Open
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Financing for mission-based businesses in Nova Scotia
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The program supports mission-based enterprises in Nova Scotia looking to start, grow, or expand. Successful applicants can receive up to $50,000 in investment through a credit union-led application process.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program focuses on empowering small businesses in Nova Scotia to kickstart or expand their endeavors. The eligible projects primarily encompass setting up new businesses or growing existing ones with a mission-driven focus on social or environmental impact.
- Starting a new mission-based small business enterprise.
- Expanding a current enterprise to enhance its social or environmental impact.
- Investing in innovative business models that address community needs or opportunities.
- Fostering enterprise growth through sustainable business practices.
Documents Needed
- Amount requested
- Enterprise description and leadership team information
- Social or environmental mission and impact summary
- Business plan and community support
- Financial sustainability and debt-service information
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Mission-based private businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Co-operatives
- Start-ups
- Businesses looking to grow or expand
Who is not eligible
The grant details do not explicitly mention any specific types of companies or industries that are ineligible. The primary requirement is that the enterprises must be mission-based and have a focus on social or environmental impact within Nova Scotia.
Eligible expenses
The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program is designed to support mission-based enterprises in Nova Scotia with a focus on start-ups or growth and expansion activities. Eligible projects should have a positive social or environmental impact and meet a community need.
- Start-up projects for mission-based private businesses.
- Projects aimed at expanding or growing existing mission-based enterprises.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
- Communities serviced by a local credit union
Processing and Agreement
- Credit unions review applications and refer suitable enterprises to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
- The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council makes the final investment decision.
- Decisions are based on the best proposals and opportunities, with no regional allocations.
- Applicants are contacted through the credit union process after review.
Additional information
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council offers the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program aimed at mission-based enterprises in Nova Scotia. Credit unions collaborate with the program, but the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council adjudicates the applications.
- Enterprises must be members of a local Credit Union at the time of fund disbursement.
- Applicants should be in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency.
- Final investment decisions are made by NSCC, not the credit unions.
- Funds are available for start-ups and growth/expansion of mission-based enterprises.
- There are no regional allocations; decisions are based on the best proposals/opportunities.
- Ineligible uses include business planning, debt restructuring, or covering losses.
- Maximum investment per applicant is $50,000 until funds are exhausted.
- Applications need to include a detailed business plan, description of social/environmental impacts, leadership team information, financial sustainability, and community support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program. 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 Small Business Loan Guarantee Program?
The program supports mission-based enterprises in Nova Scotia looking to start, grow, or expand. Successful applicants can receive up to $50,000 in investment through a credit union-led application process.
How much funding can be received?
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program program?
To be eligible for the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program program, you must:
Enterprises must be registered and based in Nova Scotia.
Applicants must be in good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Enterprises can be new or existing credit union members.
What expenses are eligible under Small Business Loan Guarantee Program?
The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program focuses on empowering small businesses in Nova Scotia to kickstart or expand their endeavors. The eligible projects primarily encompass setting up new businesses or growing existing ones with a mission-driven focus on social or environmental impact. Starting a new mission-based small business enterprise.
Expanding a current enterprise to enhance its social or environmental impact.
Investing in innovative business models that address community needs or opportunities.
Fostering enterprise growth through sustainable business practices.
Who can I contact for more information about the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program?
You can contact Nova Scotia Co-operative Council or by phone at 902-893-8966.
Where is the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program available?
The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program is a Loans and Capital investments