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NEWS RELEASE – BioNova, Grant Thornton and Cox & Palmer Propose Updates to N.S. Tax Credit to Boost Investment in Startups

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BioNova, Grant Thornton and Cox & Palmer Propose Updates to N.S. Tax Credit to Boost Investment in Startups

November 6, 2019 – Halifax, Nova Scotia – BioNovaGrant Thornton and Cox & Palmer

BioNova, the organization leading the economic growth of the Health and Life Sciences sector in Nova Scotia in collaboration with Grant Thornton and Cox & Palmer have announced the launch of a report to advance the Innovation Equity Tax Credit (IETC)  to better serve the interests of local businesses, the investment community, and the province’s economic development objectives. The announcement was made at BioNova’s 18th annual BioPort Atlantic conference, the largest health and life sciences conference east of Montreal.

This is the second time that BioNova and industry partners have provided recommendations to the province to evolve the tax credit, many of which were adopted with the launch of the new and improved IETC back in January. This has led to welcomed changes for many companies in Nova Scotia, as the attraction of capital has been a long-standing issue for emerging businesses.

“Great strides have been made and we believe there are still opportunities available to further improve and refine the IETC that will have a long-term positive impact on our economy and for the health and life sciences sector,” said Scott Moffitt, Executive Director of BioNova.

There are thirteen new recommendations listed in the report including an update which will allow directors, founders, and other investors with a vested interest in the company to benefit from the tax credits where they are currently excluded. The report also recommends providing early stage companies an opportunity to pivot their business plan if it will increase their chances of success while still being eligible for the IETC.

BioNova advocates on behalf of the sector for initiatives that are important to attract investment to the province. The IETC encourages investors to make equity capital investments in eligible Nova Scotian small and medium corporations, who are engaged in innovative activities that contribute to inclusive economic growth and increase investment in innovation.

Quotes
“The Innovation Equity Tax Credit changes that were announced in January of 2019 and referenced again in the provincial budget for 2019/20 made a significant impact on the amount of local funds raised in our most recent offering. We were encouraged to see local investors benefit from the new changes. We truly believe that these are the types of significant improvements that are needed to ensure the success of technology-based businesses like ours, so we look forward to this trend continuing.”

– Peter Hickey, Co-founder and Executive Director, IR Scientific

“We’re hoping that our efforts to improve the business climate in Nova Scotia for innovation-driven entrepreneurship by doing things differently will continue to support economic growth in the province.”

Gerry Lacroix, Partner, Grant Thornton

View the full report “Continuing the Advantage: INNOVATION EQUITY TAX CREDITS and Stimulating Innovative Companies” here

About BioNova:
BioNova leads the economic development of Nova Scotia’s growing health and life sciences sector. Since 1993, BioNova has been accelerating the growth of its member companies to commercialize life-changing research to improve healthcare, provide healthier food, and develop sustainable solutions. BioNova champions the sector’s cluster of world-class research facilities, incubator programs, and companies who, together, bring investment and jobs to Nova Scotia.

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For further information, media may contact:
Shana Cristoferi
Marketing Manager, BioNova
902-421-5705
[email protected]

Click here to download the BioPort and BioNova Logos.

Province Announces Innovation Equity Tax Credit

Read original announcement here
Nova Scotia startup companies and small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from more investment, thanks to a new Innovation Equity Tax Credit launched today by Finance and Treasury Board Minister Karen Casey.
The new tax credit applies to investments up to $250,000 in eligible businesses, which is $200,000 more than the current Equity Tax Credit. Nova Scotian investors will receive a tax incentive of 35 per cent, or 45 per cent in priority sectors of oceans technology and life sciences.

“This new tax credit encourages Nova Scotians to invest in our home-grown entrepreneurs and local companies so they can drive growth, be more competitive and succeed,” said Ms. Casey. “It will add to our ongoing efforts to improve the business climate in Nova Scotia for innovation-driven entrepreneurship by doing things differently to support economic growth.”

The revised regulations outline that Nova Scotia businesses less than 10 years old may qualify for funding. Investors often bring expertise, advice, mentoring and networks to the businesses they have invested in.
The province is also exploring options to expand the tax credit through legislation this spring. Those options include making corporations and qualified venture capital funds eligible for the credit.
The new tax credit focuses on innovation-driven entrepreneurship and narrows business eligibility to priority areas. The current equity tax credit, established in 1994, will be phased out as part of the 2019-20 Budget, to enable time for businesses to adjust.
The new tax credit is effective immediately. To view the regulations visit, https://novascotia.ca/just/regulations/rxaa-l.htm#inctax .

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Nova Scotia startups will benefit from a new Innovation Equity Tax Credit that encourages more local investment.
The new tax credit focuses on innovation-driven entrepreneurship and narrows business eligibility to priority areas, including ocean technology and life sciences.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister Karen Casey says new investments in local companies will help to create a stronger Nova Scotia.
This will help build on the flourishing startup community we have in the province.
The new tax credit is effective immediately.

Media Contact:

Gary Andrea
902-456-6196 Email:

Modernizing EQUITY TAX CREDITS in Atlantic Canada and Stimulating Innovative Companies

BioNova advocates on behalf of the sector for initiatives that are important to attract investment to the province. learn more about the recommendations we’re presenting to Government on modernizing Equity Tax Credits for Atlantic Canada by clicking on the image below.
To add your signature of support for these recommendations CONTACT US


Update: Province Announces Innovation Equity Tax Credit
highlights: The new tax credit applies to investments up to $250,000 in eligible businesses, which is $200,000 more than the current Equity Tax Credit. Nova Scotian investors will receive a tax incentive of 35 per cent, or 45 per cent in priority sectors of oceans technology and life sciences.


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