More of Nova Scotia’s immigrant entrepreneurs honoured at ISANS Awards
October 15, 2024 (KJIPUKTUK/ Halifax) – Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) celebrated the growing impact of the Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards at the Paul O’Regan Hall in the Halifax Central Library. This year’s event saw the addition of two new award categories, bringing the total number of honorees to seven and demonstrating the program’s expansion and increasing recognition of immigrant entrepreneurs’ contributions.
“Immigrant entrepreneurs are visionaries who bring fresh perspectives and innovation to Nova Scotia,” said Paula Knight, ISANS CEO. “At ISANS, we are committed to fostering their talents and breaking down barriers to create an ecosystem where diversity drives prosperity that contributes to the province’s economic growth.”
This year’s winners are:
- Exceptional Entrepreneurial Achievement: Shivani Dhamija, Founder of Shivani’s Kitchen
- ISANS Business Volunteer Service Award (NEW): Cindy Allen
- New Small Business of the Year: Iyalode African Wholesale Market, Motunrayo Ige
- Small Business of the Year: Starfish Painters, Ibrahim Al Ali
- Innovative Business of the Year: Sonia’s Melody – A Music School, Sonia Afroz
- Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network Business of the Year (NEW): Café Aroma Latino Inc., Claudia Pinto
- Sustainable Business of the Year: MOC Bio Technologies Inc., Sayedali Mousavi
Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration, spoke at the event, highlighting the significant role of immigrant entrepreneurs in elevating our communities. “Congratulations to the nominees and award winners. Through small businesses we see economic growth, job creation, diverse services and products, revitalized neighbourhoods, and innovation and adaptability. Thank you for your contributions to our province,” said Balser.
The ISANS Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards, now in their fifth year, have become a key component in ISANS’ efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for immigrants in Nova Scotia. The awards have gained prominence and prestige thanks to community involvement and the support of our dedicated sponsors: BDC, Co-operators, Divert NS, Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Invest NS, McInnes Cooper, and TD. This collaborative effort recognizes the vital role immigrant-owned businesses play in Nova Scotia’s economic growth.
A panel of judges, including Ashwin Kutty, Dalene Courneya Allen, Ifeanyi Emesih, Linda Daley, Nadia Ivanova, and Tia Upshaw, selected this year’s winners, further emphasizing the community involvement in celebrating immigrant entrepreneurship.
To learn more about ISANS programs, including the Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards, visit isans.ca.
