Message from the President
investments created significant growth for business owners and will have major returns for the coastal communities in which they operate.
The Self-Employment Benefits Program generated $4.8 million in investment, with 248 applications approved, attesting to its ongoing popularity. The Self-Employment Benefit Program for Persons with a Disability, a partnership with Avenue NB Cooperative, continues to be a significant program for entrepreneurs which surpassed the program’s targets this year thanks to the dedication of our staff. Our liaison officer made 66 monitoring visits to clients last year, providing exceptional support to those utilizing the program across New Brunswick.
marked a milestone for the Consultant Services Program, with the launch of our registration portal for consultants. This new simplifies the registration process, allowing choose from a wider range of experts to support their business goals.
Business New Brunswick (WBNB) had an supporting women across the province. provided invaluable support through its many training and networking opportunities, held and in-person. Thanks to a valued with Women’s Equity and the Department Affairs, initiatives led by WBNB for women entrepreneurs were fully funded by Government of New Brunswick for the first time in organization’s history. We are proud of our new launched last year, which saw WBNB outreach held in four First Nations communities across the province.
marked the end of our highly successful Adoption Program, which supported across Atlantic Canada to improve or online presence. Over its three-year program helped more than 1,800 more than $4.3 million in investment to strengthen and diversify their online are very proud of the results achieved through this program.
thank you to the more than 115 sit on our boards of directors across the to our advisory committee members. The organization and the outcomes we not be possible without their unwavering support and local expertise.
express my sincere appreciation to Scott Executive Director, for his exemplary and thank the dedicated team at the who play a crucial role in serving our CBDC across New Brunswick. Your support ensures our CBDC offices can provide the best service to entrepreneurs, moving the economy forward from a place of confidence and trust.
On behalf of myself and the Executive Committee, I would like to express our gratitude to Basil Ryan, Chief Operating Officer for the Atlantic Association of CBDCs, and our key partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of New Brunswick, for their unwavering support in fostering community development through entrepreneurship.
Rémi Roy, President of the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs
Message from the Executive Director
This figure points to a trend of higher value loans being sought and approved by entrepreneurs who are taking greater risks and needing more support to achieve their business goals.
This significant investment in rural New Brunswick communities has an even greater reach, as entrepreneurs leverage our support to double their impact within their businesses. This has a meaningful effect on the vitality and economic wellbeing of rural communities within our province.
Our results for the year signify the return to prepandemic trends in many areas, pointing to a renewed confidence in the economic landscape, and the stabilization of the rural economy in New Brunswick.
We have seen growth in the number of start-up businesses seeking support across the province, with 192 start-up clients served. Our network disbursed 506 loans during the past year, and these investments have supported and maintained 2,194 jobs — all of which are five-year record highs. We are thrilled the CBDC plays such an important role in our province’s economic growth.
The support our CBDCs provide entrepreneurs, and the business community, goes beyond lending. We provided 1,145 counselling sessions across the New Brunswick CBDC network to 1,285 small and medium-sized businesses. This is a testament to our continued commitment, not only financially, but through expertise and guidance.
Our CBDC network demonstrated a strong commitment to Social Enterprises by approving 100% of the loan applications received, for a total investment of $990,683. These organizations are an integral part of the province’s landscape and directly contribute to the strength and wellbeing of our communities.
Our collaboration with the ten CBDC offices throughout the province is the backbone of our organization. This partnership is crucial in providing entrepreneurs with the necessary support, not only through loans but the various programs we offer. I would like to thank them for their continued commitment to the business community, and for being a driving force in the economies of our rural communities.
Thank you to the Executive Committee of the New Brunswick Association. Thank you to the more than 115 volunteers serving on Boards of Directors throughout the province, and to our advisory committee members. Our network benefits greatly from your extensive local expertise.
We continue to forge strong partnerships with business community stakeholders and various levels of government, promoting a new social economy characterized by responsiveness, flexibility, and community resilience.
We can’t forget the reason we’re here — to serve New Brunswick entrepreneurs. It is thanks to their trust in the CBDCs and their leadership in our communities that we can create so many partnerships and support New Brunswick’s economy.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated team of 18 employees who have been instrumental in serving our CBDC members across New Brunswick. The high level of support provided by the New Brunswick Association and its team ensures that our CBDCs can effectively empower entrepreneurs, fostering growth and innovation throughout the province.
