Welcome to Your Business Hub

“My Business Counsellor and ISANS have been the biggest help and really made me feel excited about the process of starting a small business in Nova Scotia as an Immigrant. I think I would not be where I am without the amazing help from ISANS. I look forward to using more of ISANS services and count myself very lucky that such a brilliant organization exists” 

— Business Counseling Client

“I approached ISANS with a business idea and was directed to the ISANS Business Team for guidance on how to start and run my business. I was connected with an incredible business counsellor who has continuously supported me. ISANS guided me in the right direction. I am thankful for ISANS' help with my business and its growth.” 

— Business Counseling Client

“IWEP [Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs Program], gave me the opportunity to meet and connect with several women who operate in different business fields. This has helped all the participants learn something about one another. We started networking and we are already considering supporting each other's businesses by exchanging services. Such a promising start!” 

— IWEP Graduate

“I started this course with a bit of apprehension stemming from the uncertainty that I would be able to cope given the time difference between Nigeria and Canada. I took the courses between 10:45pm and 1:45am Nigerian time. The first class on Entrepreneurship melted away whatever doubts I had. We had two amazing facilitators and my co-participants were awesome women from different parts of the world who brought various experiences to the table. Every single discussion topic was full of deep and relevant insights. The topics cut across every single aspect of business; business planning, market research, legal, marketing and financial. I cannot wait to start my business in Nova Scotia. I have no regrets losing sleep to gain this knowledge; it was worth every sleep I lost plus more. I appreciate ISANS for putting this and many of the other services I have enjoyed together.”

— IWEP Graduate, Pre-Arrival

“Starting a business in a new country being an immigrant woman is challenging. But with the invaluable support of ISANS Business Mentoring Program I was able to start my online craft business in Halifax. Both my business counsellor and mentor have been a great support providing their expert advice on entrepreneurship. They have always shared resources with me that are relevant to my business. I truly value the time, motivation, and support provided by both of them.” 

— Business Client, Business Mentorship

“Thanks so much for organizing this training. The session was extremely helpful and well researched to answer critical questions of all newcomers to Canada. Keep up the good work and I look forward to upcoming sessions. Thank you so much for the amazing work you all do at ISANS.”

— Business Workshop participant

“I would like to thank ISANS for holding such a wonderful networking event. I was lucky to be able to attend the event in-person and could meet with many immigrant entrepreneurs who are contributing to make the HRM colourful with their ideas from all different cultural backgrounds and contribute to the economy of the HRM. It was very nice to meet with my business counsellor and all the nice team members who have been helping us to start business, educate, and support immigrant entrepreneurs at ISANS.”

— Networking Event Participant

"I feel really honored to be here at the first IWEN Vendor Market. This is a great platform where we can bring our business ideas back to life. Thank you for arranging this event. I feel like I have gained more confidence to continue with the next chapter."

—Sunny M. Dai, Founder of Serre Ko Handmade Press-On Nails

“The key thing has been courage! Just gain enough confidence to say I can be an entrepreneur and a businesswoman. IWEN Vendor Market is a great event to test the waters and understand what we need to know in the market environment.”

—  Carolyn Harnanan, Founder of Story Circles World

“IWEN has provided me with the right platforms and the opportunity to network with other women entrepreneurs. I have attended several of IWEN’s seminars, which have improved my understanding of business management, market analysis and client retention.”

“The IWEN Vendor Market event is highly promising. I want to see the Vendor Market continue to grow. In order to get the best guidance from the appropriate professionals, I would advise the women entrepreneurs to get in touch with ISANS.”

— Anjana Moktan, Founder of The Spiny Crafts

"IWEN has been a cornerstone in my journey, providing invaluable resources and connections that empowered me to navigate the challenges of starting and growing a local business in a new country."

— Shirin Vahedi, Co Founder of Coastwide Construction