CBDC General Business Loan

Q: How much funding can be received?

CBDC General Business Loan Funds up to 150000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the CBDC General Business Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CBDC General Business Loan is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC General Business Loan?

CBDC General Business Loan is funded by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

Q: Who is eligible for the CBDC General Business Loan program?

To be eligible for the CBDC General Business Loan program, you must: • Businesses or entrepreneurs purchasing a new or existing company in rural Atlantic Canada. • Existing businesses seeking expansion or requiring working capital. • Both year-round and seasonal businesses are eligible.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC General Business Loan?

You can contact Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) or by phone at 1-888-303-2232.

Q: Where is the CBDC General Business Loan available?

The CBDC General Business Loan program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are startups eligible for the CBDC General Business Loan program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the CBDC General Business Loan program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Rural Atlantic Canada business loan

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $150,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get a business loan of up to $150,000 to buy or expand a business, develop new markets or purchase equipment in rural Atlantic Canada.

Financing terms and conditions

The CBDC General Business Loan offers versatile financial options for businesses seeking to invest, expand, or restructure within Atlantic Canada. These modalities are designed to provide financial flexibility while ensuring secured and structured repayment terms.

Loans available up to $150,000, with potential extensions beyond this amount in specific cases.
Options include demand or term loans.
Financing may also consist of a loan guarantee or an equity investment.
Repayment terms range from one to ten years.
All loans are repayable with competitive interest rates.

Activities funded

The CBDC General Business Loan supports various business activities aimed at growth and improvement in Atlantic Canada. Eligible projects focus on equipment procurement, business expansion, and securing necessary working capital.

Purchase of new or existing businesses in rural Atlantic Canada.
Expansion initiatives for existing businesses.
Acquisition of working capital for business operations.
Investment in fixed assets such as machinery and equipment.
Developing land and buildings for business use.
Procurement of fixtures and furniture necessary for business activities.
Purchase of business-use vehicles.
Funding franchise purchases and leasehold improvements.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 140,000

Opening a chain fitness studio, with a focus on community wellness

$ 150,000

Starting a seasonal seafood restaurant in downtown St John’s focusing on locally sourced ingredients

$ 120,000

Opening a boutique hotel in rural Halifax, focusing on eco-friendly tourism

$ 100,000

Expanding an artisanal cheese factory, focusing on new product lines

$ 150,000

Purchasing a franchise of a well-known coffee chain

$ 130,000

Expanding an organic farm and market for local produce

Eligibility

The CBDC General Business Loan eligibility is based on specific criteria related to the applicant and the business context.

Entrepreneurs or businesses must be purchasing a new or existing company in rural Atlantic Canada.
The business should be in the process of expanding an existing operation.
An existing company must be in need of working capital.
Both year-round and seasonal businesses are eligible.
Eligible business expenses include start-up costs, land and buildings, fixed assets, machinery and other equipment, fixtures, and furniture. Business-use vehicles may also qualify.
Franchise purchases and leasehold improvements are eligible.
Potential borrowers must demonstrate a legitimate chance of economic viability and contribute to employment creation or maintenance without negatively impacting existing area businesses.

Who is eligible?

Entrepreneurs or businesses in rural Atlantic Canada seeking to purchase a new or existing company, expand their current business, or requiring working capital are eligible for the CBDC General Business Loan. Both seasonal and year-round businesses can apply, and the loan covers expenses such as startup costs, land and buildings, fixed assets, machinery, equipment, fixtures, furniture, vehicles for business use, franchise purchases, and leasehold improvements. Candidates must demonstrate potential economic viability and contribute to employment creation or maintenance without negatively impacting existing businesses in the area.

Who is not eligible

There are certain types of companies that may not be eligible for the CBDC General Business Loan:

Companies outside of rural Atlantic Canada
Companies not involved in economic development or job creation
Businesses that may negatively impact existing area businesses

Eligible expenses

This grant offers financial support to a diverse range of business activities aimed at purchasing, expanding, or improving companies in rural Atlantic Canada. The focus is on enabling entrepreneurs to enhance their operational capacity and explore new market opportunities while ensuring economic viability.

Purchase of new or existing companies.
Expansion of existing businesses.
Provision of working capital for existing companies.
Purchase of fixed assets, machinery, and other equipment needed for business operations.
Investment in land, buildings, and leasehold improvements.
Procurement of vehicles strictly for business use.
Franchise purchases.

Eligible geographic areas

This loan program is specifically available to companies located in rural Atlantic Canada. The eligible locations emphasize support for regional business development in those areas.

Entrepreneurs or businesses in rural Atlantic Canada.

Selection criteria

The evaluation and selection criteria for the CBDC General Business Loan include:

Entrepreneurs or businesses purchasing a new or existing company in rural Atlantic Canada
Expanding an existing business
An existing company in need of working capital
Both year-round and seasonal businesses are eligible
Legitimate chance of economic viability
Employment creation and/or maintenance without negatively impacting existing area businesses

How to apply

Contact Local CBDC Office

Reach out to your nearest Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) office.
Discuss your business needs and obtain guidance on the application process specific to your region.

Prepare Documentation

Gather all necessary business documents, including financial statements, business plans, and evidence of economic viability.
Ensure that you have detailed project plans and objectives.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form provided by the CBDC accurately with all required details.
Attach all supporting documents and evidence.

Submit Application

Submit your completed application to the CBDC office.
Ensure that submission is done before any applicable deadlines.

Await Review and Response

Wait for feedback from the CBDC regarding the status of your application.
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the CBDC during the review process.

Additional information

Here is additional relevant detail for the CBDC General Business Loan:

Loans can include different financial structures such as demand or term loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments.
The loan security options and terms can vary between one to ten years, providing flexibility based on business needs.
While typically loans cap at $150,000, financial assistance exceeding this amount may be available under certain circumstances.
Loan availability and terms may differ by region, and applicants are encouraged to consult their local CBDC office for specific details.
The application must demonstrate a potential for economic viability and should aim to create or maintain employment without adversely affecting existing area businesses.

Contacts

1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC General Business Loan Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBDC General Business Loan. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.