Resources to start & maintain small businesses

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency offers a variety of programs, services and resources to help entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada start, expand or modernize their business. ACOA also offers programs that support strategic initiatives in response to the economic development and infrastructure needs of communities.

For more information, call 1-800-561-7862 or visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.

A number of banks across the Island have a small business department. The first step is to contact the lending agency and request an in-person appointment.

Bio|Food|Tech provides professional technical services to food and bioprocessing companies, helping them to innovate and grow their businesses.  Their professional team of food and bioprocessing scientists, microbiologists, technologists, and support staff help companies along every step on the way from concept to pilot to commercial markets.

For more information, visit www.biofoodtech.ca. 

For entrepreneurs who wish to purchase an existing business, a list of Island businesses for sale can be found at www.peibusinessesforsale.com.

Wayne Carew, President of Confederation M & A, offers the following advice and suggestions for purchasing a business:

CONFIDENTIALITY: “Most good business opportunities are not advertised. Expect to sign a non-disclosure agreement.”

THE OFFER: “Make sure it is clear and concise, with a list of what assets of the business are included and excluded.”

DEAL BREAKERS: “Write it down,” says Wayne. “What is spoken is often forgotten and what is written is remembered.”

For more information about achieving successful business deals, contact Wayne Carew at 902-368-2643 or visit www.confederationgroup.ca.

No matter what your business question is, we’ll help you find the answer, free of charge. Whether you’re starting or growing your business, our bilingual staff will help you navigate the worlds of government programs and services, regulations and permits, taxation, importing and exporting, financing options and much more.

We can even help you find some of the information needed to include in your business plan. Drawing from specialized databases, we can put together tailored market research packages to meet your needs.

If you’re part of an organization that supports potential and existing entrepreneurs and business owners, we may be able to help you achieve your goals.

In addition, we provide the following services:

• Business events and information sessions
• Subscribe to our bi–weekly e-Blast

Visit www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/centre/sgc–11/#sgcselect.

Canada’s Smartest Kitchen (CSK) is a globally recognized food product development centre located in Prince Edward Island. Their multidisciplinary team combines culinary creativity, food science expertise, and market insight to bring leading-edge food product ideas to life.

Using their proprietary SMART Advantage Process for food product development, CSK supports startups and multinationals alike with a customizable suite of services that can inject value at any stage in a product’s pathway to market.

Primary services

• Product development – Bench top formulations, concept validation
• Consumer and sensory science – Focus groups, sensory evaluation lab
• Market research – In-market studies, retail audits
• Food styling & photography
• Corporate chef services

For more information, visit www.smartestkitchen.ca.

Canadian Federation for Independent Business (CFIB) is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for small and medium-sized businesses that are independently owned. There are more than 1,000 members on PEI.

A CFIB business resource counsellor can help guide members through regulatory issues from occupational health and safety policies to finding out about government programs that could help them grow.

A district manager meets with each member small business owner at least once a year to communicate changes in government policies.

They also discuss members’ concerns about such issues as government budget measures, skills and training, occupational health and safety policies, and apprenticeship. Those concerns are then communicated to government.

For more information, call Erin McGrath-Gaudet, Director, at 902-620-4914 or visit www.cfib-fcei.ca – on twitter: @cfibpe.

Chambers of Commerce across the province are non-profit local business networks dedicated to promoting and protecting the interests of the Island business community they serve.

• Greater Charlottetown Area | www.charlottetownchamber.com
• Greater Summerside | www.summersidechamber.com
• South Shore | www.southshorechamberpei.ca
• Kensington & Area | www.kensingtonchamber.ca
• Eastern Prince Edward Island | www.epeicc.ca/site
• Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce | www.rdeeipe.net/ccaflipe
• West Prince Chamber of Commerce | www.westprincechamber.com

Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce promotes working together to strengthen the economy

West Prince Chamber working to nuture ideas and grow businesses

Event showcased world-class businesses operating in Eastern PEI

Two Chamber of Commerce 2016 Award Winners tell their stories

Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) assists in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs.

