Who We Are
CBDC Blue Water is one of 41 Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) in Atlantic Canada. CBDCs promote economic development in rural communities by providing small business loans, training, and counselling services to small business owners.CBDC Blue Water offers small business loans up to $150,000 (in special cases we can increase this loan amount, based on business activities and security), and delivers specific programs targeted at young entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and businesses implementing new technology in their business or, bringing a new technology to market. CBDCS are not-for-profit community-based organizations run by local volunteers who are committed to improving the economic well-being and viability of their communities.
Why do CBDCs exist?
Over 30 years ago, we were created to help people find meaningful self-employment opportunities during times of recession and downturn in the economy. The belief was that local people are best suited to make decisions for local businesses. Over the years, CBDCs have evolved. CBDCs have enhanced programs and services, increasing our supports to small- and medium-sized businesses. We continue to operate with support from the Federal Government through the national Community Futures program. This program is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency in Atlantic Canada.
CBDC Blue Water serves the Old Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). Coverage includes rural areas between Ecum Secum and Hubbards. Excluded areas are Halifax, Bedford and Dartmouth.
- Tantallon
- Timberlea
- Lower Sackville
- Beaverbank
- Eastern Passage
- The Prestons
- Porters Lake
- Sheet Harbour
- Middle Musquodobit
Investment decisions are made by an independent Board of Directors sensitive to the needs of its community. The directors are volunteers from the business sector dedicated to making their community a better place in which to live and work.
The strength of the CBDCs is in our volunteer boards. They have an intimate knowledge of the local markets, the business environment and the people in their communities.
CBDC provides tailored financing, expert guidance, and essential support.
This program provides financial assistance for individuals starting their first business or buying an existing one. The loan helps first time small businesses overcome the barriers of traditional lending and offers the guidance needed to launch a successful venture.
The CBDC General Business Loan offers up to $150,000 in flexible financing for rural Atlantic Canadian businesses seeking to start, expand, or improve operations, helping support economic growth and job creation in local communities.
The CBDC Innovation Loan provides up to $150,000 to help rural Atlantic Canadian businesses adopt new technologies, improve productivity, enhance services, train staff, and support infrastructure upgrades to remain competitive and drive economic growth.
The CBDC Social Enterprise Loan offers up to $150,000 to support rural Atlantic Canadian non-profits in starting, expanding, or upgrading socially-driven business operations that promote sustainable economic and community development.
The CBDC Youth Loan offers up to $150,000 in financing for rural Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs aged 18–34 to support business startup, expansion, or modernization while fostering employment and economic growth in their communities.
We offer tailored financing, expert business advice, and practical support to help your business succeed. Whether you’re starting, expanding, or innovating, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s discuss how we can elevate your business together.