BDC publishes comprehensive guide to COVID-19 relief programs.

The IRP’s goal is to help social enterprises move towards being investment-ready. Funding can be used to research, launch, design, measure and scale up your social enterprise.

We have some of the best places to eat and drink in the province here and along the Northumberland Shore. Now, we have a chance to share our local secrets with the rest of the province!

Join Rob Burns f August 9 as he explains what we really mean by a billion-dollar investment opportunity, why we should all be motivated to build one, and how entrepreneurs might shape their ventures into something bigger. The workshop is open to anyone, whether you work with start-ups, are exploring starting a company, or have Read more about BILLION DOLLAR WORKSHOP[…]

Communities in bloom is a non profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement a\with a focus on enhancing green spaces in communities. The Amherst Communities in Bloom Committee is participating in the provincial competition this year! Provincial judges will evaluate this year based on program criteria such as Tidiness, Read more about Amherst Communities in Bloom – Provincial Competition[…]

Attention local businesses! The A team has challenged our local businesses to see who can walk the farthest. Fun fact, if you walked around the Bermuda Triangle it would total 4238km! If you are up for it, all you and/or your employees have to do is walk around the Bermuda Triangle :p Just Kidding. Walk Read more about BUSINESS WALKING CHALLENGE[…]

New financing builds on 2017 commitment to lend $280 million to Atlantic entrepreneurs BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, announced today it will make available an additional $300 million in commercial loans over the next two years to support the growth of Atlantic Canada businesses, in an effort to help sustain the region’s continued economic development. This financing is Read more about BDC announces $300 million in commercial loans to fuel growth of Atlantic Canada businesses[…]

Project being supported with $2.135-million NSBI business development incentive Oxford Frozen Foods is making a $8.54-million capital investment that will create an improved packaging line to meet increasing demand for export and increase efficiency and production levels. The company, that last year celebrated its 50th anniversary in oxford, is receiving a maximum of $2.135-million in Read more about Oxford Frozen Foods making $8.54-million capital investment to improve packaging[…]

Maintaining tight control over both fixed and variable expenses is an essential part of maximizing cash flow and profits in your business. There are a variety of tactics entrepreneurs can employ to rein in expenses and prepare for unforeseen costs that crop up over the course of the year. BDC Client Partner John Brison offers several suggestions to Read more about 7 tips for reducing expenses in your business[…]

46% of respondents identify increased sales or revenues as the main benefit of being online. A new study released today by BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, finds that growing a business online equates with higher revenues, direct communication with customers and easier access to global markets. The study indicates that, although being online fuels growth, only 4 out Read more about Strong online presence drives growth: BDC study[…]

Exciting news just in! Atlantic  Credit Union just announced their guest speaker to be former US president Barack Obama, to kick off the 70th Anniversary of the Nova Scotia Co-operative council. This event will take place on Nov.13th at the Halifax Scotiabank Center. Chamber members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets 24 hours before Read more about Atlantic Credit Union Guest Speaker – Barack Obama[…]

It’s all about reducing your banker’s risk A lower interest rate can save your company thousands of dollars over the life of a business loan. But what steps do you need to take to get a lower rate? The interest rate on a loan reflects the bank’s assessment of the risk that you won’t repay Read more about 4 tips to get a lower interest rate on your business loan[…]

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Applauds Fourth Consecutive Surplus New funding and credits may not be enough to improve dismal growth projections Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Media Release Windsor, NS (March 29, 2019) – Having presented its fourth consecutive surplus budget, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is giving a positive assessment of the Nova Scotia Read more about Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Applauds Fourth Consecutive Budget Surplus[…]

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE Cumberland Business Connector’s BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Cumberland Business Connector Society, covering the region of Cumberland, Nova Scotia is currently recruiting a new board member to serve on the Board of Directors. Board Members will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the effective governance of Read more about Cumberland Business Connector[…]

1. Sprint Competition, 2. Cannabis Technology Program, and 3. Intersect Challenge II: Protocase 1. The Sprint Competition is for early stage software-based technology companies in Nova Scotia. Winners receive up to $25,000 and guidance from seasoned business professionals to put their ideas into action. The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 21, 2018, by 11:59 Read more about Sprint Competition, Cannabis Technology Program, and Intersect Challenge II: Protocase[…]

Gritty to Pretty project – 50% reimbursement to a max of $2,500 of $5,000 eligible expenses.

As part of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce’s growth-oriented network, the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to take part in a unique pilot program with GoForth Institute. GoForth is Canada’s leading provider of online and mobile small business education. Since 2009, they’ve trained over 10,000 entrepreneurs, who learn all the skills they Read more about GoForth Institute Pilot Program[…]

Government of Canada “Workplace impairment Questions and Answers” Substance Abuse Policy (Drug and Alcohol) / Workplace Impairment   They are generic cialis canadian easily accepted on all the major websites offering prescription medicines. Medicines in levitra free sample their shop fact help one to get attention from most of the people. The easy to utilize framework Read more about Resources for Employers around legalized Cannabis[…]

Opinion: A country that is pushing the merits of free trade needs to put its (or consumers’) money where its mouth is There are 700 wineries in Canada producing at least 6,000 individual labels annually.Getty Images/iStockphoto Special to National Post Perrin Beatty and Dan Paszkowski August 16, 2018 1:24 PM EDT By Perrin Beatty and Dan Paszkowski Read more about Latest interprovincial wine-trade proposals not much to cheer about[…]