• Financial assistance is available in the form of loans, loan guarantees and equity financing to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.
• Business counselling & advice is available to small businesses. We help businesses to succeed and therefore we give high priority to the advisory role of our mandate.
• Entrepreneurship development and training to individuals and small business owners/managers is available in many of our offices.
• Technical assistance usually takes the form of guidance and coaching, and sometimes advocating on behalf of our clients to other lending establishments or regulatory agencies.

Typically, our services are targeted to entrepreneurs who require customized financing not normally available from traditional sources.

For more information, visit www.cbdc.ca or call 1-888-303-2232.

PEI locations:

CBDC Central PEI: 11 Water St., Summerside: 902-888-3793
CBDC PEI East: 540 Main St., Montague: 902-838-4031
CBDC West Prince Ventures Ltd.: 455 Main St., Alberton: 902-853-3636

For more information, visit www.cbdc.ca 

 eForcePEI.ca is a government-funded initiative which has offered FREE online skills training since 2014. Over 180 FREE courses are available through the program, such as Microsoft Word/Excel, Social Media, Small Business Management, HR Fundamentals, Financial Literacy, and many more.

The courses are suitable for small and medium-size businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals interested in gaining the skills needed to create new opportunities in today’s competitive marketplace. The program allows users to learn in a way that is both cost-effective and widely accessible online. Learn what you want, when you want.

Open new doors through online training.

For more information, call 902-566-9372 or email [email protected]. Visit www.eForcePEI.ca.

Through the Express Entry system, employers can consider hiring qualified foreign individuals with skills and experience if they can’t find a Canadian or permanent resident to do the job.  Complete applications are processed in six months or less in the majority of cases.

Benefits of using the system:

• User-friendly electronic system from start to finish
• No occupation lists or caps for programs
• Faster processing of permanent residence applications – within six months or less in most cases
• Job offers and provincial nominations are an asset, but not a requirement
• Candidates may be eligible for more than one program
• Creating an Express Entry profile if free and the profile can remain active for up to one year
• Candidates have an opportunity to be invited to apply in every round

For an overview of different options for employers, visit www.canada.ca/en/immigration–refugees–citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-foreign-worker

For more information for employers, visit the Employer Liaison Network at www.canada.ca/en/immigration–refugees–citizenship/services/work–canada/hire–foreign–worker/employer–liaison–network.html.  

Email IRCC.[email protected].

The provincial immigration office is the expert resource on the Provincial Nominee Program, as well as the first level of government responsible for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Contact: [email protected]

Visit www.immigratepei.ca.

Food Island Partnership is an organization dedicated to the food industry on PEI. They partner in projects with companies, industry partners, and research, development and technology institutions to further the growth and profitability of the food industry of PEI.

Projects can be in the area of product development, productivity, production technology, and marketing for small to medium-sized companies. The Food Island Partnership is the primary organization to spearhead provincial food branding and terroir initiatives, as well as to implement a food tourism strategy.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.foodislandpei.ca.

Follow Food Island Partnership on Twitter.

Futurpreneur Canada provides pre-launch coaching, start-up financing, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 39.

Futurpreneur Canada works collaboratively with a network of partners.  On PEI, they partner with Innovation PEI, RDÉE Île-du-Prince-Édouard Inc., Rural Action Centre CBDC East, CBDC Central PEI, and CBDC West Prince Ventures Ltd. to help deliver programs across the Island.

For more information

Charlottetown 
Connor MacPhee, Innovation PEI, 902-368-5125 or [email protected].pe.ca
Stéphane Blanchard, RDÉE ÎPE, 902-370-7333 poste 402 or [email protected].org

Summerside
Tania Bernard, CBDC Central PEI, 902-888-3793 or [email protected].ca

Alberton
Maxine Rennie, CBDC West Prince Ventures, 902-853-3636 or [email protected].ca

Montague
Karen Deagle, Rural Action Centre-CBDC East, 902-838-4030 ext. 226 or [email protected].ca

Contact Futurpreneur Canada’s Atlantic regional office at 902-407-7709. Visit www.futurpreneur.ca.

Ever wonder if your business is missing out on a tax credit or money to hire summer staff? Innovation Canada is a new one-stop-shop to find everything that governments across Canada can do to help you take your business or non-profit to the next level.

