Business Voice Magazine (January 2024)

H A L I FA X C H A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E

2024

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JANUARY 2024

HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS Meet our finalists Pg 20

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VOLUME 33

ISSUE 1

WORKING FOR YOU

SMALL BUSINESS MONTH

THANK YOU!

Thanks to the support of our partners, the Halifax Chamber was so pleased to host another action-packed Small Business Month!

We heard from small business owners that they wanted to attend our Small Business, Big Growth Summit but couldn’t commit to a full day, so we transformed our signature Small Business Week event into two bite-sized parts:

Presenting Partners:

1 — Luncheon featuring a panel with Heather Rankin (Obladee, A Wine Bar) and Ossama Nasrallah (Harbour Watercraft, Sea Halifax, Glamping) and Russell Hopson (BDC) discussing the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in Halifax.

2 — Masterclass + Social event with keynote Wendy Brookhouse presenting Prison Break: Escaping the business prison you built (Blackstar Wealth) and Scotiabank’s guide on how to take your business to the next level.

SPONSOR BREAKDOWN Small Business Big Growth Luncheon & Masterclass + Social Small Business Week Partner: Small Biz Champion: Luncheon Partner: Resource Booth Partners:

Luncheon: Conversation with Mirko Bibic, President and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada Advocate Partner:

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Host Partner:

JANUARY 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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33 04 Event Calendar

Board of Directors — Officers

06 New & Noted

Chris Cowper-Smith, Mable Health and Cedar Point Solutions, Chair Ann Divine, Ashanti Leadership, Vice-Chair Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Past Chair Roger Boutilier, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS Donna Harding, Engel & Völkers Caroline Wolfe Stewart, Nova Scotia College of Nursing

12 Members in the News

Directors

05 President’s Message

20 Cover Story HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

32 Member Profile Ann-Marie Flinn

33 Trends 35 Sponsored Content

Mohammad Ali Raza, Cox & Palmer Hon. Joanne Bernard, Easter Seals Nova Scotia Martha Casey, International Institute for Sustainable Development Ifeanyi Emesih, My East Coast Experience Media Group Inc. Nancy Foran, ESG Partners René Gallant, Independent Consultant Martina Kelades, Life Out Loud - Mental Health Consulting Wade Keller, Labatt Brewing Captain (N) A.W. MacKenzie, CD, Maritime Forces Atlantic Melissa Mbeba, Delectable Desserts Heath Moore, Grant Thornton David Rideout, MetroWorks Katherine Risley, KBRS & Meridia Recruitment Solutions Kimberly Stephens, Acadian Seaplants Paul Way, TD Private Wealth

Chamber Staff

Volume 33 • Issue 1 Business Voice is published 8 times a year for members of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and Metro Halifax’s business community. Views expressed in Business Voice are those of the contributors and individual members, and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are a policy of, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that may occur.

Please address editorial enquiries and changes to information to: Halifax Chamber of Commerce 100-32 Akerley Boulevard Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1N1 Tel: 902-468-7111 Fax: 902-468-7333 info@halifaxchamber.com www.halifaxchamber.com Cover Image Credit: Lumi Studios

Patrick Sullivan, President and CEO Becky Davison, Vice President, Marketing Kent Roberts, Vice President, Policy Sandra White, Director of Finance and Administration Emma Menchefski, Communications Manager

BUSINESS VOICE

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EVENTS

CHAMBER EVENTS

For a full list of Chamber events, visit: halifaxchamber.com/events

Wednesday, January 10

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: SCOTIA INVESTMENTS 4:30 – 6:30 pm 3 Bedford Hills Road

Tuesday, January 16

LUNCHEON: ENERGY IN NOVA SCOTIA 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

THURSDAY, JANUARY 25

2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS GALA Wednesday, January 17

CHAMBER 101 12 – 1:30 pm

Wednesday, February 14

WORKSHOP:

5:00PM - 9:30PM | Halifax Convention Centre Come celebrate the 25th anniversary with us and the finalists! Your ticket to the Awards Gala includes networking at the pre-reception, a delicious three course meal, top-notch entertainment, attendance to the exclusive after party, special hotel room rate at the Sutton Place Hotel, and more.

THANK YOU TO OUR NOVEMBER / DECEMBER EVENT SPONSORS!

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS MORE SELLABLE 9 am – 4 pm

SAVE THE DATES: ECONOMIC FORUM February 28

STATE OF THE MUNICIPALITY WITH MAYOR SAVAGE Spring 2024

2024 SPRING DINNER Spring 2024

WONDER WOMEN June 14

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JANUARY 2024

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Time to celebrate … and reset Looking ahead in 2024

PATRICK SULLIVAN PRESIDENT & CEO HALIFAX CHAMBER

W

elcome to 2024, and with it, all the possibilities and fresh starts that each January brings. Resolutions aside, the beginning of the year is a great time to look around, take stock of where we are — on both a work and personal level — and if necessary, recalibrate to take advantage

of the many opportunities in the year to come.

This month, we’re excited to share the 25th anniversary of our Chamber Awards, and this year, as with previous ones, we’re thrilled to bring you an impressive roster of talented and impressive businesses and business leaders. Please join us for the ceremony on Thursday, January 25 from 5-9 pm at the Halifax Convention Centre.

This year’s finalists reflect the originality, creativity, and diversity that comes with the unprecedented change, population increase, and immigration that Halifax has seen over the last few years. I look forward to seeing you on January 25th and celebrating with you the diversity and success of our community.

Also remember to save the date for the upcoming Economic Forum, taking place on February 28, along with our annual State of the Municipality speech

from Mayor Mike Savage happening in the Spring; and the 2024 Spring Dinner on April 25. Check out our January Events page for a full listing of upcoming Chamber events.

Finally, we’d love to hear from you, our members. As the Chamber’s main communication vehicle, The Business Voice magazine relies on you to get the word out about what’s happening on the ground for businesses around the city. If you’d like to tell your story or let us know about a new or exciting initiative, please reach out to Emma Menchefski.

And as always, I’m also happy to hear from our members, so feel free to reach out to me at president@halifaxchamber.com or find me on Twitter (X) @prezhfxchamber president@halifaxchamber.com @prezhfxchamber

JANUARY 25, 2024

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! BUSINESS VOICE

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NEWSMAKERS

NEW & NOTED We welcome our new Chamber members Are you a new Chamber member?

Get listed in New & Noted! Contact Mandi Bowser, Administrative Specialist at mandi@halifaxchamber.com or call (902) 468-7111 to submit.

2B THEATRE COMPANY 2b is a 23-year old Kjipuktuk/Halifaxbased, internationally renowned theatre company creating vital, innovative, and rigorous original works that challenge what theatre is and what it can be. We centre care for our artists and audience members and create works that are accessible to both new and artistically seasoned audiences.

Louisa Adamson Halifax, NS 902-453-6267 admin@2btheatre.com www.2btheatre.com NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Charitable Organizations

A TEAM COACHING A Team Coaching builds equitable organizations through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), shaping the culture, operations, and success of environments and sports teams. A Team equips organizations and employees with education and strategies to recognize the importance of healthy relationships and to build more inclusive, safe work environments. Visit www. ateamcoaching.ca Angela Simmonds Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 902-401-4805 info@ateamcoaching.ca www.ateamcoaching.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Consulting (General)

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ACCESS LANGUAGE SERVICES INC.

BESHARAM BAR AND GRILL

Access Language Services - ASL, located in Nova Scotia, is the largest service provider of legal, medical, and community interpreters in Atlantic Canada.

Bassima Jurdak

Halifax, NS 902-444-0484 besharamhfx@gmail.com www.besharamfood.com RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – Restaurant

www.accesslanguages.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Translation Services

ACCLAIM MARITIME ROOFING INC. Chris Kontuk

Halifax, NS 902-266-5719 HOME & GARDEN – Roofing

AMU LEAF TRADING Thomas Durfee

Dartmouth, NS 902-293-8879 amuleaf@gmail.com www.Amuleaf.ca ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Cultural Resources

ANCH TRAINING AND CONSULTING CANADA Gration Kamugisha

Dartmouth, NS 902-580-8250 grationk@gmail.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Business Consulting

BABA ALI’S CLEANING SERVICES Mohamed Ibrahin

Halifax, NS 902-702-0725 babaaliscleaning@gmail.com www.babaaliscleaning.ca INDUSTRIAL & MANUFACTURING Cleaning/Janitorial

JANUARY 2024

Manikanth Padumati

BEYOND THE FRAME MEDIA LTD. Narbir Sharma

Halifax, NS 902-412-8537 narbir@btframe.com ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Marketing

BEYOND VENTURES GROUP BUSINESS & TRADE DEVELOPMENT INC. BEYOND Venturesoffers businesses and organizations decades of experience conducting business and trade.

We specialize on Export Development, International Business consulting and B2B Matchmaking.

Lucia Toker Halifax, NS 902-798-7819 paula@beyondventuresgroup.com www.beyondventuresgroup.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Business Consulting

NEWSMAKERS BIOPED BEDFORD At BioPed Bedford, our multi-disciplinary team of Clinicians, including certified Pedorthists, and Advanced Foot Care Nurses (coming soon!) are uniquely trained and certified to identify and treat conditions of the lower limb and foot in order to empower our clients to do more of what they love in life.

Our BioPed Bedford Clinic provides comprehensive lower limb and footcare services, including assessments, gait analysis, and scanning and fabrication of custom orthotics in our on-site lab.

Brendan Walsh Bedford, NS 902-832-3777 contactus@bioped.com www.bioped.combedford HEALTH CARE - Medical Supplies

BLOOM 24 FLORAL DESIGN AND DECOR INC. Founded in 1992, and located in downtown Halifax - on Brunswick street, Bloom 24 Floristry specializes in a contemporary approach to floral design, ensuring that each and every arrangement is unique and tailored with a personal attention to detail that is hard to match.

Sophie Li Halifax, NS 902-466-2424 hello@bloom24.ca www.bloom24.ca HOME & GARDEN Florist/Interior Plantscaping

COMEDY STAND Comedy Stand Productions is the premier comedy event organizer in Halifax, bringing in top comedians from around the world. We’ll help you find and book the best comedians for any corporate event — from Christmas parties and team building workshops to awards ceremonies and any other type of event.

