Annual Events and Gatherings
- Annual Events
ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards
ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards in an annual event celebrated in the month of October during Small Business Week.
At this event, we celebrate the talent, dedication, and success of immigrant small businesses and the positive impact they have made on our prospering Nova Scotian economy. The event culminates with the presentation of ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards.
2022 ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards
On October 18, 2022, ISANS held its ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards.
We want to thank everyone who came out, our sponsors, every business that was nominated, and all of our winners.
Every year we witness new immigrants starting, growing and expanding their businesses. These immigrant entrepreneurs become an example to others and contribute to the community that has supported them; these wonderful people and businesses were the reason for our celebration.
This year we received over 50 nominations for 5 different categories and like every year before we were amazed by the submissions and the stories these immigrant entrepreneurs have to tell.
We have also added a special “Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement” award that recognizes an immigrant business distinguished by its leadership and the inspiration it provides for other immigrant and non-immigrant businesses, and that shares ISANS’ vision of creating a community where all can belong and grow.
Innovative Business of the Year
The award winner is: Sparrow Acoustics Inc.
Honourable Mention:
Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN) Entrepreneur of the Year:
The winner is: Pinalben Nakrani founder of Feathers Brow I Waxing I Hair
Honourable Mention:
- Hadear Marzooque founder of H.M. Immigratr
- Wafa Alamm founder of One Frame Production Company
Small Business of the Year (established for over two years)
The winner is: EurekaTec - 3D Printing & Laser Engraving Services
Honourable Mention:
- Strategy Up (Telcovision Group LTD.)
- Little Picasso Daycare & Art Centre
- Maritimes Immigration Consulting
- Starfish Painters
New Small Business of the Year (established less than two years)
The winner is: Kitchen Spot
Honourable Mention:
Sustainable Business of the Year
The winner is: Greenii Inc.
Honourable Mention: Shifting Shap3s
The Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement Award goes to: Peace by Chocolate
To see event photos please visit ISANS social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram
ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards Past winners
Innovative Business of the Year
2020: ZeroIn Foods Inc. led by Edgar Sosa
2021: Graphite Innovation and Technologies Inc (GIT) led by Marciel Gaier
Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN) Entrepreneur of the Year
2020: Shivani Dhamija, founder of Shivani’s Kitchen
2021: Funmilayo Rashidat Odeniyi, founder of MichNat Fashion
ISANS Immigrant Women Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
The ISANS Immigrant Women Entrepreneur (IWEP) Pitch Competition aims to empower and showcase immigrant women entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia, with a chance to win fabulous prizes.
In this free and open pitch competition for start-ups, immigrant women entrepreneurs can register to present a business pitch in front of a judging panel of top local entrepreneurs and community partners.
Lurinda Swanepoel founder of Medika Beauty Institute, winner of the 2022 Women's Pitch Competition
Build Your Business on the Tall Ship Silva
A unique networking event - connecting the business community to immigrant entrepreneurs - where all can build their business, grow their networks and share ideas.
Networking Opportunities & Gatherings
Entrepreneurship Café
Participation is free and open to all entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia. These group events are designed to expand and develop connections, build relationships, share thoughts and ideas with like-minded entrepreneurs, and get feedback from experienced ISANS Business Counselors.
This café is a great opportunity for:
- Newcomers to Canada looking for business connections, information, and inspiration to start their own businesses.
- Established immigrants or Canadian-born business owners who would like to connect, support, and collaborate with newcomer entrepreneurs.
Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network
ISANS welcomes all immigrant women entrepreneurs, from beginners to experienced business owners, to join this amazing community of like-minded women. Women of IWEN are committed to supporting each other through their entrepreneurship journey.
IWEN events take place: Every last Wednesday of the month from 2:30 to 4:00 pm, from February to November.
To participate contact: business@isans.ca