Invest Nova Scotia

From travel and virtual trade events to hiring a consultant and developing e-commerce, Export Development Program (EDP) supports your business growth with financial incentives helping you to:

✈️ Attend in-person and virtual trade shows and missions
📈 Hire a consultant or service provider to address challenges and barriers
🖥️ Develop and implement business technology

Apply today: https://hubs.la/Q02QrRFs0

🦞 Join us as a co-exhibitor at the Nova Scotia Seafood Pavilion during Seafood Expo North America (SENA) 2025 in Boston!

Why SENA? As North America’s largest seafood expo, SENA attracts thousands of global buyers and suppliers. It’s your chance to connect with key players, including importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, and more!

🔗 Ready to dive in? Submit your Expression of Interest by Friday, October 18, 2024 -
https://hubs.la/Q02Qh8360

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your seafood brand at one of the largest seafood trade events in the world! 🌍

Nova Scotia Seafood Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance Seafood from Canada

The founders of Oltre Financial recognized the need to allow people to not only customize their own financial plans, but to do it themselves online. This was the motivator for the development of Optiml software, offering Canadians an ‘optimal plan to retirement’ with the most tax-efficient strategies.

In just a few years and on the heels of participating in the Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate program, Oltre Financial has quickly grown from an idea in a basement to an exporting company with five employees, customers across Canada, and a flagship product Optiml.

The company also participated in our Productivity and Innovation Voucher (PIVP) program that helps small and medium-sized companies access expertise within post-secondary institutions. Co-founder Zac Davies shares how this program is helping the business to grow:

“As part of PIVP, we’re partnering with Saint Mary’s University. They are evaluating the tax tables we're using and our results...we've done our own vigorous testing, we've worked with accountants, and we've worked with lawyers. But a partnership with a university can go a long way. It's helping us build credibility.”

Learn more about this success story: https://hubs.la/Q02Qrh9y0

Oltre Financial launches Optiml software, offering Canadians an ‘optimal plan to retirement’ After participating in the Invest Nova Scotia Accelerate program, Oltre Financial has grown from an idea to an exporting company with a flagship product.

If you're a researcher in IT, life sciences, clean tech, ocean tech, or other tech development with market potential — this opportunity is for you.

The Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF) provides financial support (up to $50,000) to projects with ready or near-ready prototypes, approaching market deployment.

Deadline to apply is October 7, 2024.

Apply now 👉 https://hubs.la/Q02Q82Hk0

Thanks to everyone at Maritime Paper Products Limited Partnership – including Randy MacMillan, President & CEO of Scotia Investments Limited and Sheldon Gouthro, President & CEO of Maritime Paper Products - who recently welcomed us at their Dartmouth facility. A recipient of the Innovation Rebate Program, Maritime Paper undertook a project to invest in advanced, automated manufacturing equipment, replacing aging equipment with a single cutting-edge corrugated converting machine to increase capacity by 33%.

This ensures the company can exceed the performance of its current conventional box-making machines for the benefit of its local and international customers. The project will also decrease production set-up times by over 80% and reduce waste through more efficient methods of automated set-up.

Maritime Paper Products was founded in 1931 and has 184 full-time employees at its Dartmouth facility.

Learn more about the Innovation Rebate Program here: https://hubs.la/Q02Q9xlH0

[Invest Nova Scotia staff including President & CEO Peter McCaskill onsite at Maritime Paper Products.]

Better bench those Philly Cheese Steaks! Nova Scotia's world famous 'The Original' Mr. Donair is coming to the NHL - first stop, PPG Paints Arena, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins. There are sandwiches, then there are donairs...Mr. Donair at that!

As the “official jerky of the Pittsburgh Penguins,” the unique partnership will serve as the cornerstone for Mr. Donair’s international growth by establishing the brand in the U.S.

“Partnering with a well-respected franchise like the Pittsburgh Penguins, especially one with deep connections to our home province through Sidney Crosby, is a dream come true.” - Aaron Tingley, International Business Development Manager, “The Original” Mr. Donair.

