Be sure to check out this incredible group below: 

Christine Ward-Paige, eOceans Research and Consulting Inc.

Marcie Hawranik, Equality 360

Mariah Pelley-Smith, Mariah International Business & Vitality Inc. (MIBV)

Pranata Chowdhury, Ugrow Learn

Sahar Sam, Wireless PnC Inc.

Marley Alles, rax

Siobhan Hamilton, Bread Technologies Inc.

Samira Khodadoost, Safe Harbour Research & Technologies Corp.

Olga (Olia) Stasiuk, Transformers Academy

Chris-Beth Cowie, Entrescope

Barbara Kephart, Projects Pivot, Inc.

Michelle Lehman, Think Self-Management Inc.

Samantha Bambrick, Alternative Routes Travel Inc

Tiona Corcoran, Probably Special Swim and Corporate Wear

Vanessa Lo, VanTech Med 

To learn more about this program, visit our Grow Now program page

Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of our campus.  Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials.  All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Since it began at Mount Saint Vincent University in 1992, the Centre for Women in Business (CWB) has championed women business owners across Canada.  We know what it takes to build and grow a business – and how to create a world where women entrepreneurs thrive!  Our women-centered learning programs are curated and facilitated by women who are or have been entrepreneurs themselves.  We walk alongside female-identifying clients as they implement new strategies and make huge strides.  They innovate, transform, increase revenue and impact their communities through their businesses.

Our Greater Heights of Growth™ program is a 100% virtual program specifically designed for Canadian women-owned companies with revenues of $1 million plus to build a scalable foundation for the acceleration of their business growth.  The 12-step business model program addresses all dimensions of the owner’s business strategy, operations, innovation, leadership and growth.  The CWB is seeking a fully bilingual facilitator (English/French) for our Greater Heights of Growth™ program as we expand across Canada’s provinces and territories.  This is a contracted position to March 31, 2025, funded under the Government of Canada’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund.  https://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/learning/greater-heights-of-growth

The job requires a bachelor’s degree in business, entrepreneurship or a related field.  A Masters business degree and/or a professional designation would be preferred.  You must have a minimum of 8 years experience in roles that require strong management consulting skills, strategy experience and business acumen/analysis, comfort working in a virtual team and strong presentation and business coaching skills.  In this role, you will function as a trusted advisor and confident.

You will report to the Project Lead of the Greater Heights of Growth™ program and under her direction will assist and facilitate our program in both official languages.  You will also provide 1:1 business advisory/coaching sessions to the participants.

If you are interested in working in a fast-paced environment and with a dedicated, hardworking team, this job is for you!  A commitment of up to 35 hours per week is expected.  Our compensation package includes a competitive base salary, 3-weeks vacation with additional time off for the December holiday period, sick time and flexible working arrangements.

If you require an accommodation at any time during the application process, please let us know.  Applications should include a cover letter and resume.  To apply for this position, send your cover letter and CV to Laurie Sinclair at: laurie.sinclair@msvu.ca

Animatrice ou animateur du programme De nouveaux sommets de croissance (bilingue)
Centre for Women in Business (CWB)

Reconnue comme chef de file dans le domaine de l’apprentissage à distance et par l’expérience, et reposant sur une solide tradition de responsabilité sociale, l’Université Mount Saint Vincent adopte une approche personnalisée en matière d’éducation afin de former des personnes socialement responsables. Fondée en 1873, cette université est reconnue à l’échelle nationale pour avoir l’un des ratios étudiants-professeurs les plus bas, pour offrir aux étudiants un accès rapide à de précieuses occasions de recherche, pour son héritage en matière de promotion des femmes et pour contribuer à des avancées cruciales en matière de sécurité alimentaire, de vieillissement en santé, d’alphabétisation et de développement de l’enfance. L’Université Mount Saint Vincent considère son personnel comme étant son pilier, et ses relations sont fondées sur le respect et la responsabilisation. Consultez le site www.msvu.ca pour apprendre davantage.

L’Université Mount Saint Vincent s’est fermement engagée à favoriser la diversité et l’inclusion au sein de sa communauté et encourage la candidature de toutes les personnes qualifiées, notamment les femmes, les personnes de toute orientation sexuelle et identité ou expression de genre, les Autochtones, les Afro-Canadiens, les autres groupes racialisés, les personnes ayant un handicap et d’autres groupes qui contribuent à la diversification de notre campus. Les personnes qui s’identifient comme appartenant à l’un de ces groupes sont encouragées à en faire volontairement mention dans leur dossier de candidature. Toutes les personnes qualifiées sont invitées à postuler. La priorité est toutefois donnée aux citoyens canadiens et aux résidents permanents.

