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  • 10 reasons why you should be expanding your business location search to Nova Scotia, Canada

10 reasons why you should be expanding your business location search to Nova Scotia, Canada

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Yes, Nova Scotia, Canada is globally recognized for our welcoming, unique east coast lifestyle. But this is also a smart, strategic business location. 

Here are 10 things you need to know about doing business in Nova Scotia.

1. We are closer to Europe than any other North American port... ...with access to more than 500 million consumers via transatlantic shipping routes. Our capital city, Halifax, has a deepwater, ice-free port that is one of the most efficient on the continent, making global trade faster and more cost-effective. The province is also home to some of the world’s best internet connections thanks to the EHA Express, a 4,600 km submarine cable system linking Canada to the United Kingdom.

2. Halifax boasts some of the most competitive business operating costs in North America... ...particularly in sectors like technology, life sciences, and financial services. When compared to top tech centres in the United States, Nova Scotia can offer more than 50% operations cost savings.

3. Nova Scotia leads in clean energy and sustainability... ....with growth in offshore wind, hydrogen production, and energy storage innovation. Companies here tap into a supportive ecosystem that includes strong R&D capabilities and collaborative partnerships across industry, government and academia.

4. With 10 universities and 14 community college campuses... ....Nova Scotia produces top-tier talent across industries, from software development to advanced manufacturing. Nova Scotia has more engineering, applied science, mathematics and physical science university graduates per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

5. Nova Scotia is home to five of the world's top hedge fund administration companies... ...including MUFG, Citco Fund Services, SS&C, Opus Fund Services, and Maitland. Global firms choose Nova Scotia for financial services operations, attracted by our stable economic climate, cost savings, and talent. 

6. Recently ranked the #1 Out of the Box Location for tech... ....we’re making waves in deep tech, AI, and data analytics, with strong support from government and academic institutions. More than 1,500 establishments and growing, our tech sector was ranked fifth in North America's up-and-coming tech talent markets. The Microelectronics Innovation, Design and Integration (MINDI) Hub at Dalhousie University enables collaboration between researchers and industry in key sectors, including ocean sensing, biomedicine, autonomous devices and IoT.

7. From payroll rebates to R&D tax credits and export development support... ...we offer a range of financial incentives that set us apart. We work with you to understand the programs, tax incentives and support available from all levels of government.

8. With a strong focus on blue economy innovation... ...Nova Scotia is home to cutting-edge ocean technology companies (more than 300, the highest number in Canada) and institutions, including the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE). 

9. Nova Scotia’s startup ecosystem is thriving... ...with incubators, accelerators, and venture capital fueling high-growth companies. There’s a collaborative spirit here, and businesses benefit from strong connections to academia, government, and industry.

10. Beyond business, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle that attracts talent... ....with affordable living, coastal beauty, and vibrant communities. Employees love it here, which helps companies recruit and retain top talent in a competitive global market. Here on Canada’s beautiful east coast, a diversity of innovative businesses leverage our highly-skilled workforce and location that’s perfectly positioned for worldwide connections.  ______________________________________________________________________________ Ready to explore what Nova Scotia can offer your business? Whether you're looking to access skilled talent or enter new global markets, Nova Scotia has the infrastructure, support, and opportunities to help your company succeed.

Expand your search options to Nova Scotia, Canada. There’s no better place to grow your business.