The Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) (French: La Corporation de développement communautaire) is a federal and provincially funded

not-for-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

. CBDCs assist in the creation of small businesses and in the expansion and modernization of existing small businesses by providing financial and technical services to entrepreneurs. The organisation was founded in the 1970s and currently holds 41 offices throughout Atlantic Canada. The 41 offices are autonomous corporations but each work with their respective Provincial Association office. The Provincial Association offices are located in; Alberton, PEI; Elmsdale, NS; Mount Pearl, NL; and Bathurst, NB. These 4 offices work with the Atlantic Association of CBDCs to constantly improve the services offered by the CBDC network. The CBDCs are a member of the Community Futures Network of Canada.

Operating structure

CBDCs operate under the guidance of a local Board of Directors. /sup> The Board of Directors is representative of the area served by the CBDC, and all members of the board are community business leaders and volunteers. This organizational structure permits the CBDC to play a direct and active role in employment development within their

jurisdiction Jurisdiction (from Latin 'law' + 'declaration') is the legal term for the legal authority granted to a legal entity to enact justice. In federations like the United States, areas of jurisdiction apply to local, state, and federal levels. J ...

. The Board of Directors is complemented by a professional staff, varying in size depending on the level of activity within the region served and resources made available to it by the

Government of Canada The government of Canada (french: gouvernement du Canada) is the body responsible for the federal administration of Canada. A constitutional monarchy, the Crown is the corporation sole, assuming distinct roles: the executive, as the ''Crown ...

. CBDCs act as a delivery agent for several governmental financing programs for small business. They have options available to help individuals establish a new business, expand an existing one, or to stabilize/modernize their current business.

Services

CBDC offers financial assistance in the form of loans, loan guarantees and equity financing to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. It puts a high priority to the advisory role of its mandate by focusing on providing business counselling and advice to its clients. CBDC provides entrepreneurship development and training to individuals and small business owners. It can also advocate on behalf of its clients to other lending establishments or regulatory agencies. Typically CBDC targets its services to entrepreneurs who require customized financing not available from traditional sources. Some of the custom financing options offered include but are not limited to; CBDC Social Enterprise Loan, CBDC First-Time Entrepreneur Loan, CBDC General Business Loan, CBDC Youth Loan, CBDC Innovation Loan, Self Employment Assistance Program and the Consultant Advisory Services Program. CBDC Banners

Jurisdiction

The CBDCs are dedicated to the development of small business and job creation and enhancement in rural Atlantic Canada. CBDCs are subject to

Treasury Board of Canada The Treasury Board of Canada (french: Conseil du Trésor du Canada) is the Cabinet committee of the Privy Council of Canada which oversees the spending and operation of the Government of Canada and is the principal employer of the core public se ...

regulations.

References

Entrepreneurship Business planning Business opportunities Small business {{nonprofit-org-stub