Cost Competitiveness
Cost is a key consideration for any company looking to establish a new business location.
In Nova Scotia, you’ll find an attractive mix of incentive programs, including a payroll rebate and tax credits, as well as competitive salary and corporate real estate costs. Our companies also comment regularly on cost-savings achieved through lower employee turnover.
We will work with you to provide meaningful cost information specific to your operational requirements. Hear what companies are saying about Nova Scotia and contact Nova Scotia Business Inc. to learn more about making Nova Scotia part of your growth strategy.
New or existing businesses that are expanding or investing can benefit from a number of different programs and incentives:
Community Feed-In Tariff Program
The
Community Feed-In Tariff Program (COMFIT) is the first community-based
feed-in tariff program in North America and is designed to increase
local ownership of small-scale energy projects in Nova Scotia. The
program provides an opportunity for community –based power producers to
receive an established price per kilowatt hour for projects producing
renewable energy. The first round of applicant approvals took place in
December 2011.
Learn more about the Community Feed-In Tariff Program
Enhanced Net Metering
Net
metering is a utility-led program that allows a consumer (individuals,
businesses, and community/not-for-profit groups) to connect a small
renewable electricity project to the distribution grid through a meter
that measures electricity flows in two directions. The new enhanced
program will allow Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) customers to supply
electricity to multiple meters under one account within a single
distribution zone up to 1 MW to meet their own needs. Net metering
customers will receive payment for any amount of excess generation based
on their retail rate.
Learn more about Enhanced Net Metering.
Nova Scotia Jobs Fund
The Nova Scotia Jobs Fund will replace the Industrial Expansion Fund.
Learn more about the Nova Scotia Jobs Fund
Payroll Rebate
NSBI
offers payroll rebates to companies that are locating or expanding in
the province. The payroll rebate is a return on a company’s eligible
gross payroll. The amount depends on the economic benefit generated to
the province and is generally paid out annually over a term of five
years or less. Applicants must create or retain a targeted number of
jobs, at a minimum determined salary, within a set timeframe. If the
company achieves the targets set out in the payroll rebate agreement,
funds are rebated annually to the company.
Learn more about the Payroll Rebate
Research and Development Tax Credit
Companies
investing in research and development (R&D) in Nova Scotia are
eligible for a R&D tax credit of up to 35%. We provide our clients
with access to professionals who have the expertise to help them prepare
and support tax credit claims for their eligible projects.
Learn more about Research and Development Tax Credit
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
The
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive is a funding
incentive that is designed to encourage businesses to invest in employee
and management skills development, and to help them improve
productivity. It is also designed to help companies adapt to new
technology and innovative processes and thereby boost their
international competitiveness. The money can be used to buy training,
cover course fees, or for skills development.
Learn more about the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
Strategic Cooperative Education Incentive
The
Strategic Cooperative Education Incentive provides private sector,
government-funded, and non-profit organizations with 50 per cent of the
required minimum hourly wage of $15.00 CAD for co-operative education
opportunities.
This program helps businesses and organizations
across the region to recruit and retain students for work placements.
Priority is given to placements that help to increase productivity,
offer career-related experience, and provide the potential for
full-time, long-term employment in Nova Scotia.
Digital Media Tax Credit
The
Digital Media Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for costs directly
related to the development of interactive digital media products in Nova
Scotia.
Download the Digital Media Tax Credit information and application forms (ZIP file)
Industry Tax Credit
The
Nova Scotia Film Industry Tax Credit is a fully refundable corporate
income tax credit. It is a labour-based credit that is aimed at
encouraging the development, training, and hiring of Nova Scotia film
personnel in all disciplines. Television, videotape, feature film, and
non-theatrical productions are all eligible.
Learn more about the Nova Scotia Film Industry Tax Credit