CBDC Social Enterprise Loan

Q: How much funding can be received?

CBDC Social Enterprise Loan Funds up to 150000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?

CBDC Social Enterprise Loan is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan?

CBDC Social Enterprise Loan is funded by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDC)

Q: Who is eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program?

To be eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program, you must: • Applicants must be officially registered non-profit organizations, including charities, cooperatives, or societies. • The social enterprise and its operations must be located in rural areas of Atlantic Canada. • Business operations should provide a realistic expectation of economic viability and job creation.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan?

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

Q: Where is the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan available?

The CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program is available the province of NS.

Q: Are startups eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Loans for social enterprises in Atlantic Canada

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 loan of up to $150,000 to start or improve a social enterprise in rural Atlantic Canada.

Financing terms and conditions

This loan offers financial support to social enterprises in Atlantic Canada, with competitive terms for acquiring necessary business assets. The financing modalities are intended to facilitate the sustainability and expansion of these organizations.

Loans are available up to $150,000 per eligible applicant.
Funds may be utilized to purchase machinery, equipment, or other essentials for business operations.
Loan amortizations can be extended to a duration of up to ten years, subject to the lifespan of the acquired asset(s).
Potential for financial assistance exceeding $150,000, depending on specific circumstances.
The interest rates and repayment terms are competitive in nature.

Activities funded

Purchasing machinery necessary for business operations.
Acquiring equipment to enhance production capabilities.
Buying other essential items for continued business activities.
Renovating or upgrading existing business infrastructure.
Expanding current business operations to increase revenue generation.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Opening a zero-waste grocery store to promote sustainable living

$ 150,000

Opening a cooperative bakery to provide jobs for local residents

$ 130,000

Renovating a community center to include recreational facilities

$ 150,000

Upgrading an artisanal textile workshop to boost production capacity

$ 150,000

Expanding an eco-friendly farming cooperative facility

$ 150,000

Creating a tech hub to foster innovation and job creation

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan are focused on the applicant's business form and location, as well as the intended use of funds.

The applicant must be a non-profit organization, including charities, cooperatives, or societies.
The social enterprise must be located in rural areas of Atlantic Canada.
Both new and existing social enterprises are eligible.
The loan can be used for starting a new social enterprise or expanding, renovating, or upgrading an existing one.
The business operations must demonstrate economic viability and sound business practices.
The social enterprise must facilitate job creation and maintenance in the community.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan are officially registered non-profit organizations, including charities, cooperatives, or societies that require business support for revenue-generating operations. The key eligibility criteria are:- The Social Enterprise can be either new or existing.- Operations must be located in rural areas of Atlantic Canada.- The Social Enterprise must have a realistic expectation of economic viability and employ sound business practices.- The operations should contribute to job creation and maintenance in the community.

Who is not eligible

There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan:

For-profit businesses
Companies located outside of rural areas in Atlantic Canada
Businesses not focused on social and community development objectives

Eligible expenses

The CBDC Social Enterprise Loan supports projects aiming to enhance social and community development by expanding or improving their operational capabilities. Eligible activities focus on purchasing assets, carrying out renovations, and expanding existing enterprises in rural Atlantic Canada.

Purchase of machinery and equipment necessary for business operations.
Renovation of existing facilities to support social and community development goals.
Expansion of current social enterprise activities to increase revenue generation.
Upgrading assets to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to social enterprises operating in rural areas within Atlantic Canada. It aims to support the development and sustainability of communities in these regions.

Rural areas within the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Rural areas within the provinces of Prince Edward Island.
Rural areas within the provinces of Nova Scotia.
Rural areas within the provinces of New Brunswick.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan grant:

Applicants must be non-profits, charities, cooperatives, or societies in need of business support.
Loan funds should be used for revenue-generating business operations that benefit rural areas of Atlantic Canada.
The Social Enterprise should demonstrate economic viability, sound business practices, and a commitment to job creation and maintenance in the community.
New and existing Social Enterprises, both seasonal and year-round, are eligible for the loan.

How to apply

Determine Eligibility

Ensure your organization is a registered non-profit, charity, cooperative, or society.
Verify that your social enterprise operates in a rural area of Atlantic Canada.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather financial statements and documents proving economic viability.
Prepare a detailed business plan outlining the use of funds and expected community impact.

Initial Consultation

Contact your local CBDC office to discuss your application and ensure all requirements are understood.

Complete Application

Fill out the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan application form.
Include all required supporting documents and information as discussed with CBDC representatives.

Submit Application

Submit your completed application and documents to your local CBDC office.
Ensure receipt of application confirmation from the CBDC office.

Additional information

Here are a few more important details to consider:

Loan repayment terms are designed to be competitive.
Amortization is determined by the life expectancy of the asset being acquired.

Contacts

1-888-303-2232

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBDC Social Enterprise 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 Social Enterprise Loan?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under CBDC Social Enterprise Loan?

This grant supports the development and growth of social enterprises in Atlantic Canada's rural communities. It facilitates the purchase of assets and resources needed for social enterprises to start or expand their business operations. Purchasing machinery necessary for business operations. Acquiring equipment to enhance production capabilities. Buying other essential items for continued business activities. Renovating or upgrading existing business infrastructure. Expanding current business operations to increase revenue generation.