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CBDC Social Enterprise Loan
Loans for social enterprises in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
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
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
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
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.
Eligibility
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.
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
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?
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:
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.
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.
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