Learn more: https://hubs.la/Q02PtbTD0

"Lobster sourced locally in the morning, and on your dinner plate in the evening, giant Digby scallops the size of your arm, juicy oysters and plump mussels fresh from the ocean – you’ll find East Coast Canada’s most luscious seafood here in Nova Scotia." 🦞 🦀 🐟

How timely is this Travel + Leisure India & South Asia article?! Nova Scotia Seafood was recently with six Nova Scotia seafood companies at Seafood Expo Asia promoting our pure, premium quality seafood and connecting with buyers from around the world.

We're all very passionate about our seafood (pass the butter!), and we're equally as passionate with helping you grow your business. Drop us a line: https://bit.ly/3B5w0hf

Read article: https://bit.ly/4d06l7h

Did you know you can boost biodiversity by naturalizing your garden with native plants?! 🍃

The LaHave Drumlins Native Plant Nursery started as a micro-plant nursery in New Germany in 2023. Their primary focus is growing a diversity of species native to Nova Scotia, sustainably propagated from native seed stock at the nursery or from trusted sources.

The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) helps small and medium-sized companies like the LaHave Drumlins Native Plant Nursery access expertise within post-secondary institutions to improve productivity, develop a new product, service, or process, and grow their business.

Want to access post-secondary institution research and resources? Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter, the Insider, and be among the first to know when PIVP and other programs are open for applications: https://bit.ly/4dRuAWp

Good news! Deadline to apply for Launch Export Atlantic Incubator has been extended to Friday, September 13.

Interested in selling your product or service outside your province and Canada? The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator provides Atlantic Canadian companies with practical information and training on how to do just that – successfully market and sell outside your region.

Apply for the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator today and gain access to:

✔️ Export education sessions
✔️ 1:1 Coaching opportunities
✔️ Digital marketing asset allowance
✔️ Educational trade mission to the US

Apply today: https://bit.ly/47hvHfi

The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is supported by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces through the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement.

A portable wind turbine that can fit into your backpack?! We're big fans! 😉

In 2021, the Shine Turbine (developed by Aurea Technologies) launched on Kickstarter and reached its funding goal within an hour. Five days later, the first production run of 500 Shine Turbines had sold out.

Following the success of the Kickstarter, Shine launched on Indiegogo Indemand and went on to receive support from more than 2,000 crowdfunding backers from 50 countries.

Consisting of a team of outdoor enthusiasts with a love for , this has garnered the attention of media giants Fast Company, NBC News, Fox News and many more. They have recently received the U.S. patent for Shine Turbine, and are launching Shine 2.0 on Sept. 10th. 🚀

Meet the Shine Turbine: https://bit.ly/3XetTzd

This video was developed with the support of our Digital Marketing Asset Development program: https://bit.ly/3XfziGh

Interested in a few more Trade Mission Takeaways from Ingrid Deon, the founder and CEO of Word-craft Inc.?

Ingrid recently participated in the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator, a program that builds the export readiness of businesses in Atlantic Canada and includes an educational trade mission to the US.

Here are a few of Ingrid's takeaways in her own words:

✔️ Step outside your comfort zone
Participating in the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator was a transformative experience. It not only opened doors to new business opportunities but also provided valuable lessons that will guide me in my entrepreneurial journey. If you're considering expanding your business beyond Nova Scotia and Canada, this program is an excellent starting point.

✔️ Trade missions are go-go-go
Trade missions are non-stop meetings and travel with very little downtime. Experiencing one first-hand gave me the opportunity to better understand what is involved, and how to manage expectations and scheduling for future missions.

Looking to grow your company and expand sales outside of Nova Scotia and Canada but not sure how to begin? The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is a virtual export readiness program that builds the export capacity of small businesses in Atlantic Canada.

👉 Application deadline is Sept. 6, 2024. 👈

Apply now: https://bit.ly/4cQzoKf

"If we continue with this growth track and do it smartly, then I think we've got a real opportunity here in Nova Scotia."

Peter MacAskill, CEO of Invest Nova Scotia, joined the podcast Insights with Don Mills and David Campbell to discuss Invest Nova Scotia's plan to help businesses grow.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/3Z6p51l

Interested in selling your product or service outside your province and Canada? The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator provides Atlantic Canadian companies with practical information and training on how to do just that – successfully market and sell outside your region.

