Doing Business in Kings
At the Municipality of the County of Kings, we are committed to fostering a thriving and sustainable economy that supports our strategic objectives and enhances our community. Our dedicated Business Development Analyst plays a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth and supporting both existing businesses and new investment opportunities within our region and can provide assistance throughout each stage of the development process.
Click here to view our Economic Development Strategy
Our Regional Economic Development Partner: Valley REN
The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) is the regional economic development organization serving the Annapolis Valley. Focused on business growth, sector development, and investment readiness, the Valley REN acts as a connector, facilitator, and catalyst for regional prosperity. Core services include:
- BusinessNOW Navigation Service: Helping businesses of any size and any stage to connect to local, province and federal business support resources to help them grow, saving businesses from lost time and money by getting them to the right door at the right time. Contact the Valley REN at: BusinessNOW@valleyren.ca.
- Networking and Connections: The Valley REN is a connector. It hosts networking events through several of its programs to help build valuable connections within the business community.
- Keep up to date with the Valley REN’s social media accounts for information on the latest events and subscribe to their newsletter.
- The Valley Connector Program helps newcomers, international and local graduates to gain professional networking experience, as well as those looking to start a career or employ those in the skilled trades.
- Site Selector Tool: Guru by GIS WebTech is an interactive site selection platform that provides real-time access to critical decision-making data—demographics, workforce, infrastructure, zoning, and available properties—empowering businesses and investors to evaluate locations with speed and confidence.
Thinking about starting a business in Kings?
Here are a few things you should consider, and where you can go for help:
- Ideation Phase: Not sure where to start? The Valley REN can listen to your ideas and connect you with the appropriate business resources. CBDC Hants-Kings can also provide business counselling, business planning, training, and financing.
- Choose a Legal Structure, Register Your Business and Set Up Tax Accounts: Choose and reserve your business name through the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Contact a CRA Liaison Officer for free, confidential tax guidance.
- Choose a Business Location: How your location is zoned, how accessible it is and how the public access your property are some of the important variables that impact your ability to obtain certain licences and permits. Please contact our Planning and Inspection Services Department to ensure that your use is permitted and you understand any requirements that apply to your space before signing a purchase or lease agreement, or to find out if your desired location qualifies for rezoning or a development agreement
- Changing the use of your desired location may require renovations; investigate early.
- Apply for Permits and Licenses, and Prepare for Inspections:
- Before any construction or renovations, please contact us to see if you require a permit.
- Depending on your industry, there may be additional permits or licenses required by other regulatory authorities to operate. The Nova Scotia Business Navigators can help identify any industry-specific requirements.
- All public buildings are required to have regular fire inspections completed. Please contact us to confirm the required fire inspection cycle for your use and/or to confirm when the last inspection was completed.
- Hire and Train Staff: Familiarize yourself with Nova Scotia’s Labour Standards Code. Use online job boards or organizations like Nova Scotia Works to recruit employees. Develop onboarding and workplace safety procedures. Most employers in Nova Scotia are required to have Workers Compensation Board workplace injury insurance.
- Prepare to Open: Market your business to spread the word before opening. Consider joining the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce for ongoing networking and promotional support. Explore options for digital and print marketing and seek out training or professional support if needed.
- Post-opening: Monitor your operations for improvement and connect with any networking or mentoring opportunities regularly.
Still have questions or unsure who to talk to?
For personalized assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact Christine Spurr, our Business Development Analyst:
You can also use our contact form to get in touch. We’re here to help!