Open
CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project
Loans and support for immigrant entrepreneurs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Loans of up to $20,000 are available for temporary residents aged 19 and over who want to start a registered business in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The program also offers training, advisory and consulting services for seasonal, part-time, and most-sector businesses.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
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
- Newcomers to Canada
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a registered business.
- Launching a seasonal or part-time business.
- Accessing training, advisory, and consulting services.
Documents Needed
- Application form
- Business plan workbook
- Financial statement template
- Resume
- Photo identification
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Temporary residents aged 19 and over.
- Entrepreneurs starting a registered business.
Eligible geographic areas
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The summary of the criteria is as follows:
- Applicant must be a temporary resident aged 19 years and older
- Applicant must wish to start a registered business in the designated area
- Access to training, advisory, and consulting services
- Seasonal and part-time businesses are acceptable
- Most sectors are eligible
- Fixed interest will be charged at prime rate plus 3%
How to apply
1
Download Application Materials
Access the Application Form, Business Plan Workbook, and Financial Statement Template available on the website.
2
Prepare Required Documents
- Fill out the Application Form with accurate and detailed information.
- Develop a comprehensive Business Plan using the provided workbook.
- Complete the Financial Statement Template with current financial information.
3
Review and Finalize Application
- Ensure all information across the documents is consistent and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy.
- Make sure all documents are complete and all sections are filled out as required.
4
Submit Application
Send the completed application and supporting documents via email to patricia.macneil@cbdc.ca.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project Program
What is the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project?
Loans of up to $20,000 are available for temporary residents aged 19 and over who want to start a registered business in Cape Breton Regional Municipality. The program also offers training, advisory and consulting services for seasonal, part-time, and most-sector businesses.
How much funding can be received?
CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project program?
To be eligible for the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project program, you must:
Temporary residents aged 19+
Registered business in Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Seasonal or part-time businesses accepted
What expenses are eligible under CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project?
Starting a registered business.
Launching a seasonal or part-time business.
Accessing training, advisory, and consulting services.
Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project?
You can contact Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC) by email at patricia.macneil@cbdc.ca or by phone at 1-888-303-2232.
Where is the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project available?
The CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CBDC Immigrant Loan program — Pilot Project is a Expert Advice