Business/Entrepreneurial training for Nova Scotians. Including financial management, sales and marketing, and taxation etc. A variety of skill levels from just starting out to more experienced business owners. Courses are offered as workshops with a focus on peer-to-peer learning and skill-building, as well as simulation-based programs. Prices range from Free to $125.

By partnering with schools and educators, CEED offers programming for youth across the province. Workshops focus on empowering youth to start businesses with financial literacy and social responsibility components. Workshops are requested through a form on the website. CEED also offers a week-long Entrepreneurship Camp that normall run in March and throughout the summer where youth can meet guest entrepreneurs and run their own business for a day. (Also see community engagement)

Document effectively outlines Canadian legal structures (or lack thereof) surrounding social enterprises.

Offers beginner to advanced online-based learning for people wanting to start or build a social enterprise. Courses guide potential social enterprise entrepeneurs through the entire process, right from the beginning through to expanding upon an established SE. There are fees for courses for building and growing established SEs but 13 courses for beginniners (from idea conception to team-building, to financial, marketing, and legal navigation) are free to all. SEI also offers 1-on-1 coaching sessions.

Workshops on entrepreneurship for Nova Scotians with disabilities. For admission into the workshops, email or call Veronica Dale, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 902 - 453 - 0000 ext. 235

Free online business training courses for employers and business owners. Includes customs courses for Nova Scotia that help business owners navigate labour laws, human resources, along with financial literacy and workplace health, safety, and culture. Courses in EN/FR.

Business advocacy and support. Offers a variety of resources for business owners, from HR to taxes to regulatory compliance. There are fees to join but members of CFIB are able to recieve free business counselling. (See also Networks)

A variety/masterlist of HR solutions programs aimed at helping Nova Scotian businesses. (See also: Capital and finance)

"B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Today, there is a growing community of more than 1,600 Certified B Corps from 42 countries and over 120 industries working together toward 1 unifying goal: to redefine success in business."

List of useful links and resources for those seeking to start a social enterprise for the first time. (See Networks & Community engagement)

Programs that help tourism businesses/destinations grow using sustainable tourism practices. Courses focus on visitor exprience programming, community partnerships, effective social media strategies, and business growth, among others. Courses are offered onsite at their physical locations in NB or NL but they are able to customize programming/courses to other Atlantic Canadian communities

"The program is designed to expose private sector operators and representatives of sustainable tourism communities to successful tourism operators/entrepreneurs and outstanding products and create an environment of ‘Competitiveness Through Best Practices.’" Tourism sector individuals/organizations can participate on missions to explore innovative and successful tourism businesses throughout North America to take practices back to Atlantic Canada.

"Buy Social provides recognition to social enterprises who prioritize the creation of social and environmental value. It provides a clear label for purchasers in the public and private sectors to help identify social enterprise suppliers and take part in sustainable, socially-conscious purchasing." An internationally recognized label that legitimizes a social enterprise's products as contributing towards social good.

"The Impact Incubator is for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs who want to create positive change in their communities through business. It provides the technical resources, coaching and networking opportunities needed to build sustainable, prosperous businesses across Nova Scotia. Resources are provided as needed, so clients can focus on bringing their idea to market and support a practical, incremental, hands-on approach to start-up and growth."

"Common Good Solutions (CGS) supports the growth and success of social enterprise across Canada. We’re here to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, non-profit managers and cooperatives define, achieve and measure the impact they have within their communities. We are a team of skilled professionals with decades of enterprise development experience working with small businesses, non-profits and community groups from coast to coast."

Offers mentorship and training through workshops and webinars as well as a collection of resources to aid tourism sector businesses to use online technology more effecitvely. Focuses on online marketing, communications and technology strategy.

Resource for (almost) everything a person needs to know about social enterprises. Specific to New Brunswick but applicable cross-provincially. Sections III-V in particular outlines business development, fiscal management, and good governance. A useful resource for newcomers to the social enterprise game.