Josh Poulain

Halifax, NS 902-266-2481 josh@thecomedystand.com www.thecomedystand.com ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Entertainment

DARTMOUTH OCEAN TECHNOLOGIES DOT has developed lab-on-chip sensors (Phosphate, Nitrate, and Alkalinity), environmental DNA (eDNA) samplers and sensors, V-Wing tow body platforms, and seafloor bottom TKX Deployment platforms for a variety of sensors and acoustic devices. The company has a variety of international distributors and after sales support organizations ready to support users.

Arnold Furlong

Dartmouth, NS 902-229-3923 arnold.furlong@dartmouthocean.com www.dartmouthocean.com COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY IT Products/Services

EMERA IDEAHUB The Emera ideaHUB turns ideas into physical products for a healthier world.

This Dalhousie incubator supports tech start-ups who are developing hardware and hardware-enabled innovative solutions. With a range of programs available both to Dalhousie students, graduates, and the broader community, the Emera ideaHUB helps founders get to product-market fit faster. ideahub@dal.ca Erin O’Keefe Graham Halifax, NS 902-476-2030 erin.graham@dal.ca www.dalideahub.ca EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Education/Schools

FRIENDS UNITED FOUNDATION Our mission is to spread awareness and understanding about Indigenous people, their culture, and their contributions to society. We aim to combat prejudice and promote equality, peace, and mutual respect by sharing Indigenous artists’ moving and meaningful stories as told through their beautiful work. Contact us for partnership opportunites.

BUSINESS VOICE

Lucas Bouman

Cleveland, NS 902-623-2746 lucas.bouman@friends-united.ca www.friends-united.ca NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS First Nations

GAELIC BUSINESS INITIATIVE JD MacCulloch

Kentville, NS jd@gaelicbusiness.ca www.gaelicbusiness.ca NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Associations/Agencies

HAMMONDS PLAINS CHILDREN’S CENTRE, INC. Terri Kottwitz

Halifax, NS 902-221-7349 tkottwitz@me.com www.forestkids.ca PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES Child Care

HEY NOVA INC. Hey Nova is a women-led digital services agency focused on helping non-profit and private organizations, business owners, and governments attain user-friendly websites, products, and applications that meet inclusivity and accessibility standards. Our approach considers users’ lived experiences to provide the most comprehensive and effective digital experience for every product we produce.

Carling Course Kentville, NS 250-516-2662 info@heynova.io www.heynova.io COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY Web Design

HIGGINS SAMPSON AUTO INC. Blake Sampson

Halifax, NS 902-477-5595 higginssampsonautopro@gmail.com TRANSPORTATION Automotive Repair/Parts

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NEWSMAKERS HIRING STRATEGIES Hiring Strategies: Shaping Strong Teams for the Future! Since 2016, Hiring Strategies has been redefining recruitment. We specialize in custom talent acquisition, training, and retention plans. Let’s partner for sustainable growth and lasting success, together.

Emily Pilon Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 902-799-1985 Emily@hiringstrategies.ca www.hiringstrategies.ca HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING Exec/Technical Search

HOUZZSPACE LTD. Houzzspace focuses on designing and creating high quality modern, simplistic architectural products. Our team keeps growing as others connect with us.

Together, we hope to share a home decoration experience and great products with you. We also provide international trade consulting services on any building materials for both residential and commercial.

Cong Lin Dartmouth, NS 902-401-8519 www.houzzspace.com REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Building Materials

HTIPS - HOLISTIC THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION PREVENTION SERVICES Bonnie Hill

Dartmouth, NS 902-717-6463 htipswellness@gmail.com EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Training Programs

INTERNATIONAL DAMAGE ASSESSMENT AND RISK MANAGEMENT INC.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ADVOCACY

JOSH CREIGHTON CONSULTING INC.

It Takes A Village Community Outreach and Advocacy is a non-profit grassroots organization that focuses on assisting our marginalized communities, and individuals within the communities, through provisions of basic human needs and support in a variety of capacities. We increase awareness by providing accessible resources through our projects/mission to those in need.

Bridget Williams

Halifax, NS 902-981-8661 jcconsulting98@gmail.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Consulting (General)

Dartmouth, NS 902-219-2226 ittakesavillagecoa@gmail.com NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Not-For-Profit Groups

JA NOVA SCOTIA JA Nova Scotia inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy, equipping them with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. We develop and deliver hands-on, immersive, and digital learning experiences, utilizing dedicated volunteers, as well as through self-directed open-access digital learning experiences.

Carmen Boyko Halifax, NS 902-454-4564 info@janovascotia.ca www.janovascotia.ca NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Associations/Agencies

JELLY DIGITAL MARKETING & PR Darian Kovacs

Langley, BC 604-674-3559 darian@jellymarketing.com www.jellymarketing.com ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Advertising

Carlos López

Dartmouth, NS 902-430-7714 lopez.carlos@ida-rm.com www.ida-rm.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES – Engineering

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JANUARY 2024

Josh Creighton

KEITA BEAUTY Keita Beauty is a unique luxury travel beauty spa revolutionizing self-care.

Through immersive experiences, we provide a sanctuary to escape life’s chaos. We are highly-skilled licensed technicians and skincare experts who utilize high-grade organic ingredients, offering diverse skin treatments, therapeutic massages, and top-notch manicures/pedicures, ensuring unparalleled care.

Hawa Swaray Halifax, NS 902-410-7230 keitabeautycare@gmail.com www.keitabeauty.ca PERSONAL CARE & SERVICES Esthetics

KEYES INSURANCE Let our family protect yours! Elevate your company’s well-being with exceptional service. We specialize in home, auto, and business insurance, tailoring coverage to your unique needs. Our dedicated team ensures a seamless experience, providing peace of mind for employers and employees alike. Trust us for unmatched care and protection.

Trevor Way Halifax, NS 902-453-2273 trevor@keyesinsurance.com www.keyesinsurance.com FINANCE & INSURANCE Insurance Services (General)

NEWSMAKERS LASTINGECHO GROUP LTD.

LITERACY NOVA SCOTIA

LastingEcho Group Ltd. is a Nova Scotia-based enterprise, with a retail storefront (FUM3E) in Halifax. We provide an immersive shopping experience through creative art installations, professional service skills, and fashion-forward selections. We seek out the finest fashion and lifestyle products available and offer high-quality service to all our customers.

Guanchu Bao

Founded in 1992, Literacy Nova Scotia (LNS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality literacy, essential skills, and lifelong learning opportunities for Nova Scotians. We advocate for adult learners, raise awareness, promote programs, provide training, and collaborate with communities to support and celebrate lifelong learning.

Jayne Hunter

Halifax, NS 902-717-8678 info@fum3e.com SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL Retail (General)

LEADING LADIES NETWORKING

Truro, NS 902-897-2444 info@literacyns.ca www.literacyns.ca NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Charitable Organizations

Menna Riley

LITTLE BOAT COUNSELLING THERAPY Zipporah Doiron

Halifax, NS littleboatcounselling@gmail.com www.littleboatcounselling.com HEALTH CARE - Counselling

MAY GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT Gary Yeung

Bedford, NS 902-865-2226 maygarden@bellaliant.com www.maygarden.ca RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – Catering/Food/Drink

METCALFE CAPITAL PARTNERS Shaobo Liu

Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 902-476-3374 menna@allriledup.ca www.linktr.ee/leadingladiesHQ BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Networking Services

Halifax, NS 902-223-9304 lloyd@metcalfecapital.com www.metcalfecapital.com REAL ESTATE/CONSTRUCTION Developer

Promoting diversity and inclusion as the key to Canada’s competitiveness

torontomu.ca/diversity

@TorontoMetDI

diversityinstitute@torontomu.ca

Diversity Institute

BUSINESS VOICE

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NEWSMAKERS MILLBROOK FIRST NATION

OCEAN VIEW FOUNDATION

Ayo Makanjuola

Lesley Dunn

Millbrook, NS 902-897-9199 ccorbin@millbrookfn.ca www.millbrookband.com NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS First Nations

Eastern Passage, NS 902-465-6020 ldunn@oceanv.ca www.oceanv.ca NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Associations/Agencies

MIRROR FORM PHOTOGRAPHY

OSPREY INSPIRATION

With Meghan Weber’s passion for creativity and keen eye for capturing the vibrant essence of businesses, she crafts cutting-edge visuals that leave a lasting impression. With over 20 years of experience in photography, versatility is her superpower. Offering inspired headshots, team photos, event photography, product photography, lifestyle in action, and more.

Meghan Weber

In a challenging housing market with soaring prices, interest rates, inflation, and supply issues, achieving homeownership is daunting. Our mission is to realize home ownership dreams through programs emphasizing financial literacy, rent-to-own initiatives, and overcoming the major hurdle of saving for a down payment, fostering accessible paths to owning homes.

Derrick Chan

Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 519-635-9457 mirrorformphoto@gmail.com www.mirrorformphoto.com ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Social Media

ML FAMILY COUNSELLING CLINIC At ML family counselling we have a team of 24+ therapists who work with individuals, couples, families, teens, and kiddos. Clinicians work within their own area of expertise; many have completed advanced training in their areas of practice. We cater to client needs by offering in-person, virtual or phone appointments.

Michelle Labine

Bedford, NS 902-700-5657 derrick@ospreyinspiration.org www.ospreyinspiration.org NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Social Enterprise

PACESETTER FASHION EMPIRE Pacesetter Fashion Empire is a readyto-wear clothing and fashion brand that offers a diverse range of quality, exquisite and versatile fashion options for men, women, and children. Our outfits are meticulously tailored for diverse occasions, providing a memorable experience of the rich African culture in a practical and affordable manner.

Temitope Fawole

Halifax Regional Municipality, 902-476-0056 intake@MLfamilycounselling.com www.MLfamilycounselling.com HEALTH CARE - Psychology Practice

Dartmouth, NS 902-209-3444 psfashionempire@gmail.com www.pacesetterfashionempire.com ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT - Crafts

MY COUPON BOOK INC.

PERTU CATERING SERVICES

Nelson Bowman

Food lovers looking for luxury with a European flair are turning to GourmetGab - a Halifax-based company that brings fine dining to your home, with Michelin-trained Chef Gabrielle LeGuerrier and Sommelier Gábor Bodo.

