If your group is planning a project that helps an entire sector or region in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) could be a good fit. This program supports large projects that help many people by improving jobs, skills, and the economy across the province. Unlike many small-business grants, the CEDF is meant for projects that help the public, not just one company.
The Community Economic Development Fund is a provincial program run by Nova Scotia’s Department of Economic Development. It offers repayable funding of up to $3 million per project to support projects that benefit many people or groups.
Key facts about the program:
This fund is best for groups leading teamwork projects, such as workforce training, sector improvement programs, or shared resources that help several employers or communities.
The Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Fund is not for single for-profit businesses. Applicants must show their project helps many people, not just their own group.
Eligible groups include:
Not eligible:
Your project must also:
The Community Economic Development Fund supports projects that help more than one group.
Common project themes include:
Projects must clearly show who will benefit, how many groups or communities are involved, and how the project’s impact will last after the funding ends.
Applying for the CEDF takes planning and strong paperwork. Here’s what you need to do:
Your application must explain:
Be clear and give numbers if you can. If your results are not clear, your application may not be approved.
Working together is very important. You should:
Your application must include:
Because this is repayable funding, you must show:
This is very important, especially if you are asking for a large amount.
Send your application through the Government of Nova Scotia’s online system. Staff may ask for more information before making a final decision.
Using tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your group and project are a good fit for this program before you spend time applying.
Applying as a single for-profit business
The program is not for one company’s growth.
Not showing clear results
You need to give numbers and real outcomes, not just say you want to “support growth.”
No plan to pay back the funding
You must show how you will repay the money.
Listing partners without real involvement
Your partners must have clear roles and support your project.
Q: Is the Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Fund a grant?
No. The funding is repayable, so you must pay it back under the rules.
Q: How much funding can a group get?
Projects can get up to $3 million, depending on their size and impact.
Q: Can municipalities apply?
Yes. Municipalities and other public groups can apply.
Q: Do projects need partners to qualify?
Yes. Real teamwork and partnerships are required.
Q: How is project success measured?
Applicants must set clear goals and explain how they will check and report results.
The Nova Scotia Community Economic Development Fund is for groups leading big, team-based projects that help many people over the long term. If you want to compare this fund with other options, GrantHub tracks hundreds of funding programs across Canada so you can see what fits your group, sector, and province.
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