If you are… Aged 55+ Employed or looking for work Wanting to continue to work You’re invited to share in a group conversation about your experiences. Please join our study to help explore what it’s like being an older worker in Nova Scotia. Monday July 23, 2018 10:30 am – noon Community Credit Union Business Read more about Are You an Older Worker?[…]

Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce now includes 100 plus links to business management TED Talks in our Business Learning Resources section of our website. A collection of TED talks shared as YouTube videos and sorted as collections of videos as a theme: 1.) 10 TED Talks that will make you smarter about business 2.) Read more about TED & TEDx Talks[…]

Hi Everyone, In an effort to improve the appearance of a crucial entrance into downtown Amherst and the  County, the Municipality of Cumberland will be developing a bylaw over the next 4 months which intends to control signage along Route 2 / Laplanche St. as it approaches Amherst. This bylaw will regulate all signage within Read more about Border Entrance Signage Bylaw Process[…]

The following is a reprinting with permission of the June 14th edition of The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – 5 Minutes for Business publication. 5 Minutes for Business | State of the Economy Tariffs. Trade talks. Pipelines. Electoral change. While the Canadian economy continues to grow (albeit somewhat slowly), these are just some of the Read more about 5 Minutes for Business | State of the Economy[…]

A letter to the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in Atlantic Canada. Reprinted here to provide the information and request direct to our Members. Should you wish to directly speak to me regarding this post I can be reached at 902-667-8186. Ron Furlong, ED – Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce E: info@amherstchamberns.ca Read more about Tariffs and Sanctions – What do you have to say?[…]

The following is shared with permission from an email from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) to the Chamber.  Hope this helps you plan your business. Ron Furlong – ED Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Dear Ron Read more about Profiting from technology: A guide for entrepreneurs[…]

The following is shared from an email to the Chamber from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council promoting the following event. Ron Ron Furlong – ED Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – APEC’s Patrick Brannon, Director Read more about $136 billion of planned investment in Atlantic Canada[…]

Nova Scotia is committed to becoming an accessible province by 2030

Received by way of a news release we just had to share… Congratulations to Archway Insurance for their personal efforts in economic development. When you talk about exports we sometimes forget the kind of impact service based businesses can have. We’d also want to note we have more than a few business leaders in our Read more about Bay Insurance Joins Archway Insurance[…]

Please circulate information on the Government of Canada’s Student Work Integrated Learning Program to all your stakeholders. ESDC has approved Venture for Canada to deliver SWILP in Atlantic Canada. Venture for Canada is to help 500 Post -Secondary Education students (over three years) get paid work experience with Atlantic Canadian companies. Employers, including small and Read more about Lets ALL benefit from this![…]

May 2, 2018 APEC Report Examines Fiscal Performance and Competitiveness Long-term fiscal planning needed for sustainability  The latest Report Card from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) reviews this year’s provincial budgets and finds that Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are two of only four Canadian provinces that presented a balanced budget for 2018/2019. Read more about Long-term fiscal planning needed for sustainability[…]

Good day, We are writing to stakeholders, such as you, who may be interested in applying for funding under the Low Carbon Economy Challenge, with a reminder that Expressions of Interest are due for the Champions stream on May 14, 2018. We have received many great applications and would like to further encourage all those Read more about Low Carbon Economy Challenge deadline May 14[…]

Reproduced from http://capesharptidal.com/ COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES You’re invited to learn more about the Cape Sharp Tidal demonstration project at three Community Open Houses: April 30, 3-7 p.m. – Cedar Centre for Active Health and Living, 69 Cedar Street, Windsor May 2, 3-7 p.m. – Credit Union Business Innovation Centre, 5 Ratchford Street, Amherst May 3, 3-7 p.m. Read more about Cape Sharp Tidal – Open Houses[…]

Community Funding and Awards The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award celebrates the power, strength and diversity of vibrant communities across Nova Scotia. It profiles their achievements and increases their visibility through a formal recognition program. Up to four Nova Scotian communities are honoured each year. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee based on community Read more about The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award[…]

Reprinted with permission: BDC Home > Articles and tools > Employees > Recruit > When it comes to hiring, it pays to take a methodical approach Hiring mistakes can cost your company big-time. A bad hire can damage morale, hurt productivity and even cause reputational damage. More expense comes if you have to fire the Read more about 6 mistakes to avoid when recruiting employees[…]

Article By: Aleksandra Sagan, The Canadian Press Malls were once a go-to shopping destination and a teenager’s hang-out of choice, but now face an uncertain future as some of their biggest tenants lay off employees, file for creditor protection or hang a “closed” sign in the window and leave for good. Beleaguered retailers have been quick to blame online shopping for their decline. But retail experts say scapegoating e-commerce is an Read more about E-commerce not the only cause of death for Canadian malls[…]

Dear Ron, You may already know that, last weekend, a group of vandals targeted businesses on Locke Street in Hamilton, Ontario, resulting in about $100,000 of damage. In the aftermath of the attacks, in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, we are calling on all chambers across Canada to participate in Love Locke Day Read more about Show the Love Locally![…]

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has issued the following press release on the U.S. Administration announcement concerning tariffs… Temporary Exemption From U.S. Tariffs Should be Permanent For Immediate Release Ottawa, March 8, 2018 — While the Canadian Chamber welcomes the temporary exemption extended to Canada today on U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. Read more about Temporary Exemption From U.S. Tariffs Should be Permanent[…]

Reprinted with permission of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The seventh round of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations occurred from February 25 – March 5 in Mexico. Discussions advanced in several areas. Negotiators closed chapters on regulatory practices, publication and administration, and sanitary and phytosanitary issues. The total number of chapters closed now goes to Read more about NAFTA Round 7[…]