centre
The Truro Power Centre encompasses acres of premium fully serviced and easily accessible commercial land on the most traveled stretch of highway outside metropolitan Halifax. Since development began in 2000 the initial 46 acres of the Truro Power Centre have been crafted into a hub for retail, recreational and leisure focused businesses. For more information, please click here.
Village of Bible Hill
The Village of Bible Hill is located across the Salmon River from the Town of Truro in Colchester County. The Village was incorporated in 1953 and today, with a population of over 5,000, Bible Hill is a vibrant, primarily residential community. For more information, click here.
The Village of Tatamagouche
Tatamagouche is situated on the Northumberland Strait 50 kilometers north of Truro. Tatamagouche derives its name from the native Mi’kmaq term Takumegooch, roughly translated as ‘meeting of the waters.’ For more information, click here.