On behalf of the New Brunswick CBDC network and myself, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Basil Ryan, Chief Operating Officer of the Atlantic Association of CBDCs, as well as to our key partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of New Brunswick, for their continued collaboration in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening our communities.
Scott Tidd, Executive Director of the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs
Building strong entrepreneurial leverage in rural communities of New Brunswick
Total value of assistance from the CBDCs and financial leverage over the past five years (in millions of dollars)
The number of businesses who received financial assistance over the past five years
CBDCs supported 506 businesses in 2024–2025, maintaining the upward momentum seen over the past four years. With balanced support for both start-ups and existing businesses, the network continues to be a reliable ally for entrepreneurship at every stage.
Jobs created and maintained in the community over the past 5 years
The number of jobs supported by CBDCs increased by more than 7.6% this year. This continued upward trend reflects the enduring impact of CBDC loans in fostering both job creation and longterm employment stability.
Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Program
During the last fiscal year, the amount of financial assistance awarded totals $4.8M through 248 applications approved, allowing participants to continue to receive Employment Insurance or a weekly allowance (according to the existing policy) to get their own business up and running. Number
CYBERSECURE
NEW BRUNSWICK
Delivered in partnership with the Government of New Brunswick, the Cybersecure New Brunswick Program provided targeted support to help small and medium-sized businesses strengthen their digital security. This initiative aimed to increase awareness and build resilience against cyber threats by offering access to expert advice and tailored cybersecurity solutions.
In total, 43 clients across the province accessed support through this program, representing a combined investment of $122,070
Approved projects included cybersecurity risk assessments, development of incident response plans, staff training, and the implementation of secure systems and protocols
ADOPTION PROGRAM CANADA DIGITAL
During the last year, 772 entrepreneurs across the four (4) Atlantic provinces were approved for $1.7 million in grants to digitize their business.
In addition to the grant, a team of e-Commerce Advisors provided up to 10 hours of consultation to support each business implement their digitization project.
A majority of entrepreneurs raised their spending plan to put more value to their digital strategy. The main lines of businesses benefiting from the program are retail trade, professional, scientific and technical services, and accommodation and food services.
CONSULTANT
ADVISORY SERVICES
Through its partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the New Brunswick Association of CBDCs delivers the Consulting Advisory Services (CAS) Program. This program gives CBDC’s the ability to offer consultant advisory services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations throughout New Brunswick.
A total of 68 CBDC clients and 3 ACOA clients benefited from this program, for an investment of $584,480
In addition, thanks to Women in Business New Brunswick, 23 women entrepreneurs qualified for advisory services projects for an investment of $148,105.
ADOPTION PROGRAM SEAFOOD TECHNOLOGY
Offered in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), the Seafood Technology Adoption Program (S-TAP) supports the integration of new and innovative technologies within the seafood sector. The program is designed to help businesses enhance their operations, boost efficiency, and improve product quality through technology adoption.
This past year, 19 clients took part in the program, resulting in a total investment of $1,412,532 in the advancement of New Brunswick’s seafood industry.
Investments ranged from equipment upgrades to automation solutions, allowing seafood businesses to modernize and remain competitive in both local and global markets.
Achieving Your Business Dreams, Together.