Apply for the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator today and gain access to:

✔️ Export education sessions
✔️ 1:1 Coaching opportunities
✔️ Digital marketing asset allowance
✔️ Educational trade mission to the US

Deadline to apply is September 6, 2024. Apply today: https://bit.ly/3AKVFMb

The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is supported by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces through the Atlantic Trade, Investment, and Growth Agreement.

We asked Ingrid Deon, the founder and CEO of Word-craft Inc. about her recent experience in the Launch Export Atlantic Incubator, a program that builds the export readiness of businesses in Atlantic Canada. It also includes an educational trade mission to the US.

Here are a few of Ingrid's takeaways in her own words:

✔️ Never underestimate the power of storytelling
People everywhere love a good story. I started each pitch with the story of how I went from a single mom working three jobs while living under the poverty line to the CEO of a social media marketing agency. Stories make us relatable and memorable, which is why they attract people to do business with you. Stories have a unique way of connecting us and making us stand out in a crowded market.

✔️ Get to know the other delegates
One of the unexpected highlights of the trade mission was getting to know the other delegates from Atlantic Canada. The bonds we formed were as valuable as the meetings with potential clients. We shared insights about our businesses and supported each other throughout the trip. This created a strong network of fellow entrepreneurs and these relationships continue to be a source of support and inspiration long after the trade mission.

Looking to grow your company and expand sales outside of Nova Scotia and Canada but not sure how to begin? The Launch Export Atlantic Incubator is a virtual export readiness program that builds the export capacity of small businesses in Atlantic Canada.

👉 Application deadline is Sept. 6, 2024. 👈

Apply now: https://bit.ly/3ABHyZu

“Nova Scotia has seen substantial growth in the last few years. Attracted by our experienced talent pool, strategic location and focus on sustainability, global companies are choosing to expand operations here to tap into the advancements we have made in green energy and clean technology.’’ — Peter MacAskill, President & CEO, Invest Nova Scotia

Discover why Nova Scotia is a hub of opportunity via Invest in Canada • Investir au Canada's Regional Spotlight Series: Nova Scotia: https://bit.ly/3Z1888I

Regional Spotlight: Nova Scotia | Invest in Canada Nova Scotia, nestled in the heart of Canada’s Atlantic coast, captivates with its rugged beauty and rich heritage. But beyond its scenic allure, Nova Scotia thrives as a hub of innovation and opportunity, with a diverse economy spanning sectors such as IT, life sciences, energy storage, ocean tech...

Zen Energy plans on raising awareness about their business by setting a new Guinness world record for longest e-bike journey: 8,200 km from Madison, WI to San Diego, CA. Total cost of electricity along the way? Six dollars!!! 🚲⚡

Ravi Kempaiah is a post-doctoral fellow at Jeff Dahn’s world-renowned battery research lab at Dalhousie University, and the founder and CEO of Dartmouth, NS-based Zen Energy, which grew out of his Zen Electric Bikes startup. He hopes the company’s battery technology will help lead to greater adoption of e-bikes worldwide.

Zen E-bikes has shipped $2 million worth of bikes since May 2022.

Read "First Halifax, then the world. The push for an e-bike revolution" via Canada's National Observer:
https://bit.ly/3XidfzP

Learn how we support Nova Scotia businesses expand their presence in international markets: https://bit.ly/3WTnRUo

First Halifax, then the world. The push for an e-bike revolution Zen E-bikes is developing battery cooling technology that could make batteries 'withstand more than anything on the market right now'

Now accepting applications for the Early Stage Commercialization Fund (ESCF)!

If you’re a researcher engaged in information technology, life sciences, clean technology, or ocean technology development with market potential, ESCF could be for you.

Up to $50,000 CAD in non-dilutive funding can help commercialize your technology through market assessment and strategies, strategic and business planning, intellectual property protection strategies, proof-of-concept development, prototype builds and more.

Deadline to apply is October 7, 2024.

Learn about ESCF here: https://bit.ly/4dOYiuK

Growing your business? We can help. 📈

No matter what stage you are at in your business journey, our variety of workshops and courses - available online and across the province - give you the skills and expertise you need to help your business succeed.

