Business Development Programs & Services
About the Program
ISANS’ Business Development Services provide personalized support for immigrant entrepreneurs to start, manage or expand their businesses in Nova Scotia. The program offers the tools, knowledge and connections necessary to navigate the local business landscape and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
Explore What We Offer
Business Mentorship Program
Connecting immigrants with experienced business professionals across Nova Scotia.
Business Training Workshops
Build the knowledge and skills to succeed in Nova Scotia’s business environment.
Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN)
Empowering immigrant and refugee women to build and grow their own businesses.
Events
Business Training Calendar
ISANS is pleased to invite you to a dynamic lineup of no cost business training & information sessions tailored for newcomer entrepreneurs. Delivered by ISANS and expert partners, these interactive sessions are designed to help you build a business, strengthen communication, and grow your business with confidence in Nova Scotia.
Featured Supporter
Craft Nova Scotia
To support the growth and integration of newcomers in the craft sector, ISANS is thrilled to have recently signed a strategic partnership with Craft Nova Scotia, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Nova Scotia's craft movement and creating awareness and appreciation of craft products and activities.
This partnership will expand opportunities for entrepreneurial newcomers to participate in events and craft shows and access exclusive benefits such as Craft NS's Maker Membership.
To learn more, contact business@isans.ca
Impact Story
Growing Together: How Ngan Do Found Success Through Community and Connection
When Ngan Do arrived in Canada, she brought with her extensive experience in finance, accounting, and governance, along with a strong entrepreneurial drive. While she was hopeful and determined, she quickly realized that starting over involved more than finding a job or launching a business it meant rebuilding her confidence, professional network, and sense of…
Resources
ISANS Business Marketplace: Showcasing Immigrant-Owned Businesses
With hundreds of visitors exploring our site, the Marketplace helps immigrant-owned businesses reach new customers, grow their visibility, and connect with other entrepreneurs in the community.
Starting Your Business
As you begin your journey towards entrepreneurship, the ISANS Business Team has compiled resources to assist you. Your Business Counsellor can help you navigate these resources.
Growing Your Business
Growing your business is the natural next step once your business is stable and strong. Before investing more money on expanding services, creating/introducing new products or reaching out to new markets it is always helpful to take these steps:
Opportunities to Support Immigrant Businesses
ISANS Business Development Services volunteers provide additional support to immigrant entrepreneurs who wish to start or grow their business in Nova Scotia.
By helping serve, mentor or connect newcomers to the community, you can help build a community where all can belong and grow.
Testimonials
My biggest takeaway from this IWEN (Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network) program is the confidence and clarity it gave me to pursue my professional and entrepreneurial goals. The guidance, practical insights, and exposure to experienced trainers and guest speakers have inspired me to apply what I’ve learned in real-world situations and continue developing my skills.
What really touches me about ISANS is the genuine care they show in helping newcomers succeed. It’s not just about providing resources; it’s about truly believing in people and their potential to build new lives here. More than just business training, IWEN has given me meaningful collaborations, deep friendships, and a true sense of belonging in this new chapter of my life.
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I feel really honored to be here at the first IWEN Vendor Market. This is a great platform where we can bring our business ideas back to life. Thank you for arranging this event. I feel like I have gained more confidence to continue with the next chapter.
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The key thing has been courage! Just gain enough confidence to say I can be an entrepreneur and a businesswoman. IWEN Vendor Market is a great event to test the waters and understand what we need to know in the market environment.
IWEN has provided me with the right platforms and the opportunity to network with other women entrepreneurs. I have attended several of IWEN’s seminars, which have improved my understanding of business management, market analysis and client retention. The IWEN Vendor Market event is highly promising. I want to see the Vendor Market continue to grow. In order to get the best guidance from the appropriate professionals, I would advise the women entrepreneurs to get in touch with ISANS.