archived
CBDC Social Enterprise Loan
Loans for social enterprises in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: June 5, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Archived
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Get a loan of up to $150,000 to start or improve a social enterprise in rural Atlantic Canada.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Archived
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a new social enterprise.
- Expanding, renovating, or upgrading an existing social enterprise.
- Developing revenue-generating business operations for a social enterprise.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations.
- Charities.
- Cooperatives.
- Societies.
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
- Purchase of machinery, equipment, or other items needed for operations.
- Renovation of existing assets or facilities.
- Expansion of social enterprise activities.
Eligible geographic areas
- New Brunswick.
- Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Nova Scotia.
- Prince Edward Island.
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
1
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.
2
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.
3
Initial Consultation
Contact your local CBDC office to discuss your application and ensure all requirements are understood.
4
Complete Application
- Fill out the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan application form.
- Include all required supporting documents and information as discussed with CBDC representatives.
5
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan Program
What is the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan?
Get a loan of up to $150,000 to start or improve a social enterprise in rural Atlantic Canada.
How much funding can be received?
CBDC Social Enterprise Loan Funds up to $150,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program?
To be eligible for the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program, you must:
Registered non-profit, charity, cooperative, or society.
Located in rural Atlantic Canada.
New or existing social enterprise.
What expenses are eligible under CBDC Social Enterprise Loan?
Starting a new social enterprise.
Expanding, renovating, or upgrading an existing social enterprise.
Developing revenue-generating business operations for a social enterprise.
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.
Where is the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan available?
The CBDC Social Enterprise Loan program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the CBDC Social Enterprise Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CBDC Social Enterprise Loan is a Loans and Capital investments