GourmetGab creates the dishes in your kitchen and serves them, expertly paired with wines and cocktails.

Halifax, NS 250-809-9825 info@mycouponbook.ca www.mycouponbook.ca ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Direct Marketing

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JANUARY 2024

Gabor Bodo

Halifax, NS 902-717-4680 gaborbodo@pertu.ca www.pertu.ca RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Catering/Food/Drink

PILOT SHIP CONSULTING Linden Mattie

Halifax, NS 902-877-5965 linden@pilotship.ca www.pilotship.ca FINANCE & INSURANCE Accounting

PIZZA DELIGHT Stephanie Cox

Moncton, NB 902-240-9104 scox@mtygroup.com www.pizzadelight.ca BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES Franchise Sales

QUARKZA LTD. Brian Holmes

Halifax, NS 782-820-3659 brian.holmes@quarkza.com www.quarkza.com COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY Computer Software

RAVADID IMMIGRATION SERVICES Ravadid Immigration Services, established in 2019, specializes in navigating the Canadian immigration by assisting employers and employees. Our expertise lies in personalized service, professional integrity, and client satisfaction by utilising our sister companies Business Geeks and Work North America. Offices in Halifax, Ottawa and Vancouver. We guarantee employers efficient and effective service.

Stephan de Wit Dartmouth, NS 902-608-5276 stephan@ravadid.ca www.ravadid.ca HR, EMPLOYMENT & STAFFING Recruitment Services

NEWSMAKERS REVERIE BRIDAL OUTLET

TEO CREATIVE STUDIOS

Reverie Bridal Outlet is HRM’s first and only off-the-rack designer bridal outlet.

Our boutique offers designer bridal gowns at outlet sale prices without compromising the bridal shopping experience. Regardless of budget or timeline, we believe every bride deserves the dress of her dreams. Let’s make your wedding gown dreams a reality!

Emma Coughlin

Led by a seasoned branding expert with 12 years of experience, we offer brand strategy, homepage creation, social media content, video editing, illustration, and poster design. Our expertise in marketing and graphic design helps us guide local businesses in establishing a strong local presence and forging lasting connections with customers.

Teo Kim

Dartmouth, NS 902-999-2891 halifax@reveriebridaloutlet.ca www.reveriebridaloutlet.com SHOPPING & SPECIALTY RETAIL Retail (General)

Halifax, NS 902-401-4414 elliot0001@gmail.com www.studioteo.ca ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Graphic Design

SCLARA CARE HOME CARE SERVICES

THE AFRICADIAN EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY

Tanmay Rajput

The Africadian Empowerment Academy (formerly East Preston Empowerment Academy) is a community-based organization that provides opportunities and supports for people of African descent who are interested in the skilled trades — through Red Seal refresher preparatory and skilled trades development programs — to achieve their educational and developmental goals.

Tomisin Ayoola

Sydney, NS 902-537-2757 contact@sclara.ca www.sclaracare.ca HEALTH CARE - Home Care

SKY’S THE LIMIT EVENTS Steph Brown

Halifax, NS 902-209-9422 stephanie@skystldesign.com www.Skystldesign.com EVENTS Event Planning/Management

SPARC TECHNOLOGIES Cora Cao

St. Catharines, ON 866-377-2729 info@sparcglobaltech.com www.sparcglobaltech.com BUSINESS & PROF. SERVICES - Sales

Dartmouth, NS 902-434-2255 admin@africadian.org www.africadian.org NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS Not-For-Profit Groups

THE GARDEN South Indian immigrant students Dronendra Analapudi and Dinesh Reddy Pachika, are the proud owners of The Garden, at 1446 Queen Street. The Garden is a vibrant hub for multicultural events, weddings, corporate events, and gatherings. With space for 120 guests and a charming patio accommodating 30-50 people.

Dronendra Analapudi

TURTLE ISLAND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS INC. We provide premier IT hardware, innovative software, comprehensive support, and comprehensive IT Professional Services tailored to your business needs.

Our expertise ranges from cybersecurity engagements to deploying products and data analytics. Be it a modest update, a total revamp, or specialized resources for a particular project, we’re here to help.

Michael Hebert Millbrook, NS 902-809-8456 michael.hebert@turtleislandtech.ca www.turtleislandtech.ca COMPUTERS, IT & TECHNOLOGY IT Products/Services

VASSA EYEWEAR Faranak Paydar

Hubbards, NS 902-412-5865 Info@vassaeyewear.com www.vassaeyewear.com HEALTH CARE Health Care Services, General

WARA VENTURES Shahriar Amin

Halifax Regional Municipality, NS 902-989-3634 shahriar@waraventures.com www.waraventures.com ADVERTISING, PR & MEDIA Marketing Consulting

X HELPING HANDS Tavneet Kaur

Stellarton, NS 902-318-2511 kaurtavneet26@gmail.com EDUCATION & PROF. DEVELOPMENT - Education/School

Halifax, NS 902-441-4686 chillouthalifax@gmail.com www.gardenhalifax.com RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE – Restaurant

BUSINESS VOICE

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NEWSMAKERS

MEMBERS IN THE NEWS How our members are growing Halifax

SHAPING CHAMPIONS IN SPORT AND COMMUNITY

EMERA BLUE NOSE MARATHON ACHIEVES GOLD Since its inception, the Emera Blue Nose Marathon has been mindful of its impact on the environment and greater community. Sustainability remains one of our core values, which is why we have embarked on a journey to become the first sporting event in Atlantic Canada to achieve third-party verified certification with the Council for Responsible Sport.

This process involved demonstrating, measuring, and managing our commitment to social, economic, and environmental responsibility. Of the 61 total potential credit points in the collection of best practices, the 20th annual event earned 48 credits – gold standard! To learn more, visit BlueNoseMarathon.com.

2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS FINALIST

ADVERTISE IN

We’re thrilled to announce that Cabco has been selected as a finalist for the 2024Halifax Business Awards! ‘’We’re honoured to be included in this list of finalists and proud of what we are building at Cabco,” says President & CEO Mike Mills. This recognition wouldn’t be possible without your continued support and trust in our services. We’re proud to be one of the many organizations that represent local entrepreneurship, leadership, community-driven values, and diversity and inclusion in Halifax. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

REACH 50,000+ READERS EVERY ISSUE EMMA@HALIFAXCHAMBER

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At BATLX, led by retired professional athlete Micah Brown, we nurture champions, not just athletes. As Nova Scotia’s premier football training facility, we standardize football practices and promote inclusivity. Our diverse training includes 1-on-1 coaching and the innovative Elite 8 Flag program. Our commitment to coaching development is evident in the revolutionary Coaching Playbook Journal and Smart Coach Solutions program. We impact job creation, sports leadership, community involvement, and youth development, strengthening the sports and Nova Scotian community. Join us in our pursuit of excellence, community enrichment, and inclusivity.

JANUARY 2024

NEWSMAKERS

MEET SARAH FROM MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS PEI Meetings and Conventions Prince Edward Island would like to introduce our newest Business Development Manager, Sarah Essery. Sarah will be your contact for any Chamber members interested in hosting business events in PEI, and she looks forward to getting to know the Halifax business community.

Sarah comes to us with over 10 years of experience providing customer service in multiple sectors across Canada, including in hospitality and for large-scale events. Most recently, Sarah was the coordinator of a very successful food & beverage program for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. We’re excited to welcome Sarah to the team and introduce her to Halifax Chamber members.

Kelly Clark Fotography

MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF NS ANNOUNCES AWARD The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia presented Robbie Shaw with its Outstanding Senior Award during Mental Illness Awareness Week.

The award was presented by Diane Campbell, President & CEO of The Berkely Retirement Residences, at the Foundation’s annual Let’s Keep Talking, presented by Bell Let’s Talk event at the

Halifax Central Library on October 3.

Let’s Keep Talking recognizes exceptional Nova Scotians who are changing the way people think about mental illness and addiction in our province.

Learn more about the work of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia www.mentalhealthns.ca.

175 YEARS OF JOYFUL WITNESS TO LOVE On May 11, 1849, four sisters from New York responded to the bishop’s request for teachers to come to Halifax. One hunderd and seventy-five years later, the charism of charity continues for the Sisters of Charity, who give joyful witness to love, of one another, and of all persons. The Sisters’ ministry focuses on the empowerment of women, children, and the underrepresented, and on the victims of anti-human trafficking. They work to foster racial justice, while responding to the cries of the poor and the climate crisis. Their ministries in NS include the formation of Mount Saint Vincent University and the Halifax Infirmary. Read more about the 175th anniversary in 2024 at schalifax.ca

CNS STEPS UP AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING Commissionaires NS is playing a role in the fight against human trafficking.

The security provider plans to train its 1,300 employees to recognize the signs of human trafficking and help stamp out the crime. The initiative will greatly increase the eyes and ears on human trafficking across NS, particularly at key transport nodes, including airports, seaports, BUSINESS VOICE

ferry terminals, toll plazas, and bridges.

“We have security professionals at every main entry and exit point, positioning us to be a formidable ally in the fight against human trafficking,” says CEO Barry Pitcher. “We will leverage our public presence to spot suspicious activity and report it to the appropriate authorities.”

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ATA PAINTING COMMITS TO EXCELLENCE Ata Painting is a family-owned company that provides interior/exterior painting services to residential and commercial customers throughout HRM. The company has gained a reputation for delivering high-quality jobs and ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction. In fact, Ata Painting was awarded The Small Business of the

Year Award by ISANS last year, which is a testament to their commitment to excellence. The owners are proud of the customer reviews they receive, which motivates them to do even better. At Ata Painting, work ethics are a top priority; the team strives to be prompt, respectful, and professional in every aspect of their work.

GROWING CONFIDENCE AT SOW LOCAL SEEDS In the fall of 2023, Sow Local Seeds participated in the YESS (Youth Employment and Skills Strategy) program, providing a range of activities designed to help youth overcome barriers to employment. Thank you to the Old School Gathering Place, Musquodoboit Harbour, for this experience and thank you to the student who showed up to our farm, daily, with a great attitude. I encourage small business owners to participate, to support your business growth and the youth in your community.

