CBDC Women in Business (NB): How to Access Advisory & Support Services

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

CBDC Women in Business (NB): How to Access Advisory & Support Services

Starting or growing a business can feel isolating—especially if you’re looking for guidance that understands the real barriers women face. The CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick program helps close that gap. It offers practical, local, and bilingual advisory support for women entrepreneurs across the province. If you want expert help without taking on debt, this program is a strong place to start.


What Is CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick?

CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick is an advisory and support program delivered by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs) across the province. It focuses on consulting, mentorship, and networking, not direct grants or loans.

The program is designed to support women at every stage of business, including:

  • Idea and pre-startup
  • Early-stage businesses
  • Growth and expansion
  • Export readiness

You work with local CBDC development officers who understand New Brunswick’s regional markets and challenges. Services are offered in English and French.


Who Is Eligible for CBDC Women in Business (NB)?

You may be eligible if you meet all of the following:

  • You are a woman entrepreneur (current or aspiring)
  • Your business is based in New Brunswick
  • You operate or plan to operate a small or medium-sized business

The program also prioritizes support for women from under-represented groups, including:

  • Indigenous women
  • Newcomers
  • Women with disabilities
  • Rural women
  • Women in non-traditional trades or STEM fields

Importantly, you do not need an incorporated business to access advisory services. Many participants are still validating their business idea.


What Support and Advisory Services Are Available?

CBDC Women in Business (NB) provides hands-on, practical support. There is no one-size-fits-all package—you get help based on your business needs.

1. One-on-One Business Advisory Services

You can access personalized consultations with a CBDC development officer who can help with:

  • Business planning and feasibility
  • Cash flow and financial projections
  • Pricing and costing
  • Market research
  • Growth planning and expansion
  • Export readiness

This support is especially useful if you’re not ready for financing but need expert guidance to make smart decisions.

2. Networking and Peer Connections

The program connects you with:

  • Other women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick
  • Women-owned businesses in similar industries
  • National and international women entrepreneur networks

These connections help reduce isolation and allow you to learn from others facing similar challenges.

3. Support for Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

Indigenous women can receive specialized advisory assistance, including help with:

  • Selling crafts, artwork, beadwork, clothing, and baskets
  • Business setup and pricing
  • Market access and sales channels

This culturally relevant support is a key feature of the program.

4. Guidance on Other Funding Programs

While CBDC Women in Business (NB) is not a grant, advisors can help you:

  • Prepare for future grants or loans
  • Understand eligibility for provincial and federal programs
  • Strengthen applications with solid financials and plans

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can also help you filter relevant programs by province and business stage in seconds.


How to Access CBDC Women in Business Services

The process is simple and low barrier:

  1. Contact your local CBDC office in New Brunswick
  2. Request support under the Women in Business program
  3. Complete an intake discussion about your business or idea
  4. Get matched with a development officer
  5. Begin advisory sessions and ongoing support

There is no competitive application round and no fixed deadline. The program is currently open.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming it’s only for established businesses
Many women wait too long. You can access support even at the idea stage.

Expecting direct grant funding
CBDC Women in Business focuses on advisory and consulting—not cash grants.

Not preparing questions in advance
You’ll get more value if you come with clear goals, challenges, or decisions you’re stuck on.

Thinking support is short-term only
Many entrepreneurs work with CBDCs over months as their business evolves.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is CBDC Women in Business a grant or a loan?
No. The program provides advisory, consulting, and networking support rather than direct funding.

Q: Do I need to pay for CBDC Women in Business services?
Many advisory services are offered at low or no cost, depending on the type of support provided.

Q: Can I apply if I haven’t started my business yet?
Yes. Both aspiring and existing women entrepreneurs in New Brunswick are eligible.

Q: Is the support available in French?
Yes. CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick offers bilingual support.

Q: Can CBDC help me find other grants later?
Yes. Advisors often help you prepare for grants, loans, and other funding programs once your business is ready. GrantHub also makes it easy to search for new funding opportunities as your business grows.


Next Steps

CBDC Women in Business New Brunswick is a practical first step if you want expert guidance without taking on debt. Once you have advisory support in place, GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—making it easier to see which funding options match your business profile as you grow.

See also:

  • How Women Entrepreneurs Can Use the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
  • How to Use Research and Data Programs to Support Women Entrepreneurs in Canada
  • How to Start a Business in Newfoundland and Labrador With Women-Focused Support Programs

If you’re building a business in New Brunswick, the right advice—at the right time—can save you years of trial and error.

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