The BBI was formed to grow a stronger Black business presence in Nova Scotia. The training programs are similarly aimed at Black businesses and include everything from building a business plan to online marketing to digital design skills. (See Networks)

MaRS offers a free online Entrepreneurship 101 course to equip entrepreneurs with the skills they need to launch a successful startup. This resource includes a collection of key library resources curated by topic, workshops, the Entrepreneur's Toolkit Library. As well, the Certification in Entrepreneurship will take users through key strategic decisions and planning milestones.

"Self-Employment is an employment program of Employment Nova Scotia that assists unemployed eligible individuals create jobs for themselves by starting a business. The Self Employment (SE) program provides entrepreneurial support and financial assistance to eligible unemployed participants starting their own business. Entrepreneurial support may include orientation, information sessions and/or workshops, coaching, mentoring, and access to specific business implementation training to enable participants to develop and implement their business plans."

"A website designed to provide learning resources about creating conditions for social innovation and to hightlight examples in Canada and around the world." The website explores a number of theme areas such as resilience, institutional entrepreneurship, and public sector innovation. Each of them will provide a short intro, then a Dip section with some basics as well as a Dive section for a more in-depth look at the topic area.

"Innoweave helps passionate leaders of successful community organizations learn about, select, and implement new tools and approaches to generate greater impact and advance their missions." Their Social Enterprise 5 step module will increase participants' knowledge about social enterprise and explore the value it can bring. The module offers information, a self-assement, workshops, coaching, and funding.

Futurpreneur matches young entrepreneurs across Canada with a mentor who provides business advice, as well as encouragement and support. (See Networks and Community Engagement)

A network of employment centres that provides employers with connections to qualified workers, recruitment services, and access to training resources, HR tools, labour market information, and relevant government programs. (See Networks and Community Engagement)

EDN supports and connects entrepreneurs with disabilities throughout Nova Scotia. They host workshops for members on a variety of topics.

"Our national network of consultants and highly experienced specialists can help your business scale up, be more productive, innovate and globalize. Get objective, practical advice on a range of subjects to help solve management challenges across your business." A number of business planning resources and advising from the Business Development Bank of Canada.

Certificate, Diploma, and Graduate degree programs specifically for co-operative management professionals. In-person and online programs, designed 'executive' style for people to work and study at the same time. The three programs are: Master of Management, Co-ops and Credit Unions over 3 years, Graduate Diploma over 20 months, Certificate in Co-operative Management over 10 months. Fee structure can be found on the website

"The Atlantic Trades Business Seal Program is an Atlantic strategy to develop and strengthen the business and leadership skills of tradespeople in the region. The goal is to assist tradespeople to start and operate their own business or move into leadership roles in their organizations. The seal program will result in greater regional mobility and business growth in Atlantic Canada. The program is organized under the leadership of the Atlantic Apprenticeship Council (AAC)." There are fee to attend this program, $285 for NSCC

"TFAB is a new CCAB program that connects Aboriginal entrepreneurs with tools, training and networks through an online platform, enabling these entrepreneurs to strengthen and grow their businesses."

"CCAB’s Mentorship program pairs Aboriginal entrepreneurs with experienced mentors to help them take their business to the next level. Entrepreneurs gain expert advice from industry leaders. Protégés choose the mentor that best fits their needs from a roster of available mentors. Mentorship support is provided through in-person meetings between protégés and mentors or via email, telephone or Skype depending on the location of the participants. CCAB provides the initial introduction between matched participants. After that, all meetings are coordinated by the mentors and protégés directly."

"PAR is a certification program that confirms corporate performance in Aboriginal relations at the Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Certified companies promote their level with a PAR logo signaling to communities that they are: good business partners; great places to work and; committed to prosperity in Aboriginal communities. PAR certification provides a high level of assurance to communities because the designation is supported by an independent, third party verification of company reports. The final company level is determined by a jury comprised of Aboriginal businesspeople."

