Immigrant entrepreneurs honoured at ISANS Awards 2025

Oct. 16, 2025 (KJIPUKTUK/ Halifax) – Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) celebrated the exceptional achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs during the 2025 Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards, held at Paul O’Regan Hall in the Halifax Central Library. The annual event recognizes the innovation, resilience, and economic and social contributions newcomers bring to Nova Scotia.

“The Government of Nova Scotia and I are proud to be working together to help newcomers succeed, from settlement support to business development services,” said Mr. Chris Palmer, Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “Nova Scotia is better and grows stronger when we embrace diversity and innovation.”

“Economic growth is often driven by diversity,” said Paula Knight, ISANS CEO. “Tonight, it’s about sharing stories of transformation. Stories of newcomers who dared to pursue their dreams, overcame barriers, and built businesses that enrich Nova Scotia’s economy and its communities.”

Now in its sixth year, the ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards have become a cornerstone of ISANS’ mission to highlight the critical role immigrant-owned businesses play in strengthening Nova Scotia’s economy. The program thrives thanks to generous community support and sponsorship from TD, Build Nova Scotia, McInnes Cooper, BDC, Invest Nova Scotia, Divert NS, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, and Halifax Public Libraries.

“Every year, we see remarkable creativity, resilience, and leadership among immigrant entrepreneurs,” said Christine Alvarez, Manager, Business & Workforce Integration. “These awards not only celebrate their success but demonstrate the lasting impact immigrant business owners have on our communities and our shared prosperity.”

This year’s winners were selected by Mark Conrad, Sonia Afroz, Pernille Fischer Boulter, and Tia Upshaw further reflecting ISANS’ deep community partnerships and commitment to championing immigrant success.

2025 ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Award Winners:

• Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement: Simply Go Natural Cosmetics Inc. and Africa Canada Trade and Investment Venture Inc.
• ISANS Business Volunteer Service Award: Marc Zirka
• New Small Business of the Year: Prestigious Apron Gourmet
• Small Business of the Year: Access Language Services Inc.
• Innovative Business of the Year: Nova Noble Cause Society
• IWEN (Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network) Entrepreneur of the Year: Ghita Rhammaz
• Sustainable Business of the Year: Petite Urban Pooch

For more information, visit isans.ca.