Results In a Snapshot
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Services: $1,879,350 in approved loans
Accommodation and Food Service: $1,064,760 in approved loans
Construction: $611,855 in approved loans
Investment in the region
Number of sessions Amount granted
Number of business counselling sessions
Number of clients
Applications approved
Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis
Arts
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Manufacturing: $460,203 in loans
(23%)
$390,000 in loans disbursed (19%) Retail: $373,000 in loans disbursed (18%)
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications
Number
Number
Number
Impact
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Fisheries: $1 million
Agriculture and aquaculture: $728,000 in approved loans
Construction: 12 loans disbursed
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications received
Applications approved
Amount invested
Amount approved
Impact on businesses
New start-up
Existing businesses
Total
Impact on employment
Jobs created
Jobs maintained
Total
Number of sessions
Number of participants
Amount granted
Number of business counselling sessions
Number of clients
Self-Employment Benefit (SEB) Consultant Advisory Services
Amount granted Training sessions
Applications approved
Value of assistance
Number of clients
Photo credit: Pays de la Sagouine
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Accomodation & Food Services: $792,000 in approved loans
Construction: $783,850 in approved loans
Others: $699,857 in approved loans
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications received
Applications approved
Amount approved
Amount invested
Impact on businesses
Training sessions
Number of sessions
Number of participants
Amount granted
Number of business
counselling sessions
Number of clients New start-up
Existing businesses
Total
Impact on employment
Jobs created
Jobs maintained
Total
Self-Employment Benefit (SEB)
Applications received
Applications approved
Value of assistance
Consultant Advisory Services
Number of clients
Amount granted
Photo credit: Pixel Heart Photo Studio
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Transportation: $318,000 in loans disbursed
Accommodations &
$245,000 in loans disbursed
Retail: $223,000 in loans disbursed
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications
Applications
Amount
Number
Number
Number
Existing
Impact
Photo credit: Edna Moorhouse
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Services Fisheries
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications received
Applications approved
Amount invested
Impact on businesses
New start-up
Existing businesses
Total
Impact on employment
Jobs created
Jobs maintained
Total
Number of sessions
Amount granted
Number of business counselling sessions
Number of clients
Applications approved Value of assistance
Number of clients
Amount
Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Other Services: $1,268,793 in loans disbursed
Accommodations &
$1,105,490 in loans disbursed Wholesale &
$1,266,909 in loans disbursed
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Applications
Applications
Amount
Impact
Impact
Number
Number
Number
Applications
Requests
Applications
Impact
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Number
Number
Number
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
Construction: A sharp increase in construction projects requires an improvement in working capital, as well as the creation of new businesses in the field.
Seasonal services: An increased demand for seasonal work services, such as lawn mowing and snow removal, is driving a need for greater working capital.
Professional, scientific, and technical services: A strong demand for financial assistance from the CBDC for companies in this category, with an increased need for suppliers, products and services.
Investment in the region
Requests
Key Business Sectors in 2024-2025
CBDC Westmorland Albert has observed a significant rise in entrepreneurship among newcomers, whether they come from other Canadian provinces or abroad. Drawn by the quality of life offered in the Maritimes, these entrepreneurs, coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures, are energizing the local economy through their skills, creativity, and strong desire to contribute to their new community.
Investment in the region
Requests processed
Number
Impact
Impact
Number
Photo credit: André Audet
CBDC Programs and Services
Who We Are
CBDCs are not-for-profit organizations run by volunteers from the local business community who firmly believe in improving the economic viability of their region. There are 41 CBDC offices in Atlantic Canada dedicated to the development of small businesses and assisting entrepreneurs in accessing financing and other business training and resources.
What We Do
Our objective is to help build stronger communities in Atlantic Canada by stimulating private sector employment in our rural areas. CBDCs work throughout rural Atlantic Canda in the creation, expansion and modernization of small and medium sized businesses.
What We Offer Entrepreneurs
General Business Loan
Designed to assist entrepreneurs when traditional avenues of financing are not available, for either creating, purchasing or succession planning.
First-Time Entrepreneur Loan
Targeted financing for the first-time entrepreneurs starting or purchasing their first business.
Youth Loan
Tailored solutions for young entrepreneurs aged from 18 to 34 that are interested in starting, expanding or modernizing their business.
Innovation Loan
Assist in the development of the knowledge-based economy, the adaptation and commercialization of technology.
Social Enterprise Loan
Tailored financing designed to assist social enterprises.
Self-Employment Benefit (SEB)*
Provides financial and coaching support to new entrepreneurs during the planning and start-up phase of their new business.
Business Counselling
Business counselling in the form of advice to new and established entrepreneurs.
Consultant
Advisory Services
Available to small and medium-sized business, as well as non-for-profit organization, to access technical and financial assistance by engaging consultants to assist them in various topics.
Skills Training
Tailored trainings in specialized areas such as marketing development, bookkeeping, feasibility studies and business analysis.
*The SEB Program is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Provincial Governments Labor Market Agreements.
