Unsolicited Proposal Guideline

It is an exciting time to be in Nova Scotia at the water’s edge. It is where our ocean economy is building. It is where world-class researchers and industry innovate and collaborate to connect with new markets. It is where visitors come to experience and celebrate our maritime culture. It is where our residents, current and future, find inspiration. There is a new momentum in Nova Scotia and at the centre of this energy is “place”. Our place by the sea is our greatest natural advantage. It gives the world a reason to know us, to do business with us and to visit us. It shapes our culture and industry on and off the water’s edge – it always has. The extent to which we are able to harness this natural competitive advantage and develop it sustainably, will determine our future prosperity.

Build Nova Scotia believes in a province where innovation and initiative are reflected in our business decisions. To this end, we are proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit of those who are focused on adding to the economic fabric of our province through policies such as this.

The purpose of the Unsolicited Proposal Guideline is to allow people to engage us with new ideas and innovative opportunities. All should know, Build Nova Scotia is open for business!

Those wishing to partner with Build Nova Scotia on land or sea (or both) are encouraged to submit unsolicited proposals at any time throughout the year. We have multiple established opportunities on our properties on which to start or grow your business. Established opportunities, such as the Kiosks at Salt Yard on the Halifax waterfront, typically become available every three to five years but at times may become available at short notice. Other on and off the water spaces, that may fit your business concept, may be considered for use as well.

Through this policy, where alignment with Build Nova Scotia strategic pillars, opportunity, capacity, and best value are related, proposals may be considered for in-year selection and business concept validation. Public safety, sustainable business models, and local market saturation will always be considered in identifying proposals for potential selection.

To submit an unsolicited proposal, potential proponents will be required to send a simple proposal (no more than four pages) describing:

  • What you intend to sell or what service you intend on providing;
  • How your business concept promotes both safety & environmental stewardship;
  • Where and when you would like to establish/operate your in-year business;
  • How your business concept is new, innovative, and unique to Build Nova Scotia managed spaces;
  • Business history – your track record of success;
  • Financial forecast including proposed rent and or profit-sharing concept; and
  • Point of Contact information including Name, Phone Number, and Email Address

Regarding consideration for potential selection, proposals will be evaluated based on a simple scoring matrix (below). Proposals will be reviewed monthly and selected as may be appropriate. Proposals will only be retained for 12 months from date of receipt.

Business Concept 25 points
Concept Need 30 points
Business History 20 points
Financial Proposal 25 points
Proposal Score / 100 points*

* a minimum threshold score of 70 points must be achieved to be considered for selection

Build Nova Scotia retains sole and absolute discretion regarding in-year proposal selection, and, the right to proceed immediately to Public Tender where a proposal idea shows promise of immediate and long-term viability. Respondents should have no expectation of proposal idea exclusivity.

Potential proponents should forward their proposals in one email only to BDO@buildns.ca. The email subject line must read “UNSOLICITED PROPOSAL” – all caps. Proposals should be saved in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, or Microsoft Excel. Proponents will be notified of proposal status within sixty (60) days of receipt by Build Nova Scotia.

In advance of a proponent being approved for an in-year proposal opportunity, a Form of Agreement will need to be signed with Build Nova Scotia.

Questions related to this policy should be directed to the Business Development and Program Manager at BDO@buildns.ca

To view the guideline in PDF format, please click here.

News

HALIFAX TO HOST ROCKWOOL CANADA SAIL GRAND PRIX

Build Nova Scotia is thrilled to announce that the Halifax Harbour will be the location of the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix!…

Build Nova Scotia is thrilled to announce that the Halifax Harbour will be the location of the ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix!

Halifax Waterfront Food and Beverage Business Opportunity

Build Nova Scotia is seeking a morning-focused food and beverage operator for the perfect location on the Halifax waterfront!…

Build Nova Scotia is seeking a morning-focused food and beverage operator for the perfect location on the Halifax waterfront!

New Public Spaces at CUNARD

More space to play is coming to the Halifax waterfront.

More space to play is coming to the Halifax waterfront.

Evergreen Market Vendor Opportunity

July 11, 2023 — Halifax, NS: The Evergreen Festival will bring the bright and exciting spirit of the season to the Halifax waterfront from November 24…

July 11, 2023 — Halifax, NS: The Evergreen Festival will bring the bright and exciting spirit of the season to the Halifax waterfront from November 24-December 17, 2023. Local businesses and organizations are invited to ge…

Build Nova Scotia appoints Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of Operations

June 29, 2023—Halifax Nova Scotia: Gordon Stevens has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of Operations for…

June 29, 2023—Halifax Nova Scotia: Gordon Stevens has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer & Vice President of Operations for Build Nova Scotia. Gordon has been digging in to provide strategic guid…

Halifax Waterfront Year-Round Retail Business Opportunity

Build Nova Scotia is seeking a year-round retail operator for a prime location on the Halifax waterfront!…

Build Nova Scotia is seeking a year-round retail operator for a prime location on the Halifax waterfront!

Mobile Vending Opportunity

Build Nova Scotia is looking for several mobile operators to ‘Pop-Up’ with their vending carts at Tall Ships Quay this summer.

Build Nova Scotia is looking for several mobile operators to ‘Pop-Up’ with their vending carts at Tall Ships Quay this summer.

Build Nova Scotia welcomes new Vice President of Infrastructure, Lands & Community Development

In this critical role, Jonathan will lead all aspects of our work to steward strategic infrastructure development for and with communities in all corn…

In this critical role, Jonathan will lead all aspects of our work to steward strategic infrastructure development for and with communities in all corners of the province.

The Pop Can: Small business pop-ups on the Halifax waterfront

Every week this 2023 season, there is going to be a new business activating “The Pop Can”. This space is a 20-foot shipping container is located in Sa…

Every week this 2023 season, there is going to be a new business activating “The Pop Can”. This space is a 20-foot shipping container is located in Salt Yard on the Halifax Waterfront.

Food & Beverage Business Opportunity on the Halifax Waterfront

Build Nova Scotia is seeking an operator for a food and beverage kiosk along the vibrant and active Halifax waterfront.

Build Nova Scotia is seeking an operator for a food and beverage kiosk along the vibrant and active Halifax waterfront.