Buy Social Canada offers a certification program and other resources that make incorporating the social purchasing model of a business easier by bring socially driven purchasers and social enterprise suppliers together. This stamp of approval helps guide buyers to choosing products and services that benefit their communities' social betterment. (Certification price between $250-2500/year depending upon your business revenues. English)

The purpose of this Act is to provide for the procurement of goods, services, construction and facilities by public sector, promotes sustainable procurement in procurement decisions including identifying and exploring opportunities to work with an support social enterprises.

A guide of everything a business owner needs to know in order to tap into the governmental market. It provides insight into goods and services purchased by the four Atlantic Provinces and the Government of Canada and help business owners navigate the procurements process to maximize their opportunities for success.

This agreement enhances awareness of Atlantic capabilities by participating in joint regional supplier development activities and eliminating all forms of discrimination among the participating governments and public entities within their jurisdiction.

The Canadian Government's business offering to potential immigrants and newcomers to Canada. Immigration opportunities (visas) for potentially immigrating entrepreneurs are available in exchange for contributions to the business and economic development of the country.

A directory of business marketing and promotion resources from the Canada Business Network geared towards small businesses and social enterprises. While it may be a valuable place to start, the site itself recommends you access the linked resources once you have an idea for a marketing plan already developed.

A good place to start in terms of your marketing budget, offered by the BDC. A simple and easy-to-comprehend series of suggestions on keeping costs down when creating promotional materials or opportunities.

A free e-book (registration of email required) available from the BDC that offers information on how to better use online marketing to advance your business.

"B Corps are for-profit companies certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous standard of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Individually B Corps meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public tranparency and legal accountability, and aspire to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental problems." (Certifications costs $500-25,000/year depending on company size)

The Atlantic Trades Business Seal is a business certification for journeypersons, tradespeople and trade business owners operating in the Atlantic provinces. There are five modules, one of which is Marketing and Sales, each module requiring 30 hours for completion. Modules are offered at Nova Scotia Community College, College of the North Atlantic, Holland College, New Brunswick Community College, and the College communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick. Cost: Yes, varies depending on college.

An online presenation prepared by Andy Horsnell of Common Good Solutions that covers what social procurement is and why it is important, trends in procurement, and a social procurement strategy.

"The Agreement on Internal trade provides six general rules which prevent governements from erecting new trade barriers and which require the reduction of existing rules in areas covered under the Agreement. Sectoral chapters outline obligations in 10 econmics sectors - such as government purchasing, labour mobility and investment 0 which cover most economic activity in Canada."

The Rural Opportunities Network provides a national directory of suppliers of goods and services from "forests and rural areas across Canada. Wild foods, unique arts and crafts, natural body care products, wood products, and eco and cultural tourism opportunities are just some of the goods and services you’ll find listed." Listings and registration are FREE, so entrepreneurs looking to increase their access to local and national markets are encouraged to register.

"The BuySmart Network is a key source of information and education on sustainable purchasing. BuySmart benefits from the participation of leaders in business, public bodies and non-profit organizations who are willing to share procurement strategies and learn from each other." The Resource Center highlights opportunities to reduce costs, inefficiencies, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, waste and toxins through procurement.

"The BuySmart Network is a key source of information and education on sustainable purchasing. BuySmart benefits from the participation of leaders in business, public bodies and non-profit organizations who are willing to share procurement strategies and learn from each other." Their advisory services address Business Case Development, Poilcy and Program Development, Supply Chain Management and Innovation, a Tendering Toolkit, and Stakeholder Engagement.

"This Guide was produced to help organizations understand the triple bottom line benefits (financial, social and environmental) and costs of sustainability purchasing. As with any new business decision, cost-benefit information can help support decision-making at the board, executive, departmental and end-user levels. This Guide outlines the business case benefits and costs for sustainability purchasing and identifies important process considerations that impact the business case, such as the cost of designing and managing a sustainability purchasing program and the benefits of using “total cost of ownership” or "life cycle assessment processes in purchasing."

