More Support for Entrepreneurs, Businesses in Cape Breton

AdminJanuary 12, 202605 views

Cape Breton businesses now have more space, support and resources close to home with the official opening of the new Cape Breton Business Innovation Centre in Sydney today, January 12. The new centre brings key supports together in one location, helping entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses in Cape Breton.

“This initiative is about more than a physical space – it’s about giving people the support and resources they need to take their ideas or their businesses to the next level,” said John White, Minister of Housing and MLA for Glace Bay-Dominion, on behalf of Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Growth and Development. “This centre will give entrepreneurs access to the expertise, networks and tools they need to succeed, while helping to attract and retain talent, support job creation and drive new opportunities for investment and growth, not only in Cape Breton but across the globe.”

By bringing mentorship, programming and shared workspace together under one roof, the centre helps startups and growing businesses reduce costs, connect with experienced business leaders, explore funding opportunities and focus more time and resources on growing their companies.

Investments in the Cape Breton Business Innovation Centre build on the shared commitment of the Province and federal government to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, support entrepreneurs at every stage of growth and help Nova Scotia businesses compete and succeed on a global scale.

Quotes:

“Cape Breton’s startups are a crucial force driving innovation. Rooted in opportunity and spurred by community connections, this new centre will provide entrepreneurs with the advice and tools needed to start and grow their businesses, creating jobs, attracting investment and powering the economy. That’s homegrown success we are proud to support.”
— Mike Kelloway, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Glace Bay, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“This hub is a game-changer for Cape Breton’s innovation ecosystem. By bringing together entrepreneurs, community champions and key partners under one roof, we’re creating a launchpad where ideas are transformed into thriving businesses. At Ignite, we’re thrilled to be a key part of this initiative – offering hands-on support, powerful programming and connections that open doors to opportunities across Canada and internationally.”
— Doug Jones, CEO, Ignite Atlantic

“This innovation centre brings key support organizations together under one roof so entrepreneurs can get what they need efficiently and at the right time. By creating a strong hub in Sydney, we are building a focal point that serves all of Cape Breton. With increased resources and collaboration, founders at every stage can focus on building successful businesses instead of searching for support.”
— Matt Cooper, CEO, Volta

Quick Facts:

Nova Scotia’s Department of Growth and Development will provide $775,000 over three years to the Cape Breton Business Innovation Centre
the Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing non-repayable contributions of $405,000 to Ignite Atlantic and $153,700 to Volta toward programming and operations
Ignite has hired a community navigator and an operations and event co-ordinator to support local engagement and programming, while Volta is providing strategic support to businesses; both share space with the centre
the space will also serve as a shared resource for other partners, including Invest Nova Scotia, ACOA, the Black Business Initiative, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development and Futurpreneur
the centre is located at 500 George St., Sydney