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2018: Looking Back

Friday, January 4, 2019

Nothing says Happy New Year more than a reflective year in review. Without question, 2018 was an exciting year for ‘Thinking Export’ in Nova Scotia with unprecedented ocean investment, sector and market diversification, and high-tech workforce growth. Here are a few special highlights from 2018:  

Story of the Year - Oceans. Future Nova Scotians may look back on 2018 as one for the books in ocean technology. The Government of Canada and the private sector announced the creation of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, representing a combined investment of up to $500 million from public and private sources in ocean technology.  

Scaling Up in Cambridge. 2018 saw the launch of the Scale-up Hub Cambridge program across Atlantic Canada. The inaugural Scale-up Cambridge Program included three participating companies, all reporting a positive return on sales, increased job growth and the development of strategic partnerships. The program extends to technology-enabled companies from across all of Atlantic Canada. 

Growing a High-Tech WorkforceNova Scotia’s high-tech workforce continues to grow through a well-established local ecosystem of post-secondary partnerships, career opportunities (including aerospace and defence), and a strong quality of life.      

A New and Improved Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards. A revised-format of the 34th annual Nova Scotia Export Achievement Awards receives a record number of applications. Tony’s Meats of Antigonish wins Exporter of the Year - Over $5 Million in Export Sales, while Spring Loaded Technology of Dartmouth takes home Exporter of the Year - Under $5 Million in Export Sales.    

Trade Market Intelligence Special Reports. Nova Scotia Business Inc. launches Trade Market Intelligence Special Reports, in-depth reports on industry trends, market analysis and more. First three titles include Craft Beer & Cider in Mainland China & Hong Kong, Mobile App Development Opportunities in the United States, and China’s Digital & Social Media Landscape.   

Live & Work in Nova Scotia. The Province welcomes more newcomers in 2018 than ever before. According to Nova Scotia Immigration, the province approves a total of 2,272 people through various immigration programs. In support, Nova Scotia Business Inc. launches a new Live & Work online platform 

Game Developers Ready for Take Off. The video game industry in Nova Scotia continues to grow with the right mix of talent, infrastructure, global reach, and community. The Interactive Society of Nova Scotia forms with local industry champion, Gwen Heliou of Ubisoft, as President.  

Cybersecurity Grows in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia welcomes a number of cybersecurity companies including Sweden’s Secure State Cyber, resulting in a growing, young, globally connected talent cluster in Nova Scotia. 

The New Innovation Rebate Program. A.F. Theriault & Son is the first client approved by Nova Scotia Business Inc. for its new Innovation Rebate Program, which can incent companies in Nova Scotia to undertake capital investments to increase their competitiveness in global markets. 

COVE Opens to Great Fanfare. Ocean innovators have a new place to work and collaborate, with the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) opening to great fanfare. COVE is home to local and global ocean technology businesses, post-secondary institutions, researchers, and marine-based and service businesses that support the ocean sector.  

Splinters Opens Film Festival. The 2018 FIN Atlantic International Film Festival is an eight-day celebration of film, media, and music from around the world. Kicking off the festival is the film Splinters, directed by Halifax’s own Thom Fitzgerald. 

Whether you are a Nova Scotia business looking to discover new exporting opportunities, or an international business not yet familiar with our province, our team is dedicated to finding export and investment solutions for your business. Contact us to learn more.