Starting a Business FAQs
How do I go about starting a business?
What assistance and incentives are available to start a business?
What can the PRDA do to assist me in pursuing my business ideas?
Where can I find tourism information about Pictou County?
Where can I find information about immigration regulations and the immigration process?
Q. How do I go about starting a business?
Starting a business involves a number of steps. Proper planning is a critical factor in determining the success of any business venture. Starting a successful business will include such activities as market research, feasibility analysis, business planning, human resource planning, financial forecasting and other important steps.
The Pictou Regional Development Agency (PRDA) provides assistance and counseling in these and other matters to entrepreneurs and existing business people.
Click here to contact our Business Development Officer.
Click here to view the Important Steps in Starting a Business (PDF 1.2MB).
Q. What assistance and incentives are available to start a business?
That depends on what type of business is involved and the specific needs of the project proponent. Many forms of assistance can be made available, from business advice and help in preparing business plans to market research, training assistance and financing. Government assistance programs frequently change to adapt to the needs of the business community, so it is difficult to provide specifics on programs. Some of the major programs to assist business are offered by the following:
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development
Human Resources Social Development Canada
For detailed information about government programs to assist business, contact us.
Q. What can the PRDA do to assist me in pursuing my business ideas?
A. We:
• Guide new and existing business owners through the myriad of government programs and regulations, including providing contacts and facilitating meetings with various government or private sector groups.
• Provide information on business plans, licensing requirements, property taxes, regulations, marketing plans, etc.
• Provide databases on import replacement opportunities or lists of local suppliers of products and services.
• Provide information on available industrial and commercial properties.
• Meet with business owners to help identify ways for them to grow and prosper.
• Provide detailed community profiles for use by perspective new businesses to the area.
• Collect and communicate business concerns to government.
• Sponsor one-stop shopping for business assistance in Pictou County, through the Business Service Centre.
Q. Where can I find information about Pictou County's economy, community data, business and industry, etc.?
A. Much information is contained throughout this website and in detail in the Pictou County Community Profile, prepared by PRDA. For other more specific information, contact the PRDA office directly.
Q. Where can I find tourism information about Pictou County?
A. The Pictou County Tourist Association is the best source for this information.
Q. Where can I find information about immigration regulations and the immigration process?
A. Immigration information is available from Citizenship & Immigration Canada or Nova Scotia Office of Immigration.
