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Pictou Regional Development Commission is a Regional Development Agency (RDA) established to facilitate effective cooperation between the various economic development partners in the region: business and government. The intent is to promote development of industrial and commercial activity in Pictou County as the basis of expanding the economic base and improving the economic wellbeing of County residents. This includes actions directed at retention, growth and development of the existing industrial base as well as efforts to attract industrial investments from outside the country.
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Municipal
Pictou Regional Development Commission (PRDC)
Pictou Regional Development Commission is a Regional Development Agency (RDA) established to facilitate effective cooperation between the various economic development partners in the region: business and government. The intent is to promote development of industrial and commercial activity in Pictou County as the basis of expanding the economic base and improving the economic wellbeing of County residents. This includes actions directed at retention, growth and development of the existing industrial base as well as efforts to attract industrial investments from outside the country.
The PRDC should be the first point of contact when considering setting up a business in Pictou County. The PRDC offers various services to new businesses, existing businesses or companies considering relocation to Pictou County. These include site selection assistance, information on demographics, licensing requirements, property taxes, local suppliers, import placement opportunities, etc. In addition, PRDC can guide your company through the many government programs and regulations. PRDC can also make the introductions to municipal, provincial or federal agencies and local business leaders.
Tel: (902) 752-6159
Fax: (902) 752-2722
E-mail: info@prdc.com
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Pictou County Chamber of Commerce (PCCC)
PCCC is organized to "promote and improve trade and commerce and the economic, civil and social welfare of the area it services." The primary role of PCCC is, on behalf of its members, to provide a common voice for the business community to lobby for changes to government rules and regulations which they perceive to be a detriment to doing business. Locally, the PCCC sponsors various training programs. They are exploring ways of increasing their activities on behalf of their membership and their involvement in the Pictou County community.
Tel: (902) 755-3463
Fax: (902) 755-2848
E-mail: pccc@pchg.net
Web Site: www.pictouchamber.com
Pictou County Tourist Association (PCTA)
An organization of tourist related businesses and individuals interested in further developing the tourist industry in Pictou County. The Association has recently completed a tourism development plan for the Pictou County area wherein the major thrust for the development of tourist related projects have been identified for the region over the next five to ten years.
Tel: (902) 755-5180
Fax: (902) 755-2848
Web Site: http://www.tourismpictoucounty.com/
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Provincial
Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development (NSED)
The Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development serves business and community through knowledge management and partnership development with federal, provincial and municipal governments and organizations that have a provincial or sectoral focus. Work is undertaken with businesses and communities through these relationships. Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) provides leadership on direct services to business. Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) work directly in serving communities.
Creating the right environment for business to flourish in the new economy is one of the strategic directions outlined in the province's growth strategy. To this end, Nova Scotia Economic Development focuses on development of public policy especially as it relates to promoting the best environment for businesses to start and expand in the digital economy.
The Nova Scotia Employment Program for Students will partner with not-for-profit organizations to create career-related summer jobs for post-secondary students. The jobs will be distributed across the province based on population and unemployment for each county.
Tel: 902-424-8920
Fax: 902-424-7008
Email: econ.comm@gov.ns.ca
Web Site: www.gov.ns.ca/econ
Nova Scotia Business Inc
Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) is a business-focused, private sector-led approach to growing the province’s economy. NSBI's four lines of business are business attraction, business retention and expansion, lending and finance and trade promotion.
Activities include providing and tailoring financial products and services to help Nova Scotian companies expand and to attract inward investment. Financial tools include loans, loan guarantees, payroll rebates and equity financing. Efforts include identifying effective financing options and responding more quickly to the demands of the market.
Tel: (902) 755-7040
Fax: (902) 755-4018
E-mail: lcoffin@gov.ns.ca
Web Site: www.novascotiabusiness.com
Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre (C/NSBSC)
Ordering information on major government programs is a telephone call away. The BSC is a one-stop information source for businesses, entrepreneurs and the citizens of the community as a whole. PRDC's Business Resource Library is a member of the Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre network.
FaxBack Service: one call to the toll-free or local number will send a catalogue of useful documents to your fax machine. Once you have the catalogue, ordering information on major government programs is as easy as dialing a telephone.
If the business service centre consultants are not able to provide you with your information requirements immediately, they will either research it on the spot or will put you in touch with the person who can best suit your needs.
The Business Service Centre is staffed with experts from a multitude of government departments, who are able to offer advice on government services, programs and regulations.
