Small Business Loan Guarantee Program
Unlock up to $500,000 in financing for your Nova Scotia business through participating credit unions. This is a repayable loan guarantee, not a grant, so you will repay the principal plus interest. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026.
How we verify funding records →
“Credit unions can provide financing up to $500,000 in the form of term loans, working capital and lines of credit.”
Before you spend a dollar
Confirm approval and loan terms with your credit union before spending any funds.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You operate a small business in Nova Scotia.
- You need capital for a start-up, business purchase, or expansion.
- You can apply through a participating credit union like Acadian, CUA, or iNova.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are located outside Nova Scotia.
- You are looking for a grant or non-repayable funding.
- You cannot access a participating credit union to apply.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $500,000 in total financing depending on your credit union and business viability.
What may be supported
- Start-up of small businesses.
- Purchase of small businesses.
- Growth and expansion of existing businesses.
- Term loans for equipment or facilities.
- Working capital for operations.
- Lines of credit for cash flow management.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must prepare a business plan and financials for the credit union's review, as they assess your ability to service the debt.
- 01Identify a participating credit union in Nova Scotia (e.g., Acadian, CUA, iNova).
- 02Prepare your business plan and financial statements to demonstrate viability.
- 03Visit your local participating credit union branch to apply.
- 04Review the loan terms, interest rates, and repayment schedule with the credit union.
- 05Finalize the loan agreement and receive the funds for your project.
Who to ask: Phone: 902-893-8966; Email: info@novascotia.coop; Addresses: 435 Willow Street, Truro, NS B2N 6T2 or 917 E River Rd, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3S5.
Documents commonly required
- Business plan outlining start-up, purchase, or expansion goals.
- Financial statements or projections to demonstrate ability to repay.
- Proof of Nova Scotia business location.
- Personal and business credit information for the credit union's review.
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and online store with the loan funds, creating a modern digital storefront that attracts new customers and drives sales.
- BBN sets up Local SEO and Google Business Profile using the financing, designed to improve visibility when nearby customers search for your services.
- BBN implements a Google review system and loyalty program with the loan capital, turning first-time visitors into repeat buyers and building social proof that drives growth.
- BBN designs your signage and vehicle wraps with qualified partners, using the loan to boost your physical presence and brand visibility in your community.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadlines so you don't lose the funding.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a loan guarantee, not a grant; you must repay the principal plus interest to your credit union.
- Commercial-style interest rates and terms apply, so the cost of borrowing is real.
- You must apply through a participating credit union, not directly to the province.
- Application fees or specific interest rates are not published; confirm these details with your credit union.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on your credit union's assessment of your business viability and ability to repay the loan, not a competitive grant process.
Frequently asked questions
Is this money free?
No. This is a loan guarantee. You borrow money from a credit union and must repay it with interest.
Who administers this program?
Participating local credit unions administer the loans, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, Atlantic Central, and the Province of Nova Scotia.
What is the maximum amount?
Up to $500,000 in financing, including term loans, working capital, or lines of credit.
Are there application fees?
The official program page does not state application fees. Confirm any costs with your participating credit union.
What you can combine it with
This financing can often be combined with other grants for specific projects, but the loan itself must be repaid.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated June 20, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.