Building Dreams: ConnexionWorks Fuels Entrepreneurial Success

From coast to coast, small businesses are the heart of our communities, creating jobs and growth and delivering valuable products and services across Atlantic Canada.

Dedicated organizations like ConnexionWorks, nestled in the heart of the northend of Saint John, New Brunswick, are working hard to help entrepreneurs make their dreams a reality.

Founded in 2015, this not-for-profit coworking space has become a vital hub for innovation and collaboration. The organization offers a dynamic environment that supports a diverse population, including newcomers, youth, women, and BIPOC communities.

Connexionworks offers a variety of programs that support entrepreneurs with the ideation, validation and efficiency stages of their journey.   These include DREAM (Discover, Research, Explore, Adapt and Manage), the MVP (Market, Value and Pitch) and ARC (Advice, Resources, Connections).  ConnexionWorks also offers dedicated office spaces and meeting rooms, providing the flexibility and resources needed for businesses to thrive.

Cara Matula, founder of Cara Matula Education Inc., offers tutoring in math, science, English as a second language, and German. She specializes in supporting students whose needs aren’t fully met in traditional classrooms, as well as international mothers adjusting to life in a new country.

“I've been teaching for seven years and noticed many gaps in the education system that prevented me from meeting every student's needs,” Cara shares.

Driven by her passion for teaching, she wanted to start her own business but felt unsure where to begin. A chance conversation with a local business owner led her to ConnexionWorks.

“He told me, “You have to go to ConnexionWorks – they helped me, and they'll help you,” Cara recalls.

She joined the DREAM program, which provided the foundation she needed. “Learning about various aspects about starting a business brought everything together for me.”

Through the vibrant community and networking atmosphere at Connexionworks, Cara was able to forge key connections and expand her business. “They have been invaluable in bringing together so much information and resources into one convenient place.”

Sep Bastani, a second-year business student at UNB-SJ and Founder and CEO of Port City Virtual Tours, moved with his family from Iran to Saint John before COVID.

“It was not an easy move; we had to leave everything, we had to start a new life, learn a new language and culture, and try to make friends. I tell people it’s just like being born again,” Sep shares.

By participating and excelling in several different programs, ConnexionWorks became his second home. At just 17, he identified a gap in real estate customer service started his virtual tour business, enabling users to “walk” through a property as if they were physically present.

“It was the team that encouraged and guided me every step of the way -- they are just like family to me,” Sep says.  “I love what I do – I love the people, the work, and I like making new connections.” Sep plans to expand his business while making a better life for his family and everyone around him.

With its commitment to inclusivity, experiential programming, and a supportive environment, ConnexionWorks stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.

Visit ConnexionWorks here.

Discover how the Government of Canada, through ACOA, is supporting ConnexionWorks—click here to learn more.