Access programs for businesses

Programs for businesses are available.

Forestry Innovation Rebate Program

Forestry companies can now apply for a new rebate program on capital projects that will help them grow, diversify and increase their competitiveness in local and global markets. The program offers a rebate of 25 per cent of eligible capital projects worth between $1 million and $15 million. Companies could be eligible for a maximum rebate of $3.75 million.

Eligible projects could include:

  • improved production processes or by-product stream processing
  • establishing new forestry sector production facilities that strengthen regional economies
  • diversification of product range and value-added products
  • production capacity to enter new markets and/or for new products
  • identifying new uses and new markets for wood fibre and projects that enhance exports

Government will fund the rebate program with $5 million in both 2020-21 and 2021-22.
For more information and to apply, visit the NSBI program page.

Renewed Timber Loan Board

The Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board now has improved lending terms, eligibility and a revised fee structure. The latest improvements address needs experienced most acutely by small and medium sized enterprises central to the forestry sector. The Timber Loan Board can provide financing for buildings and equipment, developing business cases, upgrading facilities and land purchases at market interest rates. Loans are administered by the Department of Agriculture’s Crown Lending Agency that also supports the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board. For more information, visit https://novascotia.ca/farmloan/timberloan/

Silviculture and Roadwork for Forestry Sector

The Department of Lands and Forestry is helping to keep people working with a commitment to spend $7 million more this year on silviculture and road work on Crown and private lands. Contractors and woodlot owners can apply for additional funding for these purposes.

The Forestry Transition Team, forestry groups and private landowners provided input into how the funding should be used. On private land, the department is providing funding to the Association of Sustainable Forestry ($3.5 million) and Forest Nova Scotia ($1 million) to administer the programs. On Crown land, the department will spend $1 million on silviculture treatments consistent with the ecological forestry model and $1.5 million to upgrade the Crown land road system.

Small scale wood heat

The Department of Lands and Forestry is moving ahead with new, efficient wood chip heating systems that use wood chips from private woodlots for several public buildings. Six wood heat systems are being constructed now and should be completed by the end of the year. Additional sites are being assessed and will be added in the future. For more information, visit the ecological forestry website.

Business Navigators

Nova Scotia’s Business Navigators give businesses personalized and timely help with navigating provincial regulations and requirements. They can help with needs such as registering a business, determining what permits and licenses are required to operate a business, understanding inspection requirements, and finding resources to assist with financing, taxes, staffing and other needs.

For more information or to contact the Business Navigators:
Phone: 1-844-628-7347
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Email: BusNavigation@novascotia.ca
Website: Business Navigators

Support for Businesses During COVID-19

Help is available for businesses facing economic hardship because of COVID-19. Forestry businesses wishing to access any COVID-19 support programs should inform provincial officials so that we may work together to navigate through this challenging time. The province is committed to free and fair trade, and while global pandemics do not alleviate countries of their international trade obligations, the province is committed to seeing that our economy can weather the storm.

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