Welcome to the Wolfville Business Community!
Whether you are preparing to open your new business or have recently opened, we are here to support you.
As a local Wolfville business, you are eligible for a membership with the WBDC. Our memberships provide access to resources and benefits to foster your business’s growth, development & sustainability.
Find details below and how to get started!
WBDC Full Membership
If your new business is operating out of a commercial property in Wolfville you are eligible for a full membership and can simply register here. Full members pay for their membership through their commercial property taxes (either as an owner/landlord or tenant) and have access to all programs, resources & benefits.
WBDC Full Member Benefits:
Free professional brand photoshoot (10 provided each fiscal year on a first come first serve basis - use once within a 5 year time period).
Accept the When In Wolfville Gift Card as payment for your good and services (certain conditions apply)
Features and promotions on our popular social media channel (@when_in_wolfville) to reach a large Wolfville-loving audience.
Inclusion on the Wolfville business directory
Cost sharing & discount programs (such as our winter & summer greenery programs)
Access to grant opportunities and support for funding.
Inclusion on our preferred vendors list for WBDC and town events & promotions (such as our summer greenery program, winter wreath program, catering for events and meetings, etc)
Option to participate in promotional initiatives throughout the year to boost brand awareness and sales (such as Santa Shops in Wolfville, contests & giveaways!)
Act as an advocate and line of communication on your behalf between the town, Acadia and outside organizations
Access to social networking, professional workshops and business incubation opportunities with other local businesses.
In order to take advantage of your full benefits, be sure you are registered with us!
Click below to complete the contact form to access & stay up to date on your member benefits & promotions.
Checklist of steps to open a business in Wolfville!
-
Register your business with the Province of Nova Scotia: Most businesses are required to be registered with the Registry of Joint Stocks before opening. You can find more information about that process here.
-
Register business with the town (this licensing process is not finalized yet but here is more info on that process)
-
Register with the WBDC to ensure you’re added to the town business directory and receive your member benefits!
-
If you are planning any interior or exterior renovations you may require a building permit. You can find more information here including the application, process and contact information.
-
Signage also should be approved by the town prior to installation. A signage permit application can be found here.
-
There may be other permits or licenses required, depending on your specific needs. You can find a list of applications here.
-
Item descriThere may be opportunities for grants or financing for your business. CBDC Hants-Kings has more information on small business financing options. ption
Are you a new business operating outside the town limits or without a physical location?
We appreciate that you still benefit from and add to the Wolfville experience and are here to support your success. You are eligible for our Affiliate Membership.
Click below to learn more about your benefits and how to get started.