Depuis sa création à l’Université Mount Saint Vincent en 1992, le Centre for Women in Business (CWB) s’est taillé une place de choix en ce qui a trait aux femmes chefs d’entreprise dans tout le Canada. Non seulement nous savons ce qu’il faut pour fonder et faire croître une entreprise, mais nous savons aussi comment créer un monde où les femmes entrepreneures prospèrent! Nos programmes d’apprentissage destinés aux femmes sont conçus et animés par des femmes qui sont ou ont été elles-mêmes entrepreneures. Nous accompagnons nos clientes qui s’identifient comme étant des femmes dans la mise en œuvre de nouvelles stratégies et dans la réalisation de progrès considérables. Grâce à leurs entreprises, elles innovent, se transforment, augmentent leurs revenus et ont une incidence dans leur collectivité.

Notre programme virtuel De nouveaux sommets de croissance est spécialement conçu pour les entreprises canadiennes dirigées par des femmes et dont les revenus s’élèvent à plus d’un million de dollars, afin d’établir une base évolutive pour l’accélération de la croissance de leur entreprise. Le programme de modèle d’affaires en douze étapes aborde toutes les dimensions de la stratégie, des activités, de l’innovation, du leadership et de la croissance de l’entreprise de la propriétaire. Le CWB est à la recherche d’un animateur ou d’une animatrice parfaitement bilingue (anglais/français) pour son programme De nouveaux sommets de croissance, dans le cadre de son expansion dans les provinces et territoires du Canada. Il s’agit d’un poste contractuel en vigueur jusqu’au 31 mars 2025, financé par le Fonds pour l’écosystème de la Stratégie pour les femmes en entrepreneuriat (SFE) du gouvernement du Canada. https://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/learning/greater-heights-of-growth

Exigences : un baccalauréat en administration des affaires, en entrepreneuriat ou dans un domaine connexe. Une maîtrise en administration des affaires ou un titre professionnel sont des atouts. Vous devez avoir au moins huit ans d’expérience dans des fonctions qui requièrent de solides compétences en matière de conseil en gestion, une expérience en stratégie, un sens aigu des affaires et de l’analyse opérationnelle, une aisance à travailler au sein d’une équipe virtuelle et de solides compétences en matière de présentation et d’accompagnement professionnel. Dans ce rôle, vous travaillerez à titre de conseiller de confiance et de confident.

Vous relèverez du chef de projet du programme De nouveaux sommets de croissance et, sous sa direction, vous l’assisterez et animerez notre programme dans les deux langues officielles. Vous fournirez également des séances individuelles de conseil et d’accompagnement aux participantes.

Vous voulez travailler dans un milieu dynamique et avec une équipe motivée et efficace? Ce poste est fait pour vous! Un engagement allant jusqu’à 35 heures par semaine est attendu. Notre programme de rémunération comprend un salaire de base compétitif, trois semaines de vacances avec des congés supplémentaires pour la période des fêtes (décembre), des congés de maladie et des conditions de travail flexibles.

Si vous avez besoin d’un aménagement à n’importe quel moment du processus de candidature, veuillez nous en informer. Les candidatures doivent inclure une lettre de motivation et un CV. Pour postuler à ce poste, veuillez envoyer votre lettre de motivation et votre CV à Laurie Sinclair: laurie.sinclair@msvu.ca

Our Grow Now program helps emerging Atlantic Canadian technology companies build and scale their tech in 2022 and beyond. Dr. Kes Morton, founder of Pisces Research Project Management recently took part in our Grow Now program.

Founded in 2017 Pisces Research Project Management is all about creating impact in ocean research. Kes shared the reason she created her business was because, “there were too many projects that were being done inefficiently because there were no part-time ocean research project managers.” That’s why Pisces RPM was founded, so people could spend their time doing what they loved.

When asked what the key takeaways were for her from the Grow Now program, Kes shared, “There were so many takeaways from this program. The first thing would be managing what you can measure and make sure to focus and get down to the numbers.”

Our Grow Now program is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada, meaning that all kinds of businesses from different sectors take part. “What stood out to me about the Grow Now program is that it was so responsive, even though all the participants had different businesses, and we were in different industries, we all faced the same challenges, and all had similar business models. It was helpful to get to work with other entrepreneurs who faced the same problems as you, it makes you feel less alone.”

At the CWB we know how important it is for women to work within the tech sector. We asked Kes why she would recommend this program to other female-identifying entrepreneurs, and she had this to say: “There is a different experience being a tech female entrepreneur. Although we face the same challenges as others in the industry there is another added level of hurdles. This program is great to help you think about the big picture, which is something that is so important to always think about in business. One of the biggest challenges is believing in your business and committing to it. CWB has always believed in me and the Grow Now program is just a further extension of that.”

When asked if there were any last pieces of advice Kes would like to share with other business owners in the tech sector, she simply said, “make sure to do the numbers.”

To learn more about Kes Morton and Pisces Research Project Management, visit their website.