"The Self-Employment Assistance Program has been designed to assist unemployed Aboriginal clients to create their own business. This program will be available for unemployed or about to become unemployed aboriginal clients. The participants must be at least 19 years of age and out of the school system for a minimum of one year. Clients must have a viable business plan as recommended by the Economic Development Officer. "

PeopleWorx is primarily an employment training organization but also offers training in "project management, grant proposal writing, human resources management, customer service, financial reporting, IT, personality dimensions, non-violent crisis intervention" among others. They are also able to offer higher-level support as well, including "organizational reviews, writ[ing] strategic plains, assist[ing] boards with governance issues, and mediat[ing] disputes." The services are personalized with reduced rates to community groups, non-profits, and charities.

"Navigate Startup House, located in Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, aims to foster and keep burgeoning companies in Cape Breton by providing space, support, and resources. Navigate provides subsidized office space for early-stage companies; a common workspace available to all members; as well as the ability to tap into a worldwide network of experts in the fields of business and technology. In addition, event programming provided for tenants, members, and the community includes lunch and learns, workshops, hackathons, and startup weekends."

"UIT is an immersion program that develops founders using project-based courses, open-source curriculum and proven entrepreneurs as mentors. The program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand how the world's most successful start-ups have achieved their goals. UIT has 2 semesters, one from September to December and another from January to April. As an extension of CBU, UIT gives the students an opportunity to earn university credits for their efforts, 10 total courses, 5 courses per semester, 3 credits per course."

For those seeking to expand their reach, this guide by Canada Business provides a good outline for how to go about conducting market research.

Primarily a resource centre, South House is funded by the Dalhousie Student Union, and is a volunteer-driven organization that "seeks to address and advocate for anti-oppression issues within a feminist framework." They offer free meeting spaces for anti-oppression groups and a wide range of workshops and education programs upon request. Of particular interest are "Anti-Oppression" Training workshops offered that can aid in human resource dynamics in social enterprises - especially with regard to marginalized communities.

The Professional Development Committee hosts a series of education workshops and Workplace Education programs. "This committee provides a variety of skills and educational exercises to business owners and employees to further develop a successful business. Some topics covered have been social media marketing, tax planned wills, HR essentials, financial management, and more." The courses are provincially funded through the Dept. of Labour and Advanced Education.

Nova Scotia Business Inc focuses on growing exports out of Nova Scotia. They offer the Export Development Education program alongside CBDC to provide NS companies with access to export education and resources. The workshops offered include "Think Export," "Going Global," "FITTskils," among others

"The Rural Innovation Centre (RIC) supports entrepreneurs and businesses in the Annapolis Valley and on the South Shore by providing training, advisory and consulting services to small businesses, government and not-for-profit organizations. The Rural Innovation Centre is an incubator for start up companies to access working space and support, networking events, mentors and connect to Acadia faculty and facilities."

Accelerating Social Impact offers consulting and advisory expertise to accelerate blended-value business and investment opportunties to build healthy communities.

"Launchbox is the centre for student entrepreneurs, located on the 4th floor of Patterson Hall at Acadia University. We support students in their entrepreneurial pursuits by providing free programming, networking, access to mentors, and other entrepreneurs, working space and competitions."

"Blueprint for Success [is] a collaborative, six-part workshop series created specifically for women interested in starting or growing a business. You'll leave this program with the skills to prepare your own business plan, including defining your business idea, resources for gathering market research, a well-designed marketing and sales plan for your business, and revenue forecasts for your first two years." Both in-person classes at MSVU and online classes are available. Costs are $225 (members) and $350 (non-members).

"AMMP is designed to function as a virtual advisory board for your business, and offers skills training developed to meet each participant where they are in the evolution and growth of their business." AMMP offers different programs depending on their entrepreneurial status. Each program runs for 10 months, the cost is $5000 but financial assistance is available.

Business advisors at the Centre for Women in Business can help with any and all business considerations, from starting from developing a business plan from an idea to other key business considerations like business registration, risk management, insurance, and licensing. Online advice is also available.