DALHOUSIE STUDENT GIVES LITERACY A BOOST

BIONOVA IS NOW LIFE SCIENCES NOVA SCOTIA It’s not just a name change, it’s a reflection of our evolving goals and aspirations.

With a new name comes new energy, new excitement, and a new logo. The colorful spheres represent the many facets of life sciences, and leave an impression of a vibrant, energetic organization in the life sciences space. Our mission — catalyze 14

the life science community for Nova Scotia’s economic and social prosperity.

Our ambition — build a thriving, resilient, connected life science ecosystem for a better tomorrow. We’re not just here for ourselves, we’re here to represent companies, and here for the entire province.

Visit www.lifesciencesnovascotia.ca JANUARY 2024

Literacy Nova Scotia is dedicated to ensuring that all Nova Scotians have access to quality literacy and essential skills training, and this year, we’re excited to welcome Cole Rector, a Dalhousie University co-op student, to our team. Cole is playing a pivotal role in planning our April 4, 2024 Dinner and Auction for Literacy fundraiser.

With over half of Nova Scotians needing to improve their literacy skills and a staggering 58% requiring a boost in numeracy, Cole’s dedication is pivotal in helping us support adult learners.

For more information about accessing learning opportunities near you, call us at 1-800-255-5203.

NEWSMAKERS

HIAA’S JOYCE CARTER NAMED ONE OF CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is proud to announce that its President & CEO, Joyce Carter, has been honoured by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) as a 2023 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winner in the Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs category. This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional women in Canada who drive significant change within their organizations and communities.

ANOTHER PRECISION BIOLOGIC PRODUCT FDA CLEARED

GROWING A STRONG COMMUNITY Venture Counselling and Therapy Inc. is happy to announce our team has grown! We now have three counsellors on site with a wide range of expertise. We use a wide range of techniques within the mental health field to help people overcome trauma, marital stress, depression,

and anxiety, and treat neurodiverse individuals, those within the LGBTQ community, and children. We understand that mental health is not a “one size fits all” fix! Healthy individuals and families grow healthy communities!

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The U.S. FDA has grated 510(k) clearance for Precision BioLogic’s latest product: CRYOcheck Factor VIII Deficient Plasma with VWF. Intended for use in clinical laboratories to identify factor VIII (FVIII) deficiency in human plasma and aid in the management of hemophilia A, it’s the latest in Precision BioLogic’s family of factor deficient plasmas. It launched in Canada, the EU, and elsewhere in 2021 and is gaining popularity as a readily available and reliable alternative to congenital FVIII deficient plasmas.

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MAIDPRO OPENS IN HALIFAX MaidPro, a locally owned, professional residential and commercial cleaning company, opened its doors to the Halifax community in October 2023. Ayodele Suberu (PhD), a passionate entrepreneur and MaidPro Halifax owner, brings his over 22 years of management experience into cleaning. MaidPro deploys well-trained, bonded, and insured PROs for every clean, and we have a system that does not put our clients under any contract. A two (2) business-days’ notice is okay if you must cancel or change your service. Our services are guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with a certain area of your home, simply call us within 24 hours and we will re-clean the area for free.

HALIFAX STANFIELD LAUNCHES ‘UPLIFTED’ PROGRAM IN SUPPORT OF STRONGER COMMUNITIES Halifax Stanfield is proud to unveil its revitalized community outreach and sponsorship program, Uplifted. Uplifted consists of internal and external support programs designed to positively contribute to the communities the airport serves.

“People are at the heart of everything we do at Halifax Stanfield,” said Joyce Carter, President & CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “Uplifted is more than a program, it’s a commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.”

Recognizing the challenges faced by local organizations in securing essential resources, Uplifted provides opportunities for external organizations to connect with Halifax Stanfield and request assistance for their community projects. Eligible organizations can apply for financial donations, event sponsorships, in-kind contributions, or volunteer support.

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REVERSE JOB FAIR SUPPORTS 40 CLIENTS New Leaf Enterprises, Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s skill development and workplace training program held their fourth Reverse Job Fair on October 6th, 2023. The Reverse Job Fair is an inclusive event that supports Nova Scotians who identify as having a disability by giving them the opportunity to meet with potential employers, showcase

their skills and participate in informal interviews. This year the Reverse Job Fair supported 40 Nova Scotians who were looking for labour market employment opportunities. We would like to thank all the inclusive employers who came out to meet with our clients. It was a great event and we received excellent feedback from the employers who attended!

CHAMBER MEMBER’S BOOK GAINS TRACTION Local business owner, Steve MacLellan’s book, titled “Grow, Control, and Keep Your Money,” is a powerful resource that’s reshaping the way people approach their finances. MacLellan, a P.Eng turned financial expert, keeps it simple, relatable, and actionable. He speaks to his readers on a personal level, understanding their concerns and providing straightforward JANUARY 2024

solutions with a mission in mind — to help other business owners grow, control, and keep what they build instead of giving it away in taxes, fees, loss, and the unknown. Currently, his book is ranked #10 for small business on Amazon, and with some help, we can help our fellow chamber member get to #1!

NEWSMAKERS SOCIAL FABRIC INSTITUTE TURNS 7!

VOLTA CELEBRATES THE GRAND OPENING OF NEW SPACE Volta, Atlantic Canada’s leading technology startup hub, held the Grand Opening Ceremony for its new community space and innovation hub at the Armoyan Centre in Downtown Halifax on the evening of November 14, 2023.

Attended by over 100 people from across the Atlantic Canadian innovation ecosystem and beyond, the ceremony was highlighted by two major funding commitments from both the Atlantic Canada

Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Government of Nova Scotia. ACOA is providing a non-repayable investment of $3 million to Volta. The contribution will help Volta deliver three years of programing and support to the startup technology community in Atlantic Canada.

The project will support core operations as well as training, in the form of tailored programming, education, and networking events.

Seven years ago, Willow Anderson was fresh out of her PhD and wanting to apply what she had learned to help build places of belonging. What started then as a sole proprietorship has since grown and now benefits from the diverse lived experiences and professional expertise of eight experienced multi-racial, multicultural, and multi-faith equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practitioners. Providing services across Canada, Social Fabric Institute Inc. helps organizations build places of belonging by guiding folks to create, strengthen, and repair relationships across difference - without the stress of always having to be perfect at it! Learn more at www.socialfabricinstitute.ca

Champion YOUR leadership skills Build self-confidence Cultivate resilience Embrace challenges Courageously take risks Set clear goals Create community Show up as YOUR authentic self

It’s time for real change!

Reclaim the Champion in YOU! When: March 5th to 7th, 2024 Location: The Westin Nova Scotian

Learn more

www.changechamp.ca BUSINESS VOICE

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NEWSMAKERS

KETAN KULKARNI ANNOUNCES NEW BOOK I am delighted to share that Soar: A Soul’s Quest has been published by HARP, a reputed Nova Scotian publisher.

A mystical and inspirational fable that follows an eagle with anthropomorphic qualities, at the beginning of the story, Soar is forced to abandon everything that is familiar to him, and branch out into the unknown alone, on what becomes an epic journey of learning, discovery, and transformation. CBC political commentator Barbara Emodi calls SOAR “resonant with universal myth … a reminder of the traditional power of the allegorical tale to instruct us on how to deal with life’s most profound challenges.” We truly believe that everyone has a Soar in them.

GBI PARTNERS WITH BIG SPRUCE

PROMOTING DIVERSITY THROUGH FASHION In a world where diversity and inclusion have become more than just buzzwords, a fashion brand has emerged as a pioneer in breaking the traditional beauty standards and embracing the unique tapestry of humanity. MichNat Fashion House is not only creating stunning clothing designs but also transforming the way we 18

see and perceive beauty and style. As a pioneer luxury Afrocentric fashion brand in Atlantic Canada, MichNat Fashion incorporates African prints into contemporary designs. They offer customized services to their clients because they understand that everyone is different and loves to be unique.

JANUARY 2024

Big Spruce Brewing, a leading name in Nova Scotia’s craft beer landscape, has partnered with the Gaelic Business Initiative (GBI) to unveil its latest innovative brew, introducing the world to “Buntàta” — “potato” in Scottish Gaelic.

Not only does Buntàta offer an authentic taste of Cape Breton, but it’s also the first beer to proudly feature all-Gaelic labelling paying tribute to Cape Breton and Nova Scotia’s Gaelic heritage.

Buntàta is available in limited quantities starting on October 18 in Big Spruce’s online store with free nationwide shipping www.shop.bigspruce.ca and at the Big Spruce Brewery.

NEWSMAKERS WALKER’S LIVESTOCK FEED & SUPPLIES CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

COMFORTING COMPANIONS IS EXPANDING

JEN YOUNG EARNS C.P.E. DESIGNATION

Comforting Companions is pleased to announce the addition of Nour Aly, as executive assistant. Nour is from Egypt, comes with a double major in political science and history, and has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others — and she does! Whether it’s assisting in day-to-day operations, overseeing projects that cross her desk, or being out with clients, she always goes above and beyond. Nour says it’s a great honour to have the trust and support of family members and is committed to making a positive difference. Welcome Nour! For more information, call/text 902-430-2233 or visit www.comfortingcompanions.ca

I am excited to announce that I have earned my designation as a certified professional electrologist. This achievement represents a significant milestone in my career, and I am excited to continue providing exceptional permanent hair removal services to my clients. C.P.E. is the highest level of training an electrologist can achieve in Canada. Additionally, this designation signifies that my knowledge has been tested and measured against a national standard of excellence.

I am committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field of electrolysis and providing the highest quality of care for my clients.

My father, Dale Walker, started Walker’s Livestock Feed & supplies in an old poultry barn located roughly where the Rubber Ducky car wash sits off Portland Street today. He built our current location in the evenings and weekends until he was ready to open in 1986.

And why a red barn? Dale did not want a commercial building. Being from the area he wanted to pay tribute to the rich farming heritage of Cole Harbour, once called “The food basket for Halifax,” and so the big red barn was born. We feel blessed to have served so many communities in Nova Scotia and across the Maritimes these past four decades.

To our valued customers, THANK YOU for your patronage and support. We have worked with many of the same local suppliers since day one and without their superior products and unmatched support we would not be where we are today. Together we have shown local supporting local before it was a hashtag.

