Got a small business idea? Here's how to get started

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeAtlantic CanadaBusinessLocal BusinessCape BretonCape Breton BusinessNewfoundland And Labrador BusinessNova ScotiaPrince Edward IslandPEI Business Got a small business idea? Here's how to get started It can seem overwhelming, but there are resources available for East Coast entrepreneurs who want to start a small business Author of the article: By Laura Churchill Duke Published Sep 22, 2026 5 minute read Getting a new small business off the ground can be difficult, but there are supports to help. Unsplash Article content You have an idea for a business. You know what you want to do, but sometimes it can be hard to know the steps to get there. It may feel overwhelming not knowing where to start or how to make it official. Article content Luckily, in Nova Scotia, there is somewhere to turn: The Office of Service Efficiency. Article content Article content According to Justin Bradbury, a business navigator with the office, they work to cut delays, simplify rules, and get decisions made faster, without compromising safety or standards. Article content Article content “We work to make sure that outdated rules and systems and cumbersome processes don’t stand in the way of progress,” says Bradbury. Article content The office’s slogan is “reducing red tape to grow the economy.” This is important, as less red tape means more economic growth, more homes, more jobs, and growing wages, he says. Article content One way to ensure economic growth is through the business creation. That is why they are there to help entrepreneurs with business support services at little or no cost. The Business Navigation service offers free, personalized guidance and can connect businesses with a range of additional supports based on their needs. Article content They also have guides for several categories of businesses, including farms, food trucks, restaurants, and events, as well as a general guide, explains Bradbury. Article content Since 2021, the service has helped more than 12,000 businesses, more than two-thirds of which were start-ups, and has saved each client an average of 10 hours of time, he says. Article content Article content Where to start? Article content When starting out with a business idea, Bradbury says these are some first steps they suggest: Article content · Define your business idea: identify the product or service you plan to…