Ecolabel Index is the largest global directory of ecolabels, currently tracking 465 ecolabels in 199 countries, and 25 industry sectors. ($80/month for full access to ecolabel data and tools)

The Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) is a non-profit association of third-party, environmental performance recognition, certification and labelling organisations founded in 1994 to improve, promote, and develop the ecolabelling of products and services. Only environmentally friendly products and services proven to have lower environmental impact may carry a GEN member ecolabel.

UL works with customers and stakeholders to help them navigate market complexity. UL brings clarity and empowers trust to support the responsible design, production, marketing and purchase of the goods, solutions, and innovations of today and tomorrow. Through certification, validations, testing, verification, inspections, audits, advice, and education, UL helps navigate the complexities across the supply chain from compliance and regulatory issues to trade challenges and market access.

The Responsible Purchasing Network is a network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. There are four different membership packages, designed to help organizations at different stages of their responsible purchasing program development and implementation. Membership packages include Basic Membership, Training Focus, Policy and Program Development Focus, and Implementation Focus. (Cost of each package varies)

From the website: "This practical resource provides you with information to craft new experiences for our visitors. Discover tools and worksheets to assess potential experiences and opportunities. Tap into ideas on how to develop new experiences, tips on promoting them and information on provincial marketing activities." Use this toolkit to inform your marketing practices and how they take up or interact with the Nova Scotia tourism brand. Cost: Free. English.

"The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and Offset Market Exchange Inc. (OMX) have partnered to connect Aboriginal businesses to procurement opportunities in the public and private sectors.The OMX is the world’s largest, most advanced domestic and international industry procurement marketplace. This partnership will support the development and implementation of Aboriginal procurement strategies, and benefit CCAB Members, Aboriginal Economic Development Corporations, and Aboriginal communities." One-month free trial and with an OMX profile (free to set up)

"By choosing Bullfrog Power’s green energy, you can eliminate your organization’s emissions footprint and help displace energy from polluting sources on our energy systems. Your organization also supports the development of new green energy projects in your local community and across Canada." Monthly costs depend on number of employees.

"By registering for our Tender Opportunities Notification Service (TONS), you will receive e-mail notifications of public sector procurement opportunities matching the goods and/or services categories you have selected. Each opportunity will provide general information about the tender as well as a link to the Nova Scotia Procurement Web Portal. TONS is open to all businesses (even those located outside of Nova Scotia) and is now available as part of Nova Scotia's online service for business. The online service provides a single entry point for Nova Scotia businesses and prospective businesses to interact with the provincial government." Free

Part of the NS government's thinkFARM project, this page offers a series of fact sheets from "Guide to Market Channel Selection" to "Organic Certification." A great resource for those looking to begin farms in the province, or learning to market their farm and products.

"The Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support and recognize purchasing leadership that accelerates the transition to a prosperous and sustainable future." (Membership dues correspond to the size of an organization and the Membership Role(s) within which the organization wished to have its staff participate in. (Purchaser, Supplier, Public Interest))

"ENERGY STAR is helping Canadians save money on energy bills, increasing the competitiveness of our commercial and institutional sector, and helping us fight climate change. Simply by looking for the ENERGY STAR symbol, Canadians can easily identify energy efficient products and new homes; while commercial, institutional, and industrial sector organizations can use ENERGY STAR tools to benchmark and manage their energy performance. An ENERGY STAR Participant actively promotes ENERGY STAR certified products. There is no fee to join or participate in the ENERGY STAR in Canada Initiative." (free)

"Supplier Development helps vendors understand where to find tender opportunities. We want to help our companies have every chance to compete in local markets and beyond. The Province is committed to the following principles of public procurement: open, fair, sustainable, transparent, consistent, effective, efficient and competitive." This webpage provides information on the what the province buys. Access to the Supplier Newsletter, Growing Opportunities is also available on this page.

"The Nova Scotia Provincial website is maintained by Procurement of the Department of Internal Services. The website provides a centralized opportunity for all Public Sector Entities to post tender notices. Use of the tender notice system in the website is restricted to Public Sector Entities."