To our staff past and present, I could not be prouder. I truly feel blessed to work alongside the very best of people day in and day out. Thank you for your devotion. In closing, thank you for the past 40 years — supporting not just us but the many local companies and non-profits whose products we proudly supply across the Maritimes.

PROPEL YOUR BUSINESS TOWARDS GLOBAL GROWTH. Apply today for TAP Atlantic.

TAPAtlantic.com

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THE HALIFAX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is pleased to present this year’s Halifax Business Awards finalists. Presented by RBC, longtime supporters of the business community, the annual awards gala is hosted at the beautiful Halifax Convention Centre and showcases Halifax’s best and brightest business leaders and entrepreneurs. This issue is dedicated to the hardworking and innovative people behind these remarkable business ventures. We hope you enjoy getting to know them, and we hope their vibrancy shines through these pages.

The Halifax Business Awards finalists are chosen every year by an independent Judging Committee. The nominees can selfnominate or be nominated by someone in the community. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. The nominees receive email notification of their nomination and are prompted to fill out their submission. The completed submissions (made up of six questions) are then reviewed by the Judging Committee. Comprised of six local business and community leaders, the Committee reviews all nominee submissions (usually over 100!). They then assign each submission a score — all the judges’ scores are added up and averaged. The Committee reviews the top five (who are deemed finalists) and approve a winner in each category.

To learn more about the submission process, our finalists, and annual gala please visit: halifaxchamber.com/awards IMAGES CREDIT: LUMI STUDIOS

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L – R: Jeannine Riant (Fully Align Studio), Sasha Paul (Mauya The Fine Arts Tribe), Howard Brown (Lignum Immigration Services), Sean Kirkwood , Oliver Nemeskéri, Erin Crosby (Sprout Dwellings), Jayne Akinyi (Dada Dunia)

DADA DUNIA What inspired you to open a new business? My journey has been quite the adventure, taking me from Kenya to the UK, China, and now to the welcoming shores of Canada. This journey ignited a passion to bridge the gaps I saw for African women. Inspired by my mother’s entrepreneurial spirit and the incredible support I found in Halifax’s community, I founded Dada Dunia. We empower women from developing nations, starting with Africa, by connecting them with Canadian socially responsible businesses, helping them make an impact by growing with purpose.

Where do you see your organization in 10 years? In a decade, Dada Dunia aims to become Africa’s top employer for women. We plan to expand our services to a global clientele, transitioning from solely Canadian socially responsible businesses to a wider international market. Our vision includes broadening our Dadas’ skills beyond virtual assistant tasks to encompass web development, SEO copywriting, and AI specialists. We’ll establish physical locations in various African countries and Canada, fostering in-person connections and providing spaces for workshops, social gatherings, and relationship-building.

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS FULLY ALIGN STUDIO What inspired you to open a new business? My desire to see women live a full life, to help them connect on a deeper level and to ignite the knowledge they have within themselves is a big part of why I opened my business. My parents being entrepreneurs and creating and owning a business for 15 years with my ex-partner helped to solidify my sense of the power of entrepreneurship. There is freedom and empowerment in owning your own business which outweighs the not so pleasant moments.

What has been the biggest challenge to being a new business? I lost my Bedford studio in the July 23 flood, but it did not stop me. It offered me moments of reflection and an invitation to pivot some of the ways I am offering and hosting my services. I am now ready to start looking for the next perfect studio space to continue helping women connect to their bodies and invite more stillness into their lives. Having been through the flood has shown me that I can move through stressful and difficult times and continue to thrive.

LIGNUM IMMIGRATION SERVICES LTD. How did you get your start? I invested significant time in considering my options. Once I made the commitment, there was no turning back. My journey began with studying immigration law at Queens University’s Faculty of Law. After obtaining the required licenses, I sought advice from several government organizations, like the Atlantic Canadian Opportunities Agency. These steps enabled me to make well-informed decisions. Despite the uncertainty ahead, I embrace it with excitement and confidence in my destination.

What has been the biggest challenge to being a new business? My most significant challenge has been maintaining a positive outlook while not becoming emotionally attached to my clients’ stories.

My natural tendency is to connect with them personally, which can sometimes be emotionally taxing.

Given that this is a people-oriented business, and many clients are dealing with political or economic displacement, my immigrant background allows me to empathize deeply with their situations. However, it’s crucial to learn how to maintain some emotional distance, even though it can be challenging.

MAUYA THE FINE ARTS TRIBE What is your proudest accomplishment? Our proudest accomplishment so far is being nominated and selected as a finalist for the Chamber’s New Business Award within our first two years of operation! We’ve also collaborated with esteemed local partners such as the Association of Black Social Workers and the AKOMA Family Centre, where we’ve facilitated programs addressing topics such as healing for Black women and seniors, sexual violence awareness, and strengthening family relationships within the Nova Scotia community.

What has been the biggest challenge to being a new business? Navigating the complexities of financial management and securing funding for sustainable growth has been an ongoing challenge.

Our goal is to ensure our events and experiences remain accessible to all, particularly in the difficult economic times we are all experiencing. Securing adequate funding would help ensure that we are able to continue enhancing the frequency and quality of our experiences and offerings, as well as to reach wider audiences.

SPROUT DWELLINGS What inspired you to open a new business? The global pandemic highlighted the need for flexible housing solutions. With Halifax’s new by-laws promoting gentle density, we saw an opportunity to create small, attainable housing units. Our vision for Sprout was born out of a desire to provide affordable, high-quality homes that cater to changing family dynamics. The renovation of a historic carriage house which served as Sprout’s first office (or “Shedquarters”) further sparked our drive, showing us the potential of revitalizing existing spaces.

Why did you choose Halifax? Halifax, with its rich history and vibrant community, presented a unique opportunity. The city’s move towards embracing soft-density housing, like backyard suites, aligned perfectly with our vision. Moreover, being locals, we understood the region’s specific needs and challenges, making it the ideal place to introduce our innovative housing solutions.

This personal connection to the community and the city’s forward-thinking approach made Halifax the natural choice for Sprout Dwellings.

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L-R: Susan Power (PowerUp Leadership), Oladiwura Fakiyesi (Flenjor Foods), Amanda Comeau-Higgins (Alliance World Transport), Brooke Moore (Indigevisor Ltd.), Amanda Rogers (iPlume Writing Inc.)

ALLIANCE WORLD TRANSPORT INC. Why did you choose Halifax? With one founding member calling Halifax home, offices were opened in 1993. The founding team saw the advantage that Halifax offers with connection to vital shipping routes/international markets. We continued to grow with Halifax’s rich maritime history and commitment to a “One Port City.” The decision to stay in the same location for the last 30 years has been driven by the city’s strategic location on the East Coast and the commitment to growth and innovation in the shipping industry.

What has been the biggest challenge to being a small business? One big challenge is competing with larger freight forwarders. Most of them have offices worldwide, so their reach is present. As a small business, we can make in-the-moment decisions. We set ourselves apart from the competition, make the connections needed to keep clients happy, and assist them to reach their export goals time and time again. We take pride in offering a personalized touch with stronger relationships and dedication to problem-solving, which larger corporations often struggle to provide.

FLENJOR FOODS What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement? Our organization’s proudest achievement is the modest contributions we have made to immigrant retention in Nova Scotia.

Many people don’t realize how such a seemingly small thing as the ability to find familiar food impacts a person’s decision to stay here in Halifax or move elsewhere. We constantly get feedback from customers about how this has been a major factor in their decision to remain in Nova Scotia.

What brings customers back to you? We see our customers as family members, and we treat them as such. We’re totally committed to offering the best quality products and services at bargain prices, supported by excellent customer service and a robust technology platform. Since our customers are family, its only natural for family to come back to the dinner table on a fairly frequent basis.

INDIGEVISOR What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement? We take pride in our strategic deployment of reconciliation action plans, which commence with essential cultural training, sparking systemic and cultural reforms. These changes have catalyzed transformation across sectors. These underscore our commitment to advancing systemic reconciliation and to fostering work cultures of continuous improvement, inclusivity, and equity. This has not only profound impacts on the community but also sets a precedent for industry-wide transformation. This redefines our community and industry standards.

What brings customers back to you? Our commitment to truth and honesty, rooted in the seven guiding principles, builds a foundation of trust with our clients. The success of our work is dependent on transparent partnerships, fostering deeply valued and meaningful relationships. The work we are doing requires both ourselves and our clients to be fully truthful, honest, and transparent. It’s this genuine connection, inclusive of mutual respect and integrity, that brings customers back to us.

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS IPLUME WRITING INC. What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement? iPlume’s proudest achievement has been the over $15M in funding we have helped secure for underserved organizations.

From training subsidies for Indigenous businesses and mental health funding for survivors of sex trafficking to educational programs for women in business, we are passionate about helping our clients achieve their dreams and make impactful changes in their communities and beyond.

We are also proud to have recently secured our first RFP bid with a major Canadian University!

How is your business contributing to making Halifax a better place? iPlume Writing’s Change Program offers 25-50 per cent discounts to charities and non-profits, and we have been thrilled to be able to help several local non-profits through this program. Through our local partnerships, we have secured over $3 Million in grant funding that has directly supported programming for local children and families, survivors of sex trafficking, and women entrepreneurs. We are incredibly grateful for our Halifax clients and are always excited to work with local organizations!

POWERUP LEADERSHIP What would you say is your organization’s proudest achievement? One of PowerUp Leadership’s proudest achievements is that we have coached and trained many of our city’s most talented leaders on becoming even more effective leaders. We have had the privilege of coaching leaders through many trying times, including during this past summer’s Halifax wildfires, the pandemic, and many other internal challenging situations. Internally, I am most proud of our company’s growth. We have grown by 300 per cent in revenue over the past year.

What brings customers back to you? Customers return to us as we exceed their expectations, and the team is excellent at supporting our customers in building better leaders. Our focus is leadership development - that is what we do. PowerUp Leadership stays current on the latest research on what makes an effective leader, and we are innovative in how we leverage technology to report program outcomes. Based on one of our customer’s requests, we have recently launched a public Coaching Skills for Managers Program to support them in how to coach effectively.

EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L-R: Angela MacCabe (Intuity Performance), Kyle Stavert (Flying Fresh Air Freight), Mohit Sangal (Stalwart Metals International Inc.), Lori Mcleod (NOVONIX) Missing: Mitch Hollohan (Site 20/20)

FLYING FRESH AIR FREIGHT What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an exporter? Dealing in international markets has many challenges beyond our control, including political issues, wars, natural disasters, and more. All the above can create turmoil and put a halt to shipments into specific regions. These challenges have major economic impacts on our clients and our business. We must constantly react and adapt to ever- changing markets abroad to find alternate solutions for our clients.

What do you think Halifax needs to do in order to grow? I think it’s already been done. I started in this industry in 2000 and have seen consistent growth in this market in the years since then. The expansion at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport has been a major contributor to export growth as it has allowed for more carriers to land here. This opens markets worldwide for time-sensitive products like live lobster and seafood, which are Nova Scotia’s largest export products. This has been key to the growth and expansion of many locally owned Nova Scotian businesses across the province, including ours.

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

INTUITY PERFORMANCE What is your organization’s biggest achievement to date? Our organization’s key achievements include developing a three-tier “Whole Person Leadership” program and establishing Intuity as a leading coaching resource in North America. Our export business, which consistently grows by over 25 per cent annually, now constitutes over 50 per cent of our total business. We’ve expanded services to clients in eight states and five provinces.

Do you have any advice for other businesses that want to start exporting? To launch your export venture, focus on extensive market research to identify target markets. Create a comprehensive export plan, addressing logistics, regulations, and cultural differences. Cultivate robust relationships with local distributors. Invest in top-notch products meeting global standards. Embrace patience and adaptability during international expansion. Seek guidance from export experts and government resources regarding regulations and incentives. Explore joining networking organizations like WBE for valuable tools and advice.

NOVONIX What is your organization’s biggest achievement to date? We have had many notable accomplishments across the organization but NOVONIX’s anode materials division in Chattanooga being selected for a US$150M grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that supports the domestic battery materials supply chain is one of our most significant as it recognizes not only NOVONIX’s position in the battery sector but also the priority that this sector has in the eyes of the government.

Why did you choose Halifax? Halifax has all the amenities we need: an international airport and port, a booming innovation and business district, a short commute, and a growing local battery ecosystem. There’s also a deep talent pool that we have access to thanks to the growing energy sector and institutions like Dalhousie University. We’re able to recruit knowledgeable and impactful employees that can really make an impact quite quickly. Halifax also allows us the freedom to grow.

SITE 20/20 What led your company to become involved in export? Site 2020’s mission to increase the safety of traffic control people, globally, was the driving force behind our foray into international markets.

Recognizing the critical need for our innovative safety solutions beyond local borders, we were compelled to expand our reach globally.

Do you have any advice for other businesses that want to start exporting? Be ready to spend!

It’s not cheap. However, once you’re established with a large and diverse customer base, there is nothing stronger for your business’ success. There is nothing better to keep your sales team sharp and your products’ functionality at its best than to compete in more aggressive and new markets.

STALWART METALS INTERNATIONAL INC. What led your company to become involved in export? Our involvement in export arose from recognizing the significant demand-supply gap in the metal recycling industry. North America generates substantial metal waste for domestic consumption, while Asian mills seek larger quantities of metal scrap due to their countries’ production levels.

What do you feel is your biggest contribution to the local business community? Our biggest contribution to the local business community is our dedication to environmental sustainability.

We prevent metals from ending up in landfills, reducing harm to the environment. Additionally, we promote the use of recycled metal scrap, lessening the need for mining natural resources. This not only benefits the environment but also supports the shipping industry and the port. We believe in a greener, more responsible approach to metal processing for a better future.

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

NOT-FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L-R: Stephen Harding (Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation), Matt Spurway (GEO Nova Scotia), Meghan Lawrence (Shelter Movers Nova Scotia), Barry Pitcher (Commissionaires Nova Scotia), Iyad Mansour (St. John Ambulance)

COMMISSIONAIRES NOVA SCOTIA What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? It’s difficult to name just one, particularly after 85 years in business. We’re immensely proud to be Nova Scotia’s largest employer of veterans and provider of security services, operating at nearly 300 sites. We’re also proud to offer our employees industry-leading training and access to benefits, retirement programs, and educational assistance. It’s little things that make you proud, too, like when we hear stories about an employee making someone’s day (which happens more often than you’d think!).

How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place? As the province’s premier provider of security services, Commissionaires Nova Scotia contributes to making Halifax and other communities better by keeping people safe and protecting property. In recent months, we launched a new initiative that aims to prevent human trafficking in the communities where commissionaires work. Our 1,300 security professionals are being trained to recognize the signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

DARTMOUTH GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? This year, thanks to an early gift from the Dickey Family, we worked with our Board to give advance approval to DGH to acquire an orthopedic robot. Our board wanted to get this new technology in the hands of our surgeons in the Fred Smithers Centre for Orthopedic Care. Thanks to this decision, Dr. Jennifer Leighton completed the first robot-assisted hip replacement in Canada at DGH! Since then, Dr. Leighton has performed over 150 hip and knee replacements with the robot.

How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place? We’re working to change the face of healthcare through our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. We’ve made significant progress in reducing barriers to healthcare for African NS community members. We’re extremely proud of our bursaries for African Nova Scotian youth wanting to pursue a healthcare career, and want DGH to be representative of the people we serve, so feel that this investment in the future is making a difference in HRM.

GEO NOVA SCOTIA How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place? GEO Nova Scotia is making Halifax and the province a better place in two key ways. The outcome of our programming is Digital Inclusion: allowing people and families who could not otherwise afford it to access the benefits of the online world. This improves the social and economic well-being of households, communities, and the entire province. We are also demonstrating a better way to work together on complex social challenges, successfully combining expertise and resources from governments, businesses, and not-for-profits.

How can the business community help support your growth? The business community is critical to our growth. We need them to continue to engage as a true partner. We need their technical expertise, industry knowledge, and deep discounts. And we need their support to encourage ongoing investment in Digital Inclusion as an economic driver for individuals, households, and communities. GEO Nova Scotia loves the business community, and we wouldn’t exist without it!

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS SHELTER MOVERS NOVA SCOTIA What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? Since launching in July 2019, Shelter Movers Nova Scotia has planned and completed more than 730 moves, averaging a remarkable rate of one move every 2.2 days. Through the support of our community partners, our team has safely and efficiently transitioned over 700 individuals and families to a life free of violence. As our organization continues to expand across the province, we eagerly anticipate that number increasing in coming years.

How can not-for-profits work together to benefit everyone? Not-for-profits can collaborate by sharing information, resources, and expertise. This can involve creating platforms for knowledge exchange, joint projects, and resource sharing. By pooling our strengths, we can reduce overhead costs, increase collective impact, and reach a wider audience. Sharing best practices and data allows for more informed decision-making and ultimately benefits the communities we serve, promoting a stronger, more unified effort to address pressing social issues.

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE What would you say is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? During community events this year, three of our volunteers provided life-saving CPR to those in need before paramedics could arrive. With over 600 active members across NS and PEI, our volunteers have dedicated thousands of hours at significant events including the Canada Games, hosted in PEI, and the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG), hosted in Halifax. We are extremely proud of our volunteers for the life-saving efforts they provide to their communities!

How is your organization contributing to making Halifax a better place? Through our lifesaving training, first aid services, and large network of volunteers. Proceeds from our product and course sales go directly back into our community service programs. While Halifax experienced some severe weather events in 2023, our volunteer medical responders and therapy dog teams were on the ground, providing their community with first aid, mental health, and emotional support at comfort centers during both the forest fires and flooding events.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L-R: Mukisa Kakembo (Fem Entity), Max Medyk (I’m Canada Media), Mo AlGermozi (Graphite Innovation and Technologies Inc.), Micah Brown (BATLX), Michael Wyse (Nova Graphene Inc)

BATLX What is something new that’s happening at your company? An upcoming development set to enhance our training and athletic programs. This project will provide a controlled environment for consistent training conditions and create opportunities for events and expanded training.

Additionally, we’re unveiling an all-in-one Workflow Program at the AFCA Convention in January 2024. This program has the potential to revolutionize football coaching by focusing on efficiency, data-driven insights, and continuous improvement, aligning with the evolving demands of the sport. It promises to be a game-changer in football coaching at all levels.

What is your definition of innovation? Innovation at BATLX is defined as the relentless pursuit of groundbreaking ideas, strategies, and technologies that elevate football-specific training and athletic development. It entails creatively addressing challenges, embracing emerging trends, and continuously evolving our programs. It means staying at the forefront of coaching techniques, integrating technology for enhanced performance, fostering inclusivity, and positively impacting our community.

BUSINESS VOICE

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS GRAPHITE INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGIES INC. What inspired your business’ innovation efforts? Coming from an entrepreneurial family focused on renewable energy and sustainability, I was able to have the passion and drive to create impact on a large scale. Back in 2014, my co-founder Dr. Marciel Gaier and I were working on graphene-based coatings in a materials engineering lab at Dalhousie University campus. While focusing on aerospace applications at the time, we discovered a significant technological gap in the maritime industry.

We then pivoted to create environmentally friendly, high-performance marine coatings.

What is something new that’s happening at your company?

Recently we have announced: • Working with Halifax Transit in driving decarbonization with GIT’s graphene-based, biocide-free high performance foul release coating, XGIT-Fuel through coating the Rita Joe ferry (November 2023).

• Halifax’s Kent Young joined as a member of our Board of Directors. He is the former Senior Director of Technology for the Global Supply Chain R&D at Sherwin Williams (September 2023) • A new fleet agreement with Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) was announced (June 2023) • GIT announced that we are expanding to our new carbon neutral production facility in Halifax (Dartmouth) (May 2023)

I’M CANADA MEDIA What inspired your business’ innovation efforts? I faced barriers as an immigrant from Ukraine, which inspired me to help others overcome similar obstacles and thrive in Canada, advancing our economy. AI turned out to be a big game-changer in this venture to help newcomers.

What is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? The launch of a set of immigration AI tools to replace the need for immigration lawyers is what I feel most driven by. I see tremendous opportunity in breaking down walls of inaccessibility through technology.

