Supporting Immigrant Entrepreneurs through Expanded Business Counselling Services

News Release

Funding will go towards more staff and programs at the Immigration Services Association of Nova Scotia

October 12, 2017 – Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Giving Canadians, and immigrants who are establishing in Canada, a real and fair chance at success means helping them get the skills and training they need to get good jobs, earn a good living, and provide for their families. That is why the Government of Canada is investing $325,000 to support the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) as they hire two additional counsellors to work with existing immigrant entrepreneurs and start-ups to help them optimize their business growth potential.

Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), joined ISANS officials today to make the funding announcement.  

The funds will enable ISANS to develop online workshops as well as an online digital marketplace app, facilitate training sessions and connect clients to relevant resources. This will help ISANS meet the increasing demand of new clients seeking business support services to create better futures for themselves in Nova Scotia.

The project is being funded through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and not-for-profit organizations that provide support to Atlantic businesses. This investment is part of the government’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create growing, innovative businesses with global reach, good jobs all Canadians and a thriving middle class, while supporting the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

Quotes

“A diverse population is part what makes up the social fabric of Canada. Immigration is key to building strong Atlantic communities and improving the region’s ability to compete in a global market. Increased immigration can play a significant role in meeting skill shortages to help drive economic development. Today’s investment is in line with the Government of Canada’s Atlantic Growth Strategy.”

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA 

“In 2016, there were 109 new businesses created in Nova Scotia by immigrants. This is a number we hope to see grow over the coming years. ISANS and aspiring entrepreneurs will work closely together with a focus on expanding the contributions of new Canadians to our business culture. The Government of Canada is pleased to invest in ISANS to help build a stronger entrepreneurial community that recognizes the contributions of new Canadians to Nova Scotia.”

- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions and Member of Parliament for Halifax   

“Immigrants, including refugees, are 30% more likely to start a business than non-immigrants. ISANS has seen a significant increase in immigrants interested in self-employment and with this ACOA funding, we will be able to provide additional and ongoing support as newcomers develop, open and grow their businesses. This will help the new business owners to contribute to the economy, employ other Nova Scotians and build a future for themselves and their families in Nova Scotia.”

- Gerry Mills, Executive Director, ISANS

Quick Facts

  • ISANS has experienced a 45% increase in the number of new clients in the past five years.

  • In 2016, ISANS served nearly 5,000 clients.

  • ISANS staff are from 46 countries of origin and can collectively speak 68 languages. 

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Sherry Redden
Manager, Business & Workforce Integration
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS)
Phone: 902-423-3607 | Fax: 902-423-3154 | Toll Free in NS: 1-866-431-6472
Email: sredden@isans.ca

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