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CBDC General Business Loan
Rural Atlantic Canada business loan
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Documents Needed
- Business plan.
- Financial statements for the last three years, if applicable.
- Monthly cash flow projections for the first two years.
- Personal income tax notices for the last three years, for sole proprietors.
- CVs for key managers and owners, if requested.
Official resources
Eligibility
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
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island
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
1
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.
2
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.
3
Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided by the CBDC accurately with all required details.
- Attach all supporting documents and evidence.
4
Submit Application
- Submit your completed application to the CBDC office.
- Ensure that submission is done before any applicable deadlines.
5
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC General Business Loan Program
What is the CBDC General Business Loan?
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.
How much funding can be received?
CBDC General Business Loan Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
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.
What expenses are eligible under CBDC General Business Loan?
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.
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.
Where is the CBDC General Business Loan available?
The CBDC General Business Loan program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the CBDC General Business Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CBDC General Business Loan is a Loans and Capital investments