Business Development Programs & Services
Building business success through connection
For newcomer entrepreneurs, business growth accelerates when it is rooted in connection. ISANS’ Business Development Services prioritized expanding access to markets and networks, ensuring immigrant entrepreneurs could grow alongside peers, partners, and the broader business community.
Over the past year, ISANS provided 130 market table opportunities to 35 clients, creating valuable spaces to test ideas, build confidence, and generate income. Some entrepreneurs used these platforms to gather feedback on early-stage products and pricing, while others made their first public sales. More established businesses leveraged the opportunity to launch new products or expand existing operations. Participants generated over $33,000 in sales, demonstrating the tangible economic impact of shared opportunities.
Business creation also remained strong, with 29 clients opening or acquiring businesses during the fiscal year, contributing to the economic vitality of communities across Nova Scotia.
Equally important was access to networks. Clients participated in 34 networking events, engaging 542 participants through ISANS-led initiatives and external business and professional organizations. These ranged from informal meet-and-greets to conferences and targeted learning sessions. Through these experiences, entrepreneurs refined their pitches, strengthened their messaging, and built confidence navigating Nova Scotia’s business landscape.
Business counsellors encouraged each client to establish at least two new professional connections, and many exceeded this goal. These relationships foster collaboration, mentorship, and new partnerships, while also opening doors to membership-based business associations.
Through shared spaces, intentional networking, and collective ambition, newcomer entrepreneurs strengthened not only their own ventures but also the broader ecosystem demonstrating that when opportunities are shared, communities prosper.
Ngan Do’s story reflects this impact. With the support of Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN) and ISANS, she rebuilt her confidence, skills, and professional network while giving back by supporting other newcomer women. Her journey highlights how individual success is amplified through collaboration, and how community support can drive meaningful, lasting progress.
1,386
ISANS clients received business services
413
ISANS clients participated in business training
61
training sessions
29
ISANS clients started a business
176
Women participated in IWEN activities
542
clients participated in networking events
Growing Together: How Ngan Do Found Success Through Community and Connection
“Accounting and taxation were never areas I felt drawn to, but when I launched my business, I had to take them on myself,” says Ngan Do.
ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards 2025
At the 6th ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards 2025, we celebrated the remarkable journeys of newcomer entrepreneurs who are helping shape Nova Scotia’s economy and communities through innovation, resilience, and determination.
This video highlights inspiring voices from our clients’ entrepreneurs whose stories reflect the power of connection and shared success. Their journeys remind us that when we support one another, we all move forward.