"The Program aims to drive inclusive economic growth by improving access to the City's supply chain for diverse suppliers and leveraging meaningful training and employment opportunities for people experiencing economic disadvantage, including those belonging to equity-seeking communities. The Program creates a foundation to shift the City's procurement culture long-term, showing how all divisions can make a positive impact on the City's poverty-reduction goals." See Appendix A for Program Goals

This document takes new farmers through the process of assessing their market potential. The process takes users through a market analysis which will identify target markets, differentiation factors, and how to place products in the market.

"The goal of the LGBT Supplier Diversity Program is to certify and match LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBEs) with the growing number of corporations proactively seeking to diversify their supply chains. Canadan Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce-certified LGBTBEs offer a range of products and services including: marketing, public relations, communications, event management, executive coaching, diversity coaching, office carpet maintenance, janitorial services, digital printing, graphic and web design, advertising, translation, and catering." Eligible businesses must be 51% or more owned and operated by someone who self-identifies as LGBT. Processing fee of $200 for members of Affliate LGBT Business Organization, $400 for non-members plus GST/HST.

"Getting certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by WBE Canada boosts your access to contract opportunities with corporations and governments in Canada and even globally. Many want to diversify their supply chains and make their procurement policies more inclusive. Through WBE Canada, you’ll meet these valuable contacts.Certification also opens doors to a network of other certified firms, run by like-minded, high-growth women business owners, who often do business together. You can even partner with other WBEs to increase your strength and clout in tendering for large corporate contracts." Eligible businessees are 51% or more owned, managed, and controlled by one or more woman, whose business formation and principal place of business are in Canada. Annual fee of $750 plus GST/HST.

"CAMSC certifies and links Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses to purchasing opportunities at major corporations across Canada and the United States. CAMSC certification is a market access tool that provides suppliers with a direct access point to major corporations which value the business benefits of an inclusive and diverse supply chain." Eligible businesses must be 51% or more owned, managed and controlled by visable minority(ies) or Aboriginal person(s). Certified supplier membership fees are annual and based on your previous year's gross revenue. In addition, there is the one-time certification processing fee of $275.

Kisserup is an international frontrunner in providing leading edge trade and export development, mentoring and trade training to companies. The servies offered are designed to assist clients in the key strategic areas such as the following: Capacity Building, Economic Development, Trade Policy & Logistics.

A guide to starting a business as an immigrant or newcomer to Nova Scotia, with chapters on what makes immigrants unique to the business culture of NS, Business Start-up procedures in NS, taxation, and more. Any newcomer entrepreneur will find this book helpful as an introduction to the markets and business culture that exist in Nova Scotia. Cost: Free. .pdf, English.

FITTskills International Business courses provide information on the world's current industry-validated global trade information to help businesses develop practical skills and competencies in order to succeed in meeting the demands of international business. Topics covered in this course include Global Business Environment, International Trade Finance, International Trade Research, International Market Entry Strategies, and International Marketing. To take part in these courses contact the Export Development Executive at NSBI.

The Small Business Development Program supports Nova Scotia businesses looking to increase their export capacity. The program provides financial incentives on projects that assist a business to grow current exports or participate in a global supply chain by providing access expertise on improving research, productivity, competitiveness, capacity, and removing barriers to exporting. The program contributes up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum incentive of $15,000. Applications are due January 15, 2018.

This program connects women entrepreneurs seeking larger markets with organizations that wish to do businesses with diverse suppliers by showing business how to maximize supplier diversity through opportunities and connections with corporate Canada and beyond the Canadian borders. Sessions within the program include learning how to draft an effective bid proposal or RFP (Request for Proposals).

"At Access the Best Nova Scotia, our goal is to help members connect, collaborate, and build lasting relationships. We will work hard to help foster those relationships and provide information and updates for the small business community. Access the Best Nova Scotia's business directory contains a list of small businesses in Nova Scotia along with a description of their products and services, and their contact information." $50 annual membership fee.