ISANS offers one-on-one support thruogh the start-up and growth of a business. The counsellor will provide information, business planning advice, and access to networks. Businesses will be referred to business training that is right for them to build skills and resources in marketing, financing, human resources, and business operations. To be eligible for counselling and/or training you must be approved to immigrate and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

"ISANS provides a wide variety of workplace communication courses. These classes are for immigrants who are looking for work, currently working, planning to start a business, or currently running their own business. Classes are in-person, online and/or in the workplace."

A free workshop-series that helps participants get a "better handle on the financial manangement side of business and to help demystify accounting conepts that will help operations run more smoothly."

ISANS has business workshops and seminars to help newcomers start a business. To be eligible for business counselling and/or training you must be approved to immigrate and be legally entitled to work in Canada. Classes and workshops takes place On-site at ISANS, or Online through their Online Learning website.

The Centre for Women in Business's Toastmasters Club encourages women in business to work on public speaking skills, learn how to effectively facilitate meetings and practice leadership roles. Held at MSVU in Halifax, there is a fee of $144 + $30 initiation fee.

Power Lunch is a 'lunch and learn' initiative that holds workshops held by business experts. Workshops vary from month to month but include social media/communication strategies, human resources, e-commerce, and law. Costs are $15 for members and $25 for non-members.

"Business Basics is an online series featuring business professionals addressing topics of interest to small business owners and those planning to open or expand a business. Wherever business-people reside, they can tune in to the podcasts at a time convenient for them that fits their busy schedule." The topics covered in the series are Accounting: Business Growth, Human Resources, Legal Considerations, Marketing, and Small Business in the Community.

"Perennia has a number of farming, fishing, and food processing workshops and training topics that can be customized or delivered by our specialists and associates to your group, agency, company, or you specifically. We provide engaging content, with focused learning objectives and materials. Many of our agricultural specialists have training in adult education methods so you can be assured of a professional, well-paced event. We’ll have discussions on your goals and objectives and provide a tailored training sessions from an hour to several full days to meet your needs." Example of training session: Food Safety Sessions. Unsure of cost

"Perennia specialists develop and gather production information that support skills development and knowledge transfer to primary producers on pests, current and innovative production methods and efficiencies, herd management, the introduction of new technologies and equipment, applied research, streamlined production, season extension, product development and risk mitigation. These services are for farmers producing crops or livestock with the goal to sell commercially."

The Valley REN BusinessNow service can connect you with people and resources to grow your business and thrive in the Annapolis Valley. Businesses and entrepreneurs alike are able to meet with an expert from ValleyREN to learn how to start or grow a business in Annapolis Valley. The BusinessNow expert will run a run a diagnostic of the business or business plan, make referrals to other experts, as well as conduct market analysis and create a report beneficial to all Valley businesses.

The Western REN BusinessNow service can connect you with people and resources to grow your business and thrive in the Western region. Businesses and entrepreneurs alike are able to meet with an expert from WesternREN to learn how to start or grow a business. The BusinessNow expert will run a run a diagnostic of the business or business plan, make referrals to other experts, as well as conduct market analysis and create a report beneficial to all businesses in the region. English/Francais

"Canada Post offers solutions that can help your business with shipping, sending mail or packages worldwide, E-commerce, supporting online sales, and marketing, targeting potential customers."

"Serving All Customers Better is a free online course designed to help front line service staff address and prevent consumer racial profiling. The aim of the course is to help businesses create inclusive and welcoming environments for all customers." Racial profiling negatively impacts customer relations and business operations. Completion of the couse results in a training certificate.

