Many new immigrants, especially if they come to Canada as a Business Class Immigrant, want to start their own business in Nova Scotia.

Halifax is known as a good city in which to run a business. In fact, a recent KPMG study ranked Halifax as one of the most cost-effective places to do business in North America. To find out more about the study visit the Halifax city profile on the Competitive Alternatives website.

If you are thinking of starting a business in Nova Scotia, there are many things you should consider.

One, for example, is how you would like to start your business. You can start brand new, buy an existing business, or buy a franchise. There may also be business practices that are different than in your country of origin.

Connections
An immigrant’s guide to starting a business in Nova Scotia. The guide provides information on:

• Things unique to you as an immigrant operating a business in Nova Scotia, Canada
• How to assess your business ideas
• Culture and how it might affect your business transactions
• The business start-up process in Nova Scotia
• Taxation

Relevant Links

The following resources are available to help you open and operate a new business in Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia Business Inc
Nova Scotia Business Inc. is Nova Scotia's business development agency which works to attract new business to the province and helps existing companies find business solutions. It has regional offices throughout the province.

Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre
Canada /Nova Scotia Business Service Centre provides business start-up support and on-going assistance with finances, taxation, and marketing.

Office of Economic Development
The Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development offers information on government leadership in the creation of a vibrant and growing economy in cooperation with business, communities, and municipalities.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is a federal government agency whose mandate is to improve the economy of communities in Atlantic Canada by helping to develop successful business and job opportunities.

Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development (CEED)
CEED offers services for entrepreneurs such as Entrepreneurship Education, Entrepreneurship consulting, Research and Program Design, Professional Development and Community Entrepreneurship.

Business Gateway
Business Gateway is a federal government web site that provides information on all aspects of business in Canada, from start-up to import/exporting.

Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
The Immigrant Business Development Service is a program provided by the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association.