Since 1996, the Procurement Strategy for Aboriginal Businesses (PSAB) has been working to create strengthened strategic partnerships between Aboriginal business owners, industry sectors and the Government of Canada. The PSAB initiative aims to increase federal contracting opportunities and to gain access to the overall federal procurement process for Aboriginal businesses. The PSAB initiative is a national Government of Canada initiative led by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC). All federal government departments and agencies participate in this initiative.

"The Supplier Registration Information (SRI) system is a database of registered companies interested in selling to the federal government. By registering in SRI, you make your company's name and supply capabilities widely known to federal departments and agencies, who may use the system to identify sources of supply for the goods and services they buy."

Market Connector is a free service to farmers and fishers, food processors and entrepreneurs, and service providers catering to the agrifood and seafood sectors. Individuals manage their own posting and connections within the platform to connect with buyers and sellers. Possible connections include crop by-products that producers may want to sell and that food processors may be looking for or co-packing opportunities listed by individuals with extra processing capacity and those seeking to increase their production.

"Perennia food scientists and technicians work with established and new agrifood, beverage and seafood businesses to create new products, or improve current products or processes. We can support product development and incubation, labelling and packaging to improve your bottom line and ensure your product is ready for market, shelf stable and consistent. If you have an idea, need assistance to improve a product, have by-product you feel may lead to a value-added opportunity, need analysis done to ensure the nutrient composition of your product, or want to try commercial grade equipment before making an investment to a larger-scale facility, we can help."

"The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) assists the government in bridging the gap between supply and demand by bringing forward the concerns and challenges of SMEs in the federal procurement process. SMEs are assited in better understanding of how the government buys goods and services by raising awareness of opportunities.OSME also manages the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP), which assists Canadian businesses in testing their innovative goods and services before they are commercialized."

The Canada Border Services Agency, through the Government of Canada, offers a variety of resources designed to help Small and Medium Enterprises follow the rules when importing and exporting. Resources include checklists and guides, import and export reference tools, and information on tariffs and trade incentive programs.

"ConnectNS Global Advisors aims to help Nova Scotia exporters gain insight and get globally connected throught their network of Global Advisors, a group of key influencers and industry experts within Nova Scotia's community. By sharing their knowledge, experience and/or connections, Global Advisors can help shape Noa Scotia's export future."

"Your Business Number is a nine-digit account number that identifies your business to federal, provincial, and municipal governments. You can open several different accounts for your business through a single registration. The accounts include GST/HST, payroll deducations, corporate income tax, and import/export."

"The Government of Nova Scotia is piloting a Business Navigator service. Business Navigators help businesses navigate rules and regulations so they can get to work opening, operating and growing their business. Experienced navigators will also assist in securing business registration, completing and tracking permit and licence applications and forms, and setting up and preparing for inspections." Free

BDC's result-based framework gets business sales and marketing channels working together for maximum success. These consulting services will help businesses understand their potential using market intelligence, sales and marketing (and digital marketing) diagnostics. Business assets will be developed with website power and brand influence. Customers will be attracted by creating a communication strategy and establishing a sales plan.

Free search engine and e-mail alerts for new government and public sector contract opportunties. Search for RFPs (Request for Proposal), bids, and tenders by keyword, category, city or province. Opportunities are updated daily.

"Identify opportunities to sell your products or services to the Federal Government through buyandsell.gc.ca. With this free online tendering tool, you can find opportunities, follow changes to opportunties, reference past contracts, and learn how to submit a proposal."

"You'll find all kinds of resources here to help you shop for new markets and customers, from tips on hot new markets and local business customs to finding the financing arrangements you need to attend trade missions and shows."

"The Social Value Rating is a score (out of 100) based upon a series of scales that measure how far the Principles of Social Value are being applied within the processes and systems of an organisation or programme for measuring and maximising social value." Free

"BizPaL is a web-based service that allows business clients to easily generate a customized list of the permits and licences they require from three levels of government - local, provincial/territorial and federal, and slashes document research time to help entrepreneurs start up faster. If you are already operating, BizPaL can help you verify that you have all the correct permits and licences."