Starting a Business
Whether you’re opening a small shop, launching a new service or planning a major development, it’s important to make sure your plans meet regulations and that you have the right support in place.
On this page:
Check Municipal Regulations
Before investing or developing a business plan, make sure your proposal complies with CBRM’s by-laws and zoning requirements.
Staff in the Planning and Development Department can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Helpful Links
- Building and Development Permits (for homes and businesses)
- Municipal Planning and Land Use By-laws
Find Out What Permits and Licences You Need
BizPaL is an online service that helps you find the permits and licences you need from all three levels of government - local, provincial and federal. This tool saves time by generating a customized list based on your business type and location.
If you already operate a business, BizPaL can also help confirm that you have all the required permits and licences.
Helpful Links
Explore Development Incentives
CBRM’s Commercial District Improvement By-law supports new commercial developments in designated areas.
Eligible property owners can apply to have the increase in property taxes resulting from their new development phased in over five or ten years, depending on the project scale.
See maps, eligibility and application form at Housing & Development Support Programs.
Connect with Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is the Island’s private sector-led economic development organization and your one-stop resource for starting or expanding a business.
Through the Regional Enterprise Network (REN), the Partnership provides local support for:
- Business startup and growth
- Training and networking opportunities
- Investment attraction and immigration
- Connections to funding and programs