View our events calendar here: https://bit.ly/3SWNYJ9

Word of the Day: GINstitute [gin·sti·tute] 🥃

GINstitute by the Sea: A behind-the-scenes experience at the award-winning Steinhart Distillery to craft your very own spirits with local ingredients, and learn from Thomas Steinhart, the Master Ginmaker himself. Learn more: https://bit.ly/46WUEfX

Craft distilling is a rich Steinhart family tradition over 300 years in the making. Some of Thomas' earliest memories involve helping his grandfather at the family distillery in Germany. Thomas settled down on his farm in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, to revive his family’s heritage by launching Steinhart Distillery. Many ingredients such as blueberries, haskap berries and rhubarb are purchased locally.

Steinhart spirits are available online, at the distillery, and at various retail locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI and Alberta. The distillery also has a distributor for Europe in Germany.

Our Export Development Program (EDP) provides financial incentives to offset the cost of projects that assist a business’s ability to overcome barriers to export growth. EDP applications are currently being accepted: https://bit.ly/3yPqUVK

Are you a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Nova Scotia looking to expand your business beyond our borders?

Join us this Wednesday, August 21 for a virtual info session on Launch Export Atlantic Incubator, a virtual export readiness program helping companies successfully market and sell outside their region. Discover firsthand how the Launch Export program can elevate your business 📈

For more info, reach out to Valerie Caswell. To register for the info session, visit https://bit.ly/3M7kepa

Apply for Launch Export Atlantic Incubator by September 6: https://bit.ly/3YLwoeU

Doodling isn’t just an act; it’s a science-backed pathway to serenity. Studies show that engaging in artful expression can lower cortisol levels in up to 75% of participants. ✍️

Nova Scotia business Doodle Breaks is a creative mindful practice that's on a mission to "unlock the science of mindful doodling: the ultimate stress-relief tool". Founder Melissa Lloyd created the company after experiencing the need to slow down and started doodling circles, one doodle at a time. The result? An incredible sense of calm, and the inspiration to create a suite of products including pens, cards, journals, doodle kits and doodle by number books that are available online: https://bit.ly/3yIIbQp. Melissa also offers growth courses and personal coaching services.

We know that being an entrepreneur can be challenging. Our Regional Business Development team located throughout the province is dedicated to finding solutions and services to help grow your business. We encourage you to not only try doodling 😊, but to reach out and explore the opportunities we can help you find: https://bit.ly/3WMbABh

Fun Fact: Luffas offer a natural, sustainable option for scrubbing dishes or exfoliating your skin. But, did you know you can also eat them?! 🤷‍♂️

Luffa, a natural sponge alternative usually found in semitropical climates, is being commercially grown in Nova Scotia by Annapolis Valley Luffa. Cindy Oulton, founder, has continued to research and grow the business since inception and now exports her products across Canada. Most recently, she introduced luffa as a healthy option to include in soups and stir fries. She's been known to say that she's "livin' la vida luffa"! 🙌

The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) helps small and medium-sized companies access expertise within post-secondary institutions to improve productivity, develop a new product, service, or process, and grow their business.

Want to access post-secondary institution research and resources? Sign-up and be among the first to know when PIVP and other programs are open for applications: https://bit.ly/3AjlwdR

Tomorrow is the LAST DAY to get your GreenShoots submissions in! ⌛

Is your company up and coming in the agriculture, agri-food, bioeconomy, or clean tech sectors? Invest Nova Scotia, Bioenterprise Canada, and Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub have teamed up once again to provide support in the form of funding and business guidance!

Apply for GreenShoots by Friday, August 16: https://bit.ly/3yGF3Ve

Mezza Lebanese Kitchen adds state-of-the-art production facility to the menu! 📈

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has announced that the Government of Canada is investing $500,000 supporting the construction of a new 15,000 sq. ft. semi-automated processing facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, for Mezza Lebanese Kitchen.

“I’m pleased that Mezza Lebanese Kitchen is putting down new roots here in Dartmouth to roll out plans for growth—and they’re not stopping here. If the past 34 years have been any indication, we can expect to see Mezza serve up fresh thinking, business innovation, and continued strides forward in the years ahead. We can’t wait to see what they do next.” - Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Read "Lebanese kitchen preps for accelerated growth at new, modernized facility": https://bit.ly/3WQfVU7