FEM ENTITY What inspired your business’ innovation efforts? Since high school, we have both been active leaders in our community with a focus on women’s empowerment. When the pandemic hit, global stress levels reached an all time high, and we wanted to inspire people to take better care of themselves. In both of our cultures, care comes from family and community rather than in isolation, so we gathered a community of people focused on wellness, using technology. Self-care is essential, but you don’t have to figure it out alone!

What is something new that’s happening at your company? We are launching Fem Entity memberships! People will get access to our creative platform and its unique features, and you can try it out for a full month for FREE! We are launching two separate memberships. One is for all self-care seekers, where you get access to events, our knowledge oasis, eBooks, and interactive assessments.

The other membership will be for businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking for greater exposure, collaborative opportunities, and wellness initiatives for their team.

NOVA GRAPHENE INC. What inspired your business’ innovation efforts? We stumbled across graphene quite accidentally while researching the production of renewable bio-diesel fuel. In it we saw an amazing opportunity to be on the cutting edge of a material sciences revolution - one which would provide an opportunity to both improve on existing products, as well as provide environmental benefit in the process. We have been dedicated to researching and developing our novel products ever since.

What is your organization’s proudest accomplishment? We are very proud of the fact that we have been able to bootstrap our way through the adversity all start-ups face in their early years, and are currently collaborating on graphene research projects in NS, Ontario, the USA, Thailand, and Australia. We are also proud of and committed to maintaining a diverse staff team and sincerely strive to be an employer of choice.

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JANUARY 2024

2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY:

L-R: John Flewelling (CBCL), Jeff Boucher (Remember When Homecare), Mike Mills (Cabco Communications Group), Ashley Boucher (Remember When Homecare), Simon Cusack (Rafflebox Technologies), Joshua Counsil (Good Robot Brewing Co.)

CABCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP What would you say is your organization’s biggest achievement? Our biggest achievement is growing a top-class team and providing career advancement opportunities for our employees. The long tenures of many staff reflects our commitment to growth and the value we place on our people.

How can we continue to build a vibrant downtown core? I believe the key to a vibrant city is growing the base of people who live downtown; turning some of the underutilized office stock into residential units is one way of accomplishing this.

CBCL LIMITED How have you helped Halifax grow? CBCL is proud of our unwavering commitment to our communities. We have grown to the largest locally owned engineering and environmental consulting firm in Atlantic Canada. In 2021, CBCL employed 23 students in Nova Scotia alone. Being able to provide the next generation with opportunities to develop their skills is an important part of CBCL’s commitment to our communities. Having our head office in Halifax allows us to contribute to the economy by committing to partnering with local suppliers wherever possible.

What is something new that’s happening at your company? CBCL recently became the first founding partner of the Dalhousie Inclusive Pathways to Engineering Careers Program. The Inclusive Pathways program offers tailored supports, resources, and opportunities to underrepresented youth. As a long-time partner of the Faculty of Engineering, CBCL is thrilled to support a program that embraces differences in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.

GOOD ROBOT BREWING CO. What is something new that’s happening at your company? We launched our third brick-andmortar hospitality venue at the Halifax Commons this year. It’s been a barnstormer. The community has been very supportive, and you can’t beat the view of the fountains and lights on a sunny summer night.

How can we continue to build a vibrant downtown core? Halifax has done a wonderful job with the waterfront. It’s world class. It now needs world-class events and experiences to create memorable, shareable moments for our communities and visitors. Often, red tape and committees get in the way of cool experiences. With all our rum and tobacco trade history with the Caribbean, maybe we could showcase a rum and cigar pop-up on the waterfront?

BUSINESS VOICE

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2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS RAFFLEBOX TECHNOLOGIES INC. What would you say is your organization’s biggest achievement? Our biggest achievement is really our charity partners’ achievement. Together, we’ve raised more than $200 million dollars for charities on our platform. To see the many different causes and winners that have come out of charities having access to our platform is truly remarkable. When we started this company, it was with the hope of making raffles more accessible as a fundraising platform. I think we can safely say we’ve started to make a dent in the space.

How have you helped Halifax grow? Rafflebox has made it possible for hundreds of Nova Scotian charities to raise funds through online raffles. We’ve added more than 30 jobs to the local economy, and we contribute and give back to the business and not-for-profit community in Halifax. In addition to our business, we make it a priority to give back as a team – from cleaning animal cages at the SPCA to boxing food at Feed Nova Scotia – and work to make Halifax the place we want to be.

REMEMBER WHEN HOMECARE What would you say is your organization’s biggest achievement? Due to the current healthcare crisis, many of Nova Scotia’s seniors are sitting in hospitals across the province waiting for vacancies in long-term care facilities. We implement personalized care plans which enable seniors to regain their independence in the comfort of their own homes. That’s where we see our organization’s biggest achievement: the gratitude, excitement, and relief from clients and their families — knowing they can return to their homes and continue to age-in-place, outside of a clinical environment.

If you could bring in any famous leader from any era to work with your business for a day, who would it be and why? Florence Nightingale. She challenged the existing establishment and countered the status quo, both societally and industrially. One individual, through her caring and genuinely selfless motives, made such impactful change that we still see the residual and long-lasting effects of the efforts she made, thus changing the course of history for the better. It’s an honour to carry on the legacy of “the Lady with the Lamp,” ensuring everybody is seen, cared for, and respected as a human being needing compassionate support.

BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR

PRESENTED BY:

L-R Connie McInnes (RStudios), Bradley Farquhar (Purple Cow Internet), Colleen O’Toole (Lighthouse Transportation Inc.), Ghada Gabr (Shoppers Drug Mart) Missing: Bradley Daye (Placemaking 4G)

BRADLEY DAYE, CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CEO, PLACEMAKING 4G What steps does Halifax need to get to the next level? Be the first to do something different.

Too often we look at what other places and cities are doing instead of being pioneers. We sometimes think too small about the impact we can have in the world. What if we stopped operating from a scarcity mindset and started acting from a place of abundance?

What projects or plans do you have on the horizon? We are about to launch an 11-course online learning course called “Foundations of Belonging,” which is meant to help staff at Nova Scotian organizations really understand how to create a sense of belonging. We’re proud of the work that went into these modules and look forward to letting the world experience them!

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JANUARY 2024

2024 HALIFAX BUSINESS AWARDS BRADLEY FARQUHAR, FOUNDER & CEO, PURPLE COW INTERNET What’s something new that’s happening at your organization? We’re currently examining the tools and processes that have brought us this far and are now refining and advancing them to propel us forward. Our vision is to create an internet service provider that not only meets but exceeds expectations, thus becoming a service that everyone can truly love and take pride in. We acknowledge our journey is far from complete – in fact, this is just the beginning.

If you weren’t in this line of work, what would you be doing? If I weren’t having fun at Purple Cow Internet, I’d be focusing more time on my overarching goal of building “Space Hotels” that orbit the Earth so people can experience weightlessness while looking back upon our home planet.

COLLEEN O’TOOLE, CEO, LIGHTHOUSE TRANSPORTATION INC. What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given? Over time, I’ve received valuable advice, but one piece stands out: shift from working in the business to working on it. This meant stepping back from daily operations, freeing mental space for strategic thinking. Embracing delegation, outsourcing, andempowering employees was key. The small changes enhanced the bottom line, reinforcing my belief that focusing on the bigger picture is vital for business growth.

What leadership advice would you give an up-and-comer? My advice for new leaders: Join a business group and find a mentor. Surrounding yourself with fellow entrepreneurs is essential.

Running a company can be lonely and discussing problems with unbiased peers is essential.

Friends and family may not understand your daily issues, but the right group does. I’m part of FBA and WPO, and they each offer unique perspectives and support for my business challenges.

CONNIE MCINNES, CREATOR/PRESIDENT, RSTUDIOS INC. What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date as a business leader? Two-fold.

Our covid survival was unparalleled. We didn’t sit back. I kept looking 5-10 years ahead. The world was telling us to slow down and hold back, but I knew we had to look to the other side and be ready.

When the city reopened, we expanded twice in two months; it propelled us into a stable business that continues to grow today. My focus was to change the way people viewed fitness, which included negative connotations around weight loss, slim models, and idealistic notions of playing in this world. Fitness should be for everyone. It should be inclusive. It should be about movement to feel good. It’s not a shape, a size, a look, or a goal. It’s a lifestyle.

How would you describe your leadership style? Autonomy-driven. That’s the way I learned.

Make my own mistakes, problem solve my own way out of them.

GHADA GABR, PHARMACIST/OWNER, SHOPPERS DRUG MART What would you say is your biggest accomplishment to date as a business leader? As a business leader, my greatest accomplishment is the establishment of a pharmacist-led primary care clinic in one of my stores, a model endorsed by the government and a beacon for healthcare innovation in Halifax. This achievement goes hand-in-hand with my role as a Women in Leadership and Atlantic Diversity and Inclusion representative, where I advocate for equitable healthcare and workplace diversity. Managing three of the busiest pharmacy locations in Halifax has allowed me to create a microcosm of the community’s rich cultural tapestry, which has been integral to our success.

What projects or plans do you have on the horizon? My future plans are centered on expanding the pharmacist-led primary care clinic model to all my stores, reinforcing our role in alleviating the doctor shortage in Halifax. This expansion is not just about healthcare — it’s about setting a standard for inclusive and accessible services for a diverse population, which is the essence of my work as a diversity and inclusion advocate.

BUSINESS VOICE

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MEMBER PROFILE

Championing the cause A local entrepreneur helps women choose their inner champion over their inner critic By Pam Sullivan

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artmouth entrpreneur, Ann-Marie Flinn, knows more than most about the importance of being brave in this life — and the inherent benefits therein.

In 2018, Flinn pulled the parachute on her job with Proctor and Gamble after a 30-year career in staff training and development. A six-month break and some breathing room, and Champion Foundational Change Agency was born; the goal of which is to help women “create optimum performance, greater productivity, and higher prosperity by implementing a champion mindset.”

Flinn, who comes from a military family, spent her first eight years at Shearwater and remaining childhood years in Cole Harbour. She became, among other things, a competitive figure skater and Atlantic Canada’s first female scuba diver while a naval reservist. Not unimpressive feats, given a few emotional and physical challenges.

