Ocean Economy
Why Halifax?
Located on North America’s east coast, Halifax is Canada’s ocean city, offering ocean innovators and companies from around the world access to a deep and diverse ecosystem of customers, partners, and suppliers.

Home to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Canada’s largest ocean research centre, with 600 scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Over 500 ocean sector companies in the province—including the most ocean tech startups in Canada.

Ocean-related industries generate approximately $6.0 billion, or 13.5%, of Nova Scotia’s GDP.

Ocean-technology industry accounts for about 1/3 of total R&D among Nova Scotia businesses.

"Halifax has a world-class ocean innovation ecosystem that is growing at a pace that is globally unique."
-Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE)
The Halifax Advantage
with Irving Shipbuilding.
in strategic ocean investments in the province of Nova Scotia.
across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean in the same day.
enrolling 36,000 students annually and graduating top talent.

Want to learn more?
Interesting in learning more about Halifax's blue economy? Contact Al today and find your perfect fit in Halifax.

Download the Sector Snapshot
Learn more about Halifax's blue economy and the key advantages of doing business here.
Incentives
Whether starting, relocating or expanding a business, you will benefit from a number of incentives at both the federal and provincial level to help you invest in Halifax. We’ll be glad to assist you in identifying the ones that best suit your needs.
Nova Scotia Innovation Equity Tax Credit
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit provides a non-refundable personal income tax credit to individuals taking an equity stake in a small-to-medium sized Nova Scotian business. For eligible investments, investors will earn a 35% credit, or a 45% credit for investments in the Oceans Technology and Life Sciences sectors.
Learn More about Nova Scotia Innovation Equity Tax Credit >