The Innovation Canada platform will help match your needs to the available government programs and services such as innovation programs, funding, loans, wage subsidies, and expert advice.

Tips for using the site

• Be precise about what you need and you’ll get fewer and more relevant matches.
• Don’t want to miss out? Select everything in the “what I really need” section and leave the amounts blank in the money section.
• Under 40? Select “youth” when that question pops up.
• Use the email link on the top right of your results page to get a personalized link to your results. The results will remain current.
• Go back to the site regularly to see what’s new.

For more information, visit canadabusiness.ca/blog/got-2–minutes–get–your–personalized–list–of–government–programs/. 

To get started, visit www.ic.gc.ca/app/scr/innovation.

Innovation PEI recognizes the value of local businesses and focuses its efforts to assist in their growth through various funding supports.

Business Development Officers are located throughout the province and work closely with new and existing entrepreneurs to help their businesses develop and grow.

A number of services are provided by Business Development Officers including business guidance, entrepreneur education, and professional development.

These services assist individuals and businesses with start up and expansion opportunities.

For more information on the supports and services Innovation PEI offers please visit www.innovationpei.com or call 902-368-6300.

New programs

Small Business Tax Cut – The Small Business Tax Cut will save small businesses up to $2,500 a year. The tax rate will decrease by 0.5 percent this year (2018). Click here for more information.

Investment Grant – The new Small Business Investment Grant will give companies a 15 percent rebate on business investments up to $25,000. This will result is a savings of up to $3,750. Click here to apply.

For more information, contact Innovation PEI toll-free at 1-800-563-3734 or e-mail [email protected].ca 

Visit www.princeedwardisland.ca/biz-incentives.

Island Advance is an initiative of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce designed to advance PEI’s economy by celebrating, supporting, and encouraging entrepreneurship.  Activities include:

• Showcase local entrepreneurial success stories
• Create enthusiasm among youth for entrepreneurshp
• Provide mentoring and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs

Improving access to capital

• Connect entrepreneurs and people with capital
• Influence public policy in support of capital formation
• Support investors through investment education

Retaining skilled and entrepreneurial immigrants

• Promote cultural diversity in our business community
• Help identify relevant business opportunities on PEI

For more information, visit www.islandadvance.ca.

PEI Business Women’s Association is a non-profit organization that empowers and inspires women to succeed in their business endeavors. They provide support, education, and opportunities to connect with other women in business.

For more information, visit www.peibwa.org.

PEI Centre for Craft helps promote fine craft and professional craft development on PEI.
Courses offered will include both craft and craft business education training.  Business courses will include an updated Business of Craft Course, Professional Development for Craftspeople, Product Photography for Craft, Branding and Social Media for Craft, and more.

Craft education courses will include intermediate and advanced sessions in techniques for pottery, metals, glass, wood and textile mediums, with both local and regional instructors leading the classes.

The PEI Centre for Craft will offer guidance for new craftspeople, more advanced training for experienced craftspeople, and a gallery which will showcase the finest examples of craft that Island artists have to offer. Juried members are invited to apply to display their work in the gallery and to sell their work on consignment from the centre.

For more information, visit www.peicraftscouncil.com/centre–for–craft. 

For updates on courses, events, and other opportunities, search PEI Crafts Council on Facebook.

New centre will grow Island’s craft businesses – April 13, 2018 – Government of PEI press release

PEI Connectors is an initiative of the Greater Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce that serves immigrant entrepreneurs throughout PEI.  The program facilitates connections between clients and the PEI business community to support the retention of immigrant entrepreneurs.

For more information, call 902-892-2835 or visit www.peiconnectors.ca or www.facebook.com/peiconnectors.

PEI Employment Standards has established the rights and obligations of employers and employees concerning pay and wages, time off, sexual harassment policy, termination without cause, breaks and rest periods, rules for youth employees, and more.

For more information, call 902-368-5550 or toll-free 1-800-333-4362.

Visit www.peiemploymentstandards.ca.

RDÉE PEI is the provincial francophone economic development council.

