
CBDC Innovation Loan
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Loan for technology improvements
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Get a loan of up to $150,000 to increase your business productivity with the introduction of new technology.
Financing terms and conditions
The CBDC Innovation Loan provides diverse financing options to support technological advancements in rural Atlantic Canada. These modalities aim to assist businesses in acquiring new technologies and supporting business growth.
- Up to $150,000 available per qualified borrower, with potential for additional financing in certain circumstances.
- Funding is available in the form of term loans, demand loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments.
- Loans cover costs such as acquisition of equipment, software, processes, or licenses related to new technology.
- Expenses for infrastructure changes, installations, and maintenance related to new technologies are included.
- Covers training expenses for employees on using the new technology adopted.
Activities funded
The CBDC Innovation Loan is designed to enhance business productivity and effectiveness through the adoption of new technologies. The eligible projects primarily focus on acquiring and implementing technology, alongside employee training to ensure successful utilization of innovations.
- Acquisition of new equipment, software, processes, or licenses.
- Installation and maintenance expenses related to the implementation of new technology.
- Training employees in the application and use of new technology.
- Development or modification of products and services to integrate new technologies.
- Repurposing existing methods for novel commercial applications.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 100,000
Install a security system with advanced AI monitoring to protect our premises
$ 150,000
Upgrade physical servers to a scalable cloud infrastructure for enhanced data management
$ 80,000
Integrate an AI-driven customer support system in the company's existing operations
$ 140,000
Adopt blockchain technology for secure and transparent supply chain management
$ 60,000
Implement a cloud-based HR management system to streamline employee onboarding
$ 145,000
Upgrade to energy-efficient machinery to improve production speed and reduce costs
Eligibility
Eligibility for this loan is determined by specific requirements related to the business's location and operational characteristics.
- The business and the borrower must be located in rural areas of Atlantic Canada.
- Applicants can be either new or existing entrepreneurs.
- Both year-round and seasonal businesses are eligible.
- The business should demonstrate realistic prospects of economic viability.
- Employment creation and/or maintenance in the community is a key factor.
- Applications are evaluated based on revenue potential and the borrower's commitment to the project.
Who is eligible?
The CBDC Innovation Loan is available to businesses in rural areas of Atlantic Canada that demonstrate potential for economic viability and commitment to innovation.
Eligible expenses
The CBDC Innovation Loan aims to bolster business productivity and effectiveness through the adoption of new technologies in rural Atlantic Canada. The eligible activities for this grant focus on acquiring and implementing technology that enhances business operations.
- Acquisition of new equipment, software, processes, or licenses that constitute new technology.
- Infrastructure changes or installation to support the application of new technology.
- Maintenance costs associated with the implementation and use of new technology.
- Training employees in the application and use of new technology.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is specifically targeted towards supporting rural-based businesses located in Atlantic Canada. Eligible geographical areas align with the focus on enhancing the technology and productivity of these regions.
- Atlantic Canada rural areas.
Selection criteria
The CBDC Innovation Loan has specific evaluation and selection criteria that must be met by applicants to qualify for the funding. These criteria include the location of the business, its economic viability, revenue potential, and the applicant's commitment to the project.
- Available to new and existing entrepreneurs
- Business and borrower must be located in rural areas
- Year-round and seasonal businesses are acceptable
- Realistic prospects of economic viability
- Employment creation and/or maintenance in the community
- Revenue potential
- Borrower's commitment and dedication to the project
How to apply
1
Contact a CBDC Office
- Identify and reach out to your local CBDC office to discuss your project and funding needs.
- Gather information about the specific application process and any region-specific requirements.
2
Eligibility Check
Verify your eligibility based on the location, nature, and viability of your business project.
3
Prepare Documentation
- Prepare a comprehensive business plan that includes project details, financials, and potential impact on the community.
- Compile any additional documents required by the CBDC, such as financial statements or evidence of the business's economic viability.
4
Submit Application
- Complete the formal application form provided by the CBDC.
- Submit the application along with all supporting documents to your local CBDC office.
5
Follow-up
Stay in contact with the CBDC office for any updates or additional information requests regarding your application.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for the CBDC Innovation Loan:
- Loans are available as term loans, demand loans, loan guarantees, or equity investments.
- Financial support may exceed $150,000 in specific cases based on CBDC discretion.
- After approval, CBDC may assist in employee training related to new technology adoption.
- Programs and services related to loans may vary by region in Atlantic Canada.
Contacts
1-888-303-2232
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Innovation Loan Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBDC Innovation 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.
What is the CBDC Innovation Loan?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the CBDC Innovation Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC Innovation Loan?
Who is eligible for the CBDC Innovation Loan program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC Innovation Loan?
Where is the CBDC Innovation Loan available?
Are startups eligible for the CBDC Innovation Loan program?

Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Innovative Communities Fund
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Funding for economic growth projects in rural Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund
Efficiency Nova ScotiaSupports energy efficiency and innovation in Nova Scotia fisheries
Nova Scotia, Canada

Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Invest Nova Scotia — Payroll Rebate
Government of Nova ScotiaPayroll rebate for Nova Scotia companies
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Invest Nova Scotia — Acceleration Initiatives
Government of Nova ScotiaMoney and advice for Nova Scotia innovators
Nova Scotia, Canada

Tax CreditsClosed
Nova Scotia Research and Development Tax Credit
Government of Nova ScotiaTax credit for R&D in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund
Perennia Food and Agriculture CorporationSupports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
Government of Nova ScotiaSupplement for Nova Scotia employer training
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingClosed
Youth Climate Action Fund
Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact Fund (HCi3)Empowering youth to innovate for climate change solutions
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia Seafood Innovation and Technology Adoption Program (NS-ITAP)
Perennia Food and Agriculture CorporationNon-repayable funding for Nova Scotia seafood innovation enhancements
Nova Scotia, Canada