Service Canada funds the Self-Employment Benefit Program (SEB), a program that helps unemployed individuals create jobs for themselves through self-employment. Approved participant receive various types of support during the period when they develop a business plan and start up a business. The program is delivered by CoRDA and applicants are referred to the program by Service Canada's delivery partners (i.e. CareerWorksNova and Open Doors.) Conditions apply for the program and individuals cannot apply if the business is in operation.  Contact Terry Hearn for more information.

Business Loans

CoRDA manages a micro-loan program available to small companies needing very small start up assistance (maximum $5,000). For more information contact Terry Hearn.

Northern Opportunities for Business Ltd.

Loans up to $125,000 are available to local companies. For more information on loans and other programs, contact the Northern Opportunities for Business (NOBL) Executive Director, Ron O’Brien at 902-752-7402 or check out www.nobl.cbdc.ca.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

ACOA offers a variety of loans and services to businesses and organizations throughout Atlantic Canada. Contact Mechele Scott at 895-2743 or browse www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca for more information.

Nova Scotia Business Inc.

Although not physically located at the Colchester Regional Development Centre, NSBI staff, David Copus will assist you with you’re business idea through various programs. Contact David at 893-6156 or visit http://www.novascotiabusiness.com/

Office of Economic Development

Responsible for creating economic policy and developing effective economic analysis tools, the Office of Economic Development can assist you with many business information requests. Contact 893-6212 for more information. http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/

People Development

Growing the local economy involves building capacity in our local citizens to achieve success in the workforce. It also involves strengthening the skills of our volunteers. Finally, growing the economy involves growing our population to feed the ever increasing work force. The following is a list of services to achieve that end:

Opportunity Colchester

CoRDA has assembled a group of youth and youth service providers with the aim of both connecting youth to employment and attracting and retaining youth in the region. For more information contact Margot Begin or visit www.fifteen2twentynine.ca.

Organizational Assistance

Assistance is provided to local groups involved in projects aimed at making a difference in improving the chances of employment for Colchester’s citizens or improving the overall economy. Types of assistance provided includes:

• Strategic planning
• Project development
• Organizational and Group Development
• Volunteer Development
• Business Planning
• Sourcing Financing

Contact Anna Parks for more information.

Newcomer Resource Centre

The Colchester Regional Development Centre hosts a Newcomer Resource Centre. The aim is to provide new and potential residents to the area with basic information such as finding appropriate housing, connecting with employers, learning about recreation opportunities, etc. The Colchester Immigration Partnership Committee is more than pleased to assist you with feeling welcome in the community. Contact Margot Begin for more information.

Community Infrastructure Development

Building a community requires commitment to improve both the business and residential climate for citizens in Colchester. Staff of the Colchester Regional Development Agency will assist you with projects aimed at building a better community. Projects range from affordable housing, broadband access, to cultural centre development. Services provided include:

• Building development plans
• Feasibility Studies
• Business Plans
• Sourcing Financing
• Group Development

For more information contact Anna Parks.