ISANS recognizes outstanding performance by immigrant entrepreneurs at 2026 awards

Oct. 16, 2026 (Kjipuktuk/Halifax, N.S.) – The Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) celebrated the achievements of immigrant entrepreneurs during the 2026 ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards at Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library.

The annual awards recognize the innovation, leadership, resilience, and economic contributions newcomer-owned businesses bring to Nova Scotia, creating jobs, driving growth, and strengthening communities across the province.

The event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, partners, sponsors, and community members to celebrate newcomer success and the positive impact immigrant-owned businesses are having across Nova Scotia.

Honourable Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, delivered a video message congratulating this year’s winners and nominees, recognizing the important role immigrant entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth, innovation, and prosperity throughout the province.

He said: “Immigrant entrepreneurs make our province stronger. They create jobs, introduce new products and services and they bring fresh ideas to our communities. Small businesses are the heart of our economy. They support families, create places where people connect and belong and the entrepreneurs, we recognize show impact in real and meaningful ways. To all the nominees, award recipients, congratulations. Your hard work, creativity, and resilience are inspiring. Our whole province benefits when you have the support you need to succeed.”  

In her welcoming remarks, Paula Knight, CEO of ISANS, said: “Immigrant entrepreneurs are helping shape Nova Scotia’s future through innovation, investment, and job creation. I congratulate this year’s award recipients on their outstanding achievements, leadership, and contributions to our province. Their success strengthens our economy, enriches our communities, and demonstrates the tremendous impact newcomer-owned businesses have across Nova Scotia.”

This year’s highest honour, the Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement Award, was presented to Sparrow BioAcoustics, recognized in part for its development of the Stethophone, the world’s first FDA-cleared and Health Canada-licensed software-only device of its kind. The technology is now helping clinicians and patients in several countries.

“This award is a recognition of our team,” said Nadia Ivanova. “I hope our story shows other newcomers that they can build something meaningful here, and that where they start does not limit where they can go.”

The 2026 award recipients exemplify how immigrant entrepreneurship is helping shape Nova Scotia’s future through innovation, job creation, community leadership, and economic growth.

2026 ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Award Recipients

• Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement Award – Sparrow BioAcoustics
• New Small Business of the Year – NutrieEasy Inc.
• Small Business of the Year – OvaAfrique DESIGN
• Innovative Business of the Year – Halifax Design Week
• Sustainable Business of the Year – SDF Integral Design
• Immigrant Women Entrepreneur of the Year (IWEN) – Bo Ram Kim – MASITA K-Food 
• Volunteer Service Award – Jennifer Fraser

Now in its seventh year, the ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards have become a cornerstone of ISANS’ efforts to recognize the vital role immigrant entrepreneurs play in building a stronger and more prosperous Nova Scotia. The program is made possible through the generous support of RBC, Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Build Nova Scotia, Divert NS, McInnes Cooper, TD, Invest Nova Scotia, and Halifax Public Libraries.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients,” said Christine Alvarez, Manager, Business & Workforce Integration. “Your vision, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit are creating opportunities, generating economic growth, and helping make Nova Scotia a stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming place to live, work, and do business.”

Award recipients were selected by a volunteer panel of judges comprising Matt Conrad, Bassima Jurdak, Paul Gerin, Tia Upshaw, and Rany Ibrahim. Their participation reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to championing immigrant entrepreneurship and celebrating newcomer success.