Closed
Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds
Tax credit for community investment financing
Last Update: May 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Nova Scotia
Overview
This program offers a non-refundable personal income tax credit for eligible investments in Community Economic Development Investment Funds. It supports Nova Scotia small businesses, co-operatives, and community economic development initiatives that raise equity financing.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
- Up to 35% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Finance and insurance
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- $ 25,000,000 maximum revenue
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Canadians
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Raising equity financing through a specified share issue.
- Community economic development investment activities.
- Operating a business or investing in eligible local business entities.
Documents Needed
- Completed application form.
- Financial statements for the preceding tax year.
- T2 corporate tax return and schedules.
- Notarized shareholder register.
- Draft offering document and constitution or articles of incorporation.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nova Scotia corporations.
- Nova Scotia co-operatives.
- Community economic development corporations and co-operatives.
Who is not eligible
- Sole proprietorships and partnerships.
- Businesses primarily in professional practices such as accounting, dentistry, law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or chiropractic.
Eligible expenses
- Startup costs, working capital, research, equipment purchases, salaries, and general expansion.
- Repayment of debt other than shareholder debt.
- Loans to, or investments in, eligible corporations or co-operatives.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Acquiring securities other than eligible investments.
- Paying dividends or repaying shareholder debt to insiders.
- Purchasing assets or services at above fair market value.
- Using funds for prohibited transactions involving share redemptions, liabilities, or existing business purchases.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia.
Processing and Agreement
- The application is reviewed by the Department of Finance and Treasury Board.
- The Nova Scotia Securities Commission also reviews the specified issue for compliance.
- If approved, a Certificate of Registration is issued.
- Tax credit receipts are issued after the share issue is complete and required reports are submitted.
- Annual filings are required to maintain compliance.
Additional information
- The program is available until March 2, 2032.
- The Department issues tax credit receipts directly to investors.
- Annual filings are required after registration.
- The Province does not guarantee any investment.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds. 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 Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds?
This program offers a non-refundable personal income tax credit for eligible investments in Community Economic Development Investment Funds. It supports Nova Scotia small businesses, co-operatives, and community economic development initiatives that raise equity financing.
How much funding can be received?
Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds Funds up to 35% of admissible expenses, capped at $50,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds program?
To be eligible for the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds program, you must:
Nova Scotia-based business or co-operative.
Active business or eligible investment vehicle.
Meets size and structure rules.
What expenses are eligible under Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds?
Raising equity financing through a specified share issue.
Community economic development investment activities.
Operating a business or investing in eligible local business entities.
Who can I contact for more information about the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at etc@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-424-2808.
Where is the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds available?
The Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Equity Tax Credit for Community Economic Development Investment Funds is a Tax Credits