About Us
The ISANS Business Hub complements our services by providing immigrant entrepreneurs a one-stop shop for the tools and information they need to start or further their entrepreneurship journey.
Our Team
Manager: Christine Alvarez
Administrative Assistant: Debra Power
Business Counselling & Training
Our Business Counsellors and Trainers have extensive entrepreneurial experience, diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and are passionate about helping Nova Scotia's start-ups and established businesses grow. They assist clients with getting the information needed to make informed decisions about starting and/or operating a business.
Business Counsellors:
- Georges Hanna
- Georgette Theodore
- Ian MacGillivray
- Yan Huang
Business Counsellors & Trainers: Mai Alnabhan
Professional Mentorship Program
ISANS' Professional Mentorship Program will match you with a mentor in your field of work. This is someone in your profession or occupation who is well established here in Canada.
Program Coordinator: Valerie Popova
Business Mentorship Program
ISANS Business Mentorship Program links entrepreneurs and experienced professionals with immigrant entrepreneurs and provides a valuable learning opportunity for both participants. Mentors provide informal advice, connections, moral support, and entry into professional networks that allow an immigrant entrepreneur to successfully integrate into the business culture in NS.
Program Coordinator: Georgette Theodore
Professional Practice program
Professional Practice program connects NS employers with newcomer professionals for short-term, cost-free work placements. The program also serves as a recruitment tool allowing employers to get to know candidates before they get hired.
Program Coordinator: Joanna Stewart
Business Development Training
Business Training is a continuous process where our Immigrant Entrepreneur clients can join and continuously gain knowledge, improve skills, clarify concepts in business and change attitude through structured and planned training sessions.
Business Development Trainer: Suhel Shaikh
Employer Support Services
ISANS has been serving the community for 41 years and part of the work we do is to help Nova Scotian employers strengthen and diversify their workforce by connecting them to our skilled immigrant job seekers.
Employer Engagers:
- Clifford MacDonald
- James Rose
- Kyle Turner
Atlantic Immigration Program
Atlantic Immigration Program is a federal immigration program that helps employers recruit skilled foreign workers and international graduates to meet labour needs. ISANS supports employers with guidance and provides intercultural competency training and a settlement plan.
Program Coordinator: Marzie Keyvanfar