Tel: (902) 752-6159
Fax: (902) 755-2722
Web Site: www.wearepictoucounty.com or www.cbsc.org/ns
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Federal
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
The BDC is dedicated to helping create and develop Canadian small and medium-sized businesses. BDC provides specialized financial and management services.
BDC's focus is on responding effectively to today's needs and, in particular, to the needs of the knowledge-based businesses, exporters, growth-oriented companies and other emerging sectors that can have a significant impact on the Canadian economy.
BDC's range of "Just-in-Time Development Capital" complements products available from other institutions. Financing instruments include micro-business loans, term loans, Working Capital for Growth loans, Patient Capital loans, Venture loans and venture capital.
BDC's management services include a wide range of business counseling, training and mentoring services for new and expanding businesses, exporters, women, young entrepreneurs, Aboriginals and businesses seeking ISO registration.
BDC's services are made available across Canada through a broad network of 84 offices. For more information contact:
Tel: (902) 895-6377 collect
Fax: (902) 893-7957
Web Site: http://www.bdc.ca/
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
ACOA is a federal government regional development agency. ACOA, as part of the federal government's national Industry Portfolio, provides programs that contribute directly or indirectly to job creation and growth and to the improvement of the business environment in Atlantic Canada.
ACOA accomplishes this through the development of small and medium-sized businesses, through the promotion of trade, technology and innovation, as well as through programs that promote entrepreneurship, especially amongst our youth. Another important ACOA priority is working with communities to develop communities in rural Nova Scotia.
ACOA's main business financing vehicle is the Business Development Program (BDP). It is designed to help you set up, expand or modernize your business. The program offers access to capital in the form of unsecured, interest-free loans. The maximum level of assistance under the BDP is 50% for start-ups, expansions, modernizations and related costs such as equipment, leasehold improvements, working capital, and construction; and 75% for operating costs such as studies, marketing, training and quality assurance.
Tel: (902) 755-3746
Fax: (902) 755-2722
Toll Free: 1-800-565-1228
Web Site: http://www.acoa.ca/
Northern Opportunities for Business Ltd. (NOBL)
NOBL is a government sponsored business development corporation which provides financial assistance and business counseling to people interested in getting into business, expanding or modernizing their current business.
NOBL administers financing programs which can provide financial participation, up to a maximum of $125,000 to any given business or network of businesses.
NOBL also delivers the Self-Employment Benefits and the Visible Minorities Income Support Programs. These programs provide personal income support to various target groups during the start-up phase of their enterprise.
Tel: (902) 752-7402
Fax: (902) 752-8856
E-mail: admin@nobl.cbdc.ca
Web Site: http://www.nobl.cbdc.ca
Canada Small Business Financing Program
The Canada Small Business Financing program is a national program operating in all
provinces and territories. Under the Canada Small Business Financing program, financial institutions make term loans of up to $250,000 to small businesses to purchase land, buildings, or equipment, or to improve buildings or equipment. The Government of
Canada underwrites 85% of the net losses incurred in the event of loan default.
Tel: (613) 954-5540
Fax: (613) 952-0290
Web Site: www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/csbfa
Other federal, provincial and municipal departments or agencies are also involved in
economic development in Pictou County such as the Pictou District Planning Commission, tourism, agriculture, fishing, forestry, etc but their involvement is either sector oriented or
they have a broad mandate such as the Canada Employment Centre, for example, and
cannot be addressed in a summary presentation such as this. Please feel free to contact Pictou Regional Development Commission for any requests.
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Research & Development Faculties
Nova Scotia has an array of Research & Development facilities giving the province
the foremost concentration of research scientists in Canada. The high concentration
of scientists and research facilities in Nova Scotia has led to an effective and collegial
network of personnel and infrastructure. The core of the province's research and development network is formed by the following vital institutions:
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography
- Defense Research Establishment
- National Research Council Regional Laboratory, Halifax
- Nova Scotia Research Foundation Corporation, Dartmouth
- Dalhousie University/Dal Tech Halifax
National Research Council Regional Library
Established in 1952 to perform research important to industry in Canada and the Atlantic provinces. The Laboratory's Industrial Liaison Office works with industry to help transfer technology and assists companies in gaining access to the Canada-wide network of National Research Council (NRC) networkers.
Nova Scotia Research Foundation Corporation
Established by the Nova Scotia government in 1946 to assist in the economic development of Nova Scotia by promoting, stimulating and encouraging the effective use of science and technology by both industry and government.
The Foundations' function can be divided into two parts: assisting industry in the solution of technical problems, and developing new products/processes in response to foreseen opportunities. These two missions are supported by an Applied Science Division, Industry Services and a Product Development Division.
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