This loan is now being repaid. BCA Holdings Ltd. has invested in enterprises such as the Cape Smokey Ski Complex in Ingonish, the Tompkins Commercial Centre in Reserve Mines, the Commerce Place in Sydney Mines, East Coast Rope Ltd. in North Sydney, CHER Radio in Sydney and Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peters. BCA Venture Capital, a wholly owned subsidiary, was set up as a profit-making operational arm. More specifically, the overall plan is to develop a self-sustaining financial institution that can serve as a catalyst and support for business development in Northern Nova Scotia with priority given to areas of high unemployment. In commmunity economic development, venture finance is a key element of any long-term plan.
Most investment companies locate in areas of high economic growth and low risk.
They avoid the areas in economic decline. Hence, the development of an investment infrastructure is essential to the reversal of economic decline. University College of Cape Breton resources such as the Small Business Institute. Through various networks, local entrepreneurs and groups will be encouraged to seek out businesses seeking to grow which will help create jobs and reverse the population decline. Through a select solicitation plan, successful Cape Bretoners and those with an interest in Cape Breton will be contacted with a view to investing money and business ideas in their former home communities.