Services include

• Community economic development and cooperative development services
• Entrepreneurial development and support services
• Economic immigration services

RDÉE also manages the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI and hosts the Wellington Rural Action Centre.

Head Office: Wellington| 902-854-3439
Satellite office: Charlottetown| 902-370-7333

Visit www.rdeeipe.net.

Rotary International is an organization that brings together business and professionals who provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotarian members usually meet weekly for fellowship and to pursue their service to the community.

PEI Rotary organizations

• Charlottetown Royalty | www.royaltyrotary.ca
• Hillsborough-Charlottetown | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/1283/
• Charlottetown | www.rotarycharlottetown.com
• Stratford | www.townofstratford.ca/dir/rotary-club-of-stratford/
• Montague | www.portal.clubrunner.ca/1284
• Summerside | www.summersiderotaryclub.com

Rural Action Centres provide the following services:

• Business guidance
• Business loans and counselling for small and medium enterprises
• Community & project development
• Entrepreneur education & management assistance for start ups
• Expansion and diversification
• Government services for community economic development & entrepreneurs
• Tourism product development and marketing

Locations

• Montague| 902-838-4030
• Central Bedeque| 902-887-3400
• Alberton|902-853-3616
• Souris| 902-687-4084
• Wellington|902-854-3439

For more information, call 1-855-297-9898. Visit www.ruralactioncentres.ca.

Building stronger businesses – Successful Business Basics

Self Employ PEI is an employment program developed to help job seekers who want to launch their own business. This program provides financial support and business counseling to new entrepreneurs during their first year of operation.   SkillsPEI offers Self Employ PEI information sessions for interested job seekers to find out more about the program.

Visit the SkillsPEI website at www.skillsPEI.com or call SkillsPEI’s General Inquiries Line at 1-877-491-4766 or visit one of the offices below:

Atlantic Technology Centre| 176 Great George St, Charlottetown |902-368-6290

Provincial Building| 548 Main St, Montague| 902-838-0674

Future Tech West | 454 Main St, O’Leary| 902-859-8898

Access PEI| 120 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside| 902-438-4151

Delivered by the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning and funded in whole or part through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreement.

SkillsPEI offers programs and services for job seekers, employers, and organizations.  SkillsPEI provides assistance to unemployed individuals who are eligible for Employment Insurance (E.I.) and individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (E.I.) to prepare for and find employment.

Visit the SkillsPEI website at www.skillsPEI.com or call SkillsPEI’s General Inquiries Line at 1-877-491-4766 or visit one of the offices below:

Atlantic Technology Centre| 176 Great George St, Charlottetown |902-368-6290

Provincial Building| 548 Main St, Montague| 902-838-0674

Future Tech West | 454 Main St, O’Leary| 902-859-8898

Access PEI| 120 Heather Moyse Dr., Summerside| 902-438-4151

Delivered by the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning and funded in whole or part through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Agreement.

The Startup Zone‘s goal is to accelerate new startups through our Resident Company Program by connecting them with resources, mentors and supports they need to grow.

The Resident Company Program includes startup businesses across all sectors who have a passion for building their idea and supporting others. The program offers successful applicants with professional workspace, 24-hour building access, in-kind office hour supports (accounting, legal, etc…), free access to information sessions, resources, exposure and other supports where possible.

Space is also available for the community through coworking, and meeting/event space rental. Island business starts, meets and grows here!

For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.startupzone.ca.

Sweet Spot Academy Business & Digital Consultants offers a suite of solutions that simplify how to keep your business moving forward.  They specialize in business and digital skills training, entrepreneurship and small business development, and customer relationship management planning.

They work directly with entrepreneurs and small businesses as a business development growth coach, providing free and paid for business skills training services.

They also work with government, industry organizations and corporate business who serve sector specific entrepreneurs, small business, and commodity groups to develop customized training programs tailored to meet the specific and unique needs of the industry and business sector.

For more information, visit www.sweetspotacademy.ca.

Workers Compensation Board promotes safe workplaces and protects employers and workers through a no-fault injury insurance program. The program is funded entirely by employers. If you are starting a business with one or more workers, you must register with the WCB.

For more information, call 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049. Visit www.wcb.pe.ca.