Our new Grow Now Fall cohort will be starting soon! For more information visit our program page.

Our Grow Now program helps emerging Atlantic Canadian technology companies build and scale their tech. Christy Silvestri, founder of QuickFacts Inc recently took part. 

Christy started QuickFacts Inc. in 2020 to help insurance brokers have everything they need in one spot. “I worked in the insurance industry for so long and I just kept thinking, there had to be a better, more efficient way to do things.”  

Grow Now is a unique program that allows participants to learn many different elements of the tech sector, “One of my key takeaways from the program was learning how to use OKR (objectives and key results); as a new business owner it was especially helpful. The program was great in teaching me a variety of different things. Like everyone, I’m only an expert at what I know, so this program was great in teaching me the other tools I needed. Grow Now was a safe space that allowed me to learn and develop my skill set. It was also comforting to know that even though there were many other female founders in the program with a variety of different businesses, we all had the same things to learn.” 

When asked why Christy would recommend this program to other female tech entrepreneurs, this is what she shared: “There are many reasons I would recommend this program. It was great to be able to have a conversation with others, being a business owner can be lonely, and it was nice to be able to talk with others who don’t necessarily share the same lens as you. It’s also a great opportunity to expand your network, I not only made connections with other business owners but government agencies as well. This program is a great introduction to the ecosystem.”  

At the CWB we know how much work goes into starting and operating a business. Here is what Christy shared when asked what advice she would give to others starting a business in the tech sector. “Being a business owner isn’t easy, it’s so important to keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help! As a business owner there will be many ups and downs, my biggest piece of advice would be to keep your passion, don’t lose sight of why you started.”  

To learn more about Christy Silvestri and QuickFacts Inc., visit their website.

Our new Grow Now fall cohort will be starting soon! For more information visit our program page.

Tamasha has 10 years of experience in the IT industry and has worked with many entrepreneurs in the tech environment.  

Originally from Sri Lanka, Tamasha worked as the Senior Manager of the Startup Eco-system Development Program at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka. She assisted early-stage startups and budding entrepreneurs to take their businesses off the ground. She possesses a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in startup incubation, fostering entrepreneurship among youth via a more collaborative and institutionalized approach, and getting young folks interested in entrepreneurship.  

Tamasha is looking forward to leading our Grow Now program, with the new cohort starting this Fall.   

“The Grow Now program is the only female tech founder’s accelerator in Nova Scotia. I look forward to helping female tech founders scale their businesses with the help of the vibrant startup ecosystem. The worth of women’s entrepreneurship is accepted globally, but there is less focus on it in many countries, and societal expectations mean women often lack the confidence to start their own business. I believe it is important to highlight and help women who have started a tech businesses become future role models for other female entrepreneurs. This will aid in bringing in a mindset shift in the long run. With Grow Now and all other programs happening at CWB, I think we all have one common mission, to empower women.”  

Welcome to the team, Tamasha. We know that you will flourish in your new role.  

From the age of eight Frances Dadin-Alli has had a passion for cooking. Originally from Nigeria, she is ready to bring her cultural cuisine to Halifax, as she starts her own take-out kitchen, opening June 1st in Middle Sackville.  

“I have been cooking since I was eight and my dream has always been to open my own restaurant. I know now I am on the path to success and am closer to one day owning and operating my own restaurant.”  

When Frances opens on June 1st, she said the thing she is most looking forward to doing is simply creating, “I am so excited to have my own space. I just want to be in the kitchen creating delicious, colourful meals for people to enjoy.”  

Through meeting with our Business Advisor, Natalie Frederick-Wilson, Frances has implemented many new ideas and tools to help her succeed in business. “There are things that I didn’t know, but when talking to Natalie, she always gave me great pointers. She helps guide me in the direction I need to go. Something I really appreciate about Natalie is she doesn’t just tell you something in hopes that you will figure it out yourself, she sends you helpful links, information and connects you with others who can help. She goes above and beyond to help and encourage you, she really has taken a lot of weight off my shoulders.”  

Although, like so many, the pandemic was a huge challenge, Frances still managed to be inspired to give back to her community. “Throughout the pandemic, I cooked free meals for students which is something I hope I can continue to do. I’m so passionate about giving back to the community, being an immigrant and previously a university student has made me want to give back to students living on campus.”  

Frances also shared many of the exciting goals she hopes to accomplish in 2022 and beyond. “My goal is to create a strong brand not just with my name but through my food. I am starting small, creating my brand, and hoping to grow in order to start my own restaurant in the next two years. I’m doing this all by myself and I just want to show off my country’s traditional food and educate people about where I am from.”  

June 1st is fast approaching, and we cannot wait for Frances to open her doors. If you are interested in following her on this journey and want to grab some delicious food, make sure to follow her on Instagram! Congratulations, Frances. 