"The Commission offers human rights education to organizations, business owners, community groups and individual staff members around the province. Workshop participants work together to explore human rights both personally and collectively. Commission staff meet with clients to discuss their needs, set specific targets and tailor the workshop to the client. Individual needs assessments are also conducted. Workshops hold a maximum of 25 participants. Areas covered include race relations, disability, diversity, discrimination, employment equity, harassment and defining a respectful workplace. Workshops encourage dialogue and active participation, and help organizations and individuals understand barriers to equity and inclusion in the workplace. Human rights education workshops cover developing and implementing policies, conflict resolution and organizational change. Follow-up sessions are available for those interested in implementing programs in their own organizations." Human rights education provides an opportunity to reflect on and change attitudes. The workshop: Builds participants' understanding of discrimination and the 1) Nova Scotia Human Rights Act; 2) Provides human rights information; 3) Reflects on the relevance of human rights in our daily lives; 4) Promotes respect for human rights in Nova Scotia."

"BDC's result-based framework gets businesses sales and marketing channels working together for maximum success. These consulting services will help business understand their potential using market intelligence, sales and marketing diagnostic and digital marketing diagnostic. Business assets will be developed with website power and brand influence. Custumers will be attracted by creating a communivation strategy and establishing a sales plan."

"Recreation Nova Scotia had partnered with our national organization to offer Skills Building Modules. They are somewhat outdated, but are available for free online here to use. If you would like to schedule a training session tailored to your organization, please contact Rhonda at [email protected]" The modules range from organizational development, to financial management, to marketing and much more. Some modules are also available in French.

"Ideation Bootcamp is a 6 week after-school program that provides students in Grade 9-12 with the opportunity to explore generating, developing and evaluating ideas for launching a new entrepreneurial venture. This shortened-version of the Company Program allows students to develop and test ideas through market research and prototyping, set goals, develop a business model canvas, and learn how to pitch their product or service. Upon completing the program students should be able to understand the significance of entrepreneurship and innovation in today’s society and economy, generate, develop and pitch an innovative idea, and evaluate the feasibility and competitiveness of a new venture. Ideas formed in Ideation Bootcamp can then be used by students participating in the Company Program"

"Company Program - A Student Venture inspires high school students to understand the role of business in our society by creating an enterprise of their own. By collaborating with professional volunteer consultants to design, organize and operate a real business, students experience how a small enterprise functions. These new entrepreneurs work within the structure of our Canadian economic system and realize the benefits it provides." Programs are free and delivered by volunteers over 18 weeks.

"SROI Accreditation Training is a two-day course. Day one is a practical, step-by-step introduction to the SROI process. Founded on the essentials of SROI theory, the day will be focussed on building out an impact map and exploring real life applications and examples. Day two provides an opportunity to explore SROI methodological issues that will foster the level of understanding of the SROI methodology which is required for accreditation." Cost depending on type of organization.

Autism Nova Scotia also offers employers the opportunity for Autism in the Workplace training sessions. These brief information sessions are designed to give a workplace, co-workers, managers, or employees a broad introduction to Autism; offer some insight into common difficulties that people with Autism confront in workplaces; outline common accommodations that better equip a workplace for diverse neurological types; and demonstrate the benefits of creating inclusive workplaces built on a culture of accommodation for both workers and customers. Our staff deliver dozens of customized talks each year to workplaces and have worked with groups as diverse as security firms, hotel and hospitality chains, retail stores, service sector and government, manufacturing, tech and research, and more.

"Small Business Essentials is an interactive business management workshop designed to provide business owners and managers with the essential skills to maximize the performance, efficiency and profitability of their business. Material covered is designed to provide entrepreneurs and growing businesses with the necessary tools and skills immediately applicable to their business. The workshops, led by facilitators from the Sobey School Business Development Centre, teaches proven methods in the areas of Marketing Finance, Business Operations, Management, and Strategy and Innovation." Cost: $99.95/ workshop; $399.95 for all 5 days. Prices are per participant.

"The Sobey School Business Development Centre employs a team of experienced and professional consultants with a breadth of experience. The business consulting team offers consulting services that deliver comprehensive and strategic services to clients." The services span from research to planning to implementation across a variety of industries. The first consultation is free of charge. Cost unknown afterwards.