Small businesses are more than storefronts and service providers — they are the heartbeat of our communities, the backbone of our economy, and the spark behind innovation and resilience. In Nova Scotia and across Canada, small businesses play a vital role in shaping our local economies, creating jobs, and building vibrant, connected communities.
Driving Economic Growth – Did you know?
- 98% of Canadian businesses are small businesses.
- They employ over 10 million Canadians and contribute more than half of Canada’s GDP.
- In Nova Scotia, there are over 30,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, with 21,116 active businesses recorded as of June 2025.
- The Halifax and East Hants region saw a 2.1% year-over-year increase in active businesses — the highest growth rate in the country.
These numbers reflect the strength, creativity, and determination of local entrepreneurs who continue to drive economic momentum.
Anchored in Community
Small businesses are deeply woven into the fabric of our communities. They sponsor local events, support charities, and create spaces where neighbours connect.
Resilience Across Industries
Nova Scotia’s small businesses thrive in a wide range of sectors:
- Agriculture & Fisheries: From lobster to blueberries, local producers feed the province and the world.
- Tourism & Hospitality: Small inns, restaurants, and tour operators showcase our culture and landscapes.
- Technology: Several Halifax-based IT companies build software solutions with global reach.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry in Nova Scotia employs approximately 25,000 people and is an important contributor to the province’s economy. The industry is diverse, with companies producing a wide range of products, including seafood, aerospace components, and construction materials. Source
- Green & Sustainable Enterprises: Nova Scotia’s renewable energy sources include wind, hydro, solar, and tidal power with a provincial goal of reaching 80% renewable energy by 2030. The province is actively expanding its wind and solar capacity and is developing a framework for offshore wind and tidal energy.
These examples show that small businesses are not only diverse — they’re dynamic, forward-thinking, and essential to a just and sustainable economy.
Support and Opportunity for small businesses
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Government Resources: The Government of Nova Scotia offers a Small Business Rate for corporate income tax and resources for business registration. The government also provides HR toolkits and other resources for SMEs.
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Community and Business Development: Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) provide financing, counselling, and training to entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas.
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Business Chambers: Organizations like the Halifax Chamber of Commerce support the business community by highlighting challenges and providing resources.
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Non-profit and Educational Programs: Junior Achievement Nova Scotia provides opportunities for youth to learn about business and entrepreneurship.
Government programs, local chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial networks offer valuable support — from funding and mentorship to digital transformation and export readiness.
If you’re a small business owner, know that your work matters. You are part of a powerful movement that fuels local economies, creates meaningful jobs, and builds stronger communities.
Let’s continue to support each other — by shopping local, sharing knowledge, and celebrating the incredible contributions of small businesses across Nova Scotia and Canada.
Your story is part of a larger narrative of resilience, innovation, and hope.
Learn more about Small Business Week at BDC Small Business Week – October 19 to 25, 2025