The Project Lead will work collaboratively within the Atlantic Canada ecosystem with other organizations dedicated to the advancement of female tech founders to define pathways, co-promote and share resources, and deliver a client centered approach. 

This job requires a Degree or Diploma in Commerce or Business Administration or equivalent background. Minimum five years’ experience in business/entrepreneurship counselling. Experience as an entrepreneur is preferred. Knowledge of the Tech Sector is an asset. 

If you are interested in working in a fast-paced environment and with a dedicated, hardworking team, this job is for you!  

Learn more and apply for the position here: https://www.careerbeacon.com/en/job/1797073/mount-saint-vincent-university/project-lead-propelling-women-founders/halifax-ns 

This year our International Women’s Day celebrations looked a little different. We wanted to give the spotlight to Nova Scotian women business owners and entrepreneurs to learn about them and their businesses. That’s why we launched “Women to Watch – Entrepreneurs Building Our Communities.” 

We asked business owners to submit a 60 second video sharing who they were, who their business serves, and what being a woman in business in 2022 meant to them. We received 50 videos in total and had the difficult job of narrowing it down to three winners. We chose a winner in each category of most creative video, most passionate video, and most community engaged video.  

Here is who we chose!  

For most creative video we chose, Bernice Williams owner of Intentional Connection.  

Watch Bernice’s video here: https://youtu.be/-yOitFcpFfM 

For most passionate video we chose, Funmilayo Odeniyi owner of MichNat Fashion  

Watch Funmi’s video here: https://youtu.be/OxiP8LjGRYs 

For most community engaged video we chose, Bonnie Fraser owner of Surrey and Sydney  

Watch Bonnie’s video here: https://youtu.be/b_ffruaOpts 

Congratulations to all our winners who will receive a professional marketing video courtesy of our event Gold Sponsor RBC. To everyone who submitted a video, we thank you for taking the time to share your stories, and we look forward to shining a spotlight on all of the submissions in the coming month and beyond. 

You can watch all 50 videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J21d4lOw0U4… 

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the participants in the next session of Grow Now. Our spring cohort, starting March 4th, includes nine female tech founders from across Canada. 

Be sure to check out this incredible group below and we look forward to sharing more about this cohort once it’s underway:

– Erica Derrickson, Ai Land Games: https://lnkd.in/d3mUv9Bm  
– Tina Crouse, ANSWERIt Inc.: https://lnkd.in/dR_4tFv  
– Angela Vankessel, Cultivated Eco: https://cultivatedeco.ca/  
– Houlie Duque, HomeschoolToGo: https://lnkd.in/dWEu2iY5  
– Sherry Law, Innerva Virtual Inc.: https://lnkd.in/d7HUFGR6  
– Bronwyn Bridges, PragmaClin: http://www.pragmaclin.com/  
– Lauran Simpson, Side Door: https://lnkd.in/dHe7sEaV  
– Robin Newman, Studio Jayne: https://lnkd.in/dZWxvCb  
– Manpreet Dhillon, Veza Global: http://www.vezaglobal.com/  
 
To learn more about this program, visit our Grow Now program page.  

When Princess Octavious first started her business, P3 Hair and Beauty supplies, she wanted a better life for herself and her children, and through her hard work and dedication to her business she has made that possible.  

“For me, being a business owner is comprised of many things. Having the courage and bravery to be able to take a risk and start a new chapter and being able to multi-task a busy life in order to progress your business further.”  

There are many exciting things about owning a business, “my favourite part about being a business owner is getting the opportunity to interact with new clients and being able to provide them with whatever it may be that they need. I also love being my own boss.”  

Princess recently joined the CWB community, and has taken part in many opportunities that have helped to grow her business. “I didn’t realize how many opportunities exist for women business owners through CWB. CWB has been a major help to me, I have attended classes, been able to create a business plan and have continued to gain knowledge through speaking to business advisors at the Centre.”  

“Being a business owner is lonely at times, not only has CWB given me the tools to grow my business but, it’s great to be able to talk to other women and connect with people who understand what I go through as a business owner.”  

With International Women’s Day (IWD) approaching, the Centre is asking our community what being a woman in business in 2022 means to them and what lies ahead. Princess shared “my goal for 2022 is to diversify my product lines. I also want to expand my business but, I don’t just want to expand, I want to expand with positivity.” What an inspirational focus all of us can take with us into the year.  

There are many things that go into being a woman business owner, “being a business owner in Nova Scotia is challenging, uplifting, and a blessing all at once. Having the chance to connect with CWB has helped me to meet other women who understand my challenges, and I feel so grateful and humbled to have met them.”  

Thank you Princess for sharing your story!  

We invite you to share yours with us by participating in our Women to Watch – Entrepreneurs Building Our Communities video contest. Visit us online to submit your video or register for our International Women’s Day celebration.