“I can tell you that with all the adversities I was facing — I was born with a club foot, have scoliosis, and one leg longer than the other — there are lots of reasons why I shouldn’t have been a competitive figure skater, and why, being claustrophobic and not liking water, I shouldn’t have been able to dive like I did,” she says.

And therein lies the spirit of what propels Flinn forward — in life and in business. A tagline revolving around the idea of tapping into our inner champion fuels her organization and is ultimately her own personal mantra in life.

“People have asked where and how I’ve gotten my successes and I really think it all starts from within. If we show up with the right mindset — that we can achieve anything, even with adversity — then we’ll get to where we want to go,” she says. “It’s not about waiting until you’re fearless, to start.”

And fearless she is, putting words into action by making yet another leap — this time into the world of body building, eventually ending up at world class competitions.

“I started lifting weights back in the 90s as a way to get stronger for carrying my diving equipment around. I soon

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We have to be our own champions.”

— Ann-Marie Flinn, President and Founder,

Champion Foundational Change Agency Contributed

realized I could sculpt my body to whatever I wanted it to be and that’s what got me into bodybuilding,” Flinn says.

Winning every competition she entered, she then took a 20-yr. break to raise her family, getting back into it again at the age of 46, once more moving up the ranks very quickly — in both Canada and internationally, reaching an impressive 7th out of 30 competitors in her category at the 2019 world championships in Spain. Now officially retired from the sport, she’s got her sights and focus firmly set on helping other women find that same inner strength through mindset and leadership coaching.

“We have to be our own champions.

We think our inner critic is us but it’s not us. It speaks to us based on things we’ve been told and things we think we should be doing,” she says. “That inner critic thinks it’s protecting us against what it feels might be dangerous out there, but we also have an inner champion, so how do we start bringing that champion back out, and start listening to it so we can move forward?”

JANUARY 2024

And it’s that important discussion, along with many others, that Flinn fosters in her clients on a daily basis, and looks forward to discussing in a larger forum, early next year.

In March 2024, Flinn will be holding her second annual Champion Women’s Summit. The event, entitled Go Beyond in 2024! Reclaiming Your Champion Starts Within, takes place in downtown Halifax at the Westin Nova Scotia, and is geared toward women entrepreneurs, those working in the not-for-profit sector, and those working in organizations. Among other things, she’ll be talking about finding the courage to be authentically yourself in both your personal and private lives, something most women know full well isn’t as easy as it sounds.

“This is all about helping women show up before they show up.”

For more information on Ann-Marie Flinn’s work or to register for the Champion Women’s Summit, visit her at www.changecamp.ca

TRENDS

Big service, small size Solopreneurs are trending upwards

AMY HARRISON FOUNDER & FORCE, PIXELS & PIECES DESIGN pexels

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ven before COVID, solopreneurship was trending. Many people realized that they could still service clients in their industry, work from home, and make their own schedules. Sure, it’s more responsibility and risk, but for many, it’s worth it to avoid a lengthy commute, rigid working hours, or a salary gap. Solopreneurs have also found big benefits for their clients, like high quality service without large agency prices.

Solopreneurs are making big contributions in many different areas, and we deserve to be recognized and celebrated in the business community.

A solopreneur is a portmanteau of solo (single) + entrepreneur. We’re a company of one. Solopreneurs are owner-operators, the founder and the force, typically spending half our time doing client work and the other half on business development. We could hire contractors — like a virtual assistant, a designer, or a sales coach — but we don’t have employees. There are many solopreneurs who provide services like graphic design, marketing consulting, or social media management.

Big service from one person Solopreneurs can provide personalized, quality service with a range of

expertise. We don’t have the same overhead as traditional agencies, so our prices aren’t as steep, which is a plus for startups and growing companies. We are experts in our field but also have developed skills such as project management, finance, and marketing; skills we’ve learned to promote and run our own business, which also help us with your projects.

Our small size means our clients get 1:1 access to an expert, no middle management meddling. Our service is efficient, and clients receive our full attention. We take our business seriously and care deeply about our client’s success.

Big contributions in business and at home Many solopreneurs started out on a traditional career trajectory. We got degrees and worked for governments, large corporations, and nonprofits. Some had children and realized that long commutes just didn’t jive with daycare pickups, or that traditional employment wasn’t as accommodating to neurodiverse folks as they’d hoped. Becoming a soloentrepreneur means that we can balance business development and putting our laundry in on our lunch break on our own terms.

Our business development has BUSINESS VOICE

resulted in some big clients and partnerships. Companies like Google, Nokia, and even a small cafe in Japan, have hired an illustrator and soloentrepreneur from Newfoundland to do work for them. As a graphic designer and soloentrepreneur in Dartmouth, I spent this past summer teaching Canva classes in a partnership with Staples.

We need big recognition and support A lot of large corporations hire soloentrepreneurs because they recognize the direct value (high quality service and expert access), but they also trust that we’ll get the job done on time and on budget. Governments haven’t caught up, setting benchmarks (like having to have an employee) for grants and other benefits that exclude us arbitrarily. Many of us are pulling in revenue that will support more than the average household income — on our own — while serving growing businesses that can’t afford agencies. We play a necessary role in the business ecosystem and need some recognition that we are valid members of the business community.

Solopreneurship isn’t for everyone but many of us are thriving. Size doesn’t matter. We matter and we have a big bold future ahead.

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TRENDS

Combatting societal challenges YMCA on the frontlines of our communities

BRIAN POSAVAD PRESIDENT & CEO, YMCA OF GREATER HALIFAX/ DARTMOUTH

C

ommunities change. At our YMCA, we have over 170 years of experience on the front lines, and we know our communities. We grow and evolve as they do so that we are always working to meet people’s most pressing needs.

As we emerge from the challenges posed by the pandemic, our societal challenges have become pervasive in our communities. In our recent past, we isolated to protect each other. Today, we’re experiencing the impact of social disconnection and research is validating the importance of social connection to our overall health and wellbeing. The recent U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on loneliness and social isolation sheds light on the significant impact of this silent epidemic on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Social isolation not only worsens older people’s quality of life, and risk of dementia, it contributes to 45,000 deaths per year in Canada.

Connecting to care is another challenge our communities are facing. Be it healthcare, childcare, or meaningful opportunities for our youth, these national challenges are being felt locally by our members and participants. In Canada, childcare spots are available for only 29 per cent of those who need them, and approximately 15 per cent of Nova Scotians are waiting for a family doctor or a nurse practitioner during a physician shortage.

We know that housing costs, income levels, and Nova Scotia’s aging population have affected the province’s economic health and exacerbate affordability challenges. When people can’t afford groceries, safe housing, or childcare, the stress alone has negative consequences.

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Contributed

Social isolation not only worsens older people’s quality of life, and risk of dementia, it contributes to 45,000 deaths per year in Canada.”

Rising costs across the board are making it difficult to build healthy communities.

Nova Scotia’s child poverty rate is the 4th highest in Canada, the highest in Atlantic Canada, and that rate is higher for racialized, immigrant, and Indigenous children. Of 27 Canadian cities, Halifax has become the least affordable for young people, and young people experience the lowest income.

It is crucial for us to address these pressing issues head-on. Our friends, families, and communities will depend on our willingness to lean in.

The YMCA has long been committed to providing safe spaces for individuals to come together, form lasting relationships, JANUARY 2024

and build support networks that promote overall well-being. However, we cannot tackle these challenges alone. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues in our schools, businesses, public spaces, and our neighborhoods. We call upon community leaders, charities, government, and the private sector to join forces and become the solution, by actively knitting together the social bonds that make us a stronger Halifax.

Together, we can create inclusive, accessible, and affordable spaces, promote social interaction, and foster a sense of belonging that strengthens the foundation of our collective well-being and pushes back against the forces that divide us.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Northwood welcomes new Director Supporting client needs with a new and creative flexible model By Pam Sullivan

I’m a social worker by background and I’ve always just wanted to help people, one way or another.”

— Cheryl Tschupruk, Director, Home Care Operations & Business Development

W

hen experience and interest encounter the right opportunity, it’s win-win for all involved.

And so it goes with Northwood Homecare Ltd.’s new Director, Home Care Operations & Business Development, Cheryl Tschupruk.

In the role since September of this year, Tschupruk says her education and time spent working as a social worker gave her the background she needed, and a recent community (non-profit) leadership program at Mount Saint Vincent put her in good stead for the position.

“Part of the reason this job was appealing to me was because Northwood has a really good reputation, and my goal was to move into the nonprofit community sector, so yes, this job was a perfect fit,” she says. “And the culture here is so client-driven, encouraging, and motivating that I felt at home from day one.”

In the role, Tschupruk, who moved to Nova Scotia from Toronto a decade ago, is responsible for overseeing the programming that supports people in their home environments; work she’s not only proud to be doing, but something she says is both necessary and increasingly in demand.

“We’re trying to ensure that people can remain in their homes as long as possible,” she says. “By 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65, and aging in place needs to be a top priority, so we really have to be thinking about different ways of supporting people in the most flexible ways possible.”

That home support comes in

BUSINESS VOICE

the form of home support workers who help with everything from meal preparation and light housekeeping to personal care and respite. And at a time when, as Tschupruk says, our health system is “in a crunch,” it seems apparent that more options need to be part of the solution going forward.

“Long term care is a really great option for people who need that level of care or where that’s the only option,” she says. “But I think a lot of people would like to be able to stay at home as long as possible, so it takes a lot of effort and energy to plan and design services to meet those needs.”

Tschupruk adds that, aside from the fact that many people prefer to stay in their homes as long as possible, it would be challenging to build enough long-term care facilities to accommodate everyone who may need it, so alternate models have to be looked at.

“I’m hoping that policy makers are also thinking about this, with homecare being an important part of the puzzle,” Contributed she says.

Beyond homecare oversight, is the business development element of the job, which, says Tschupruk, has a larger and more nuanced reach.

“The business development side of my job is to look at innovative ways for us to be out supporting people in the community,” she says. “Really, anyone who needs in-home support to help them remain independent.”

Challenges, she says, much like in other sectors, center primarily around staffing, which they’re trying to deal with by thinking creatively. But challenges aside, it seems as if Tschupruk has made the right move in taking on this new position — given not only her experience, but who she is as a person.

“I’m a social worker by background and I’ve always just wanted to help people, one way or another.”

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