Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia – IWEN

ISANS’ Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN) is revolutionizing the entrepreneurial landscape for newcomer and refugee women in Nova Scotia. This innovative program offers a comprehensive approach to empowering participants, combining practical training, mentorship, and community engagement to equip them with the tools necessary for business success.

IWEN provides participants with a range of opportunities designed to enhance their entrepreneurial skills. Over the course of ten weeks, participants engage in focused, hands-on business training that covers essential topics such as foundational food, health, and safety training. They benefit from one-on-one business counselling and have opportunities to showcase their products at local markets.

Additionally, IWEN assists participants with microloan applications and connects them to financial resources. Networking opportunities with experienced entrepreneurs and mentors further enrich their learning experience.

Holistic approach to empowerment
The program’s multi-faceted strategy includes two ten-week training cohorts that have supported 30 women from 18 different countries. Recognizing the importance of connection, IWEN has hosted 12 networking events attended by 175 women entrepreneurs.

The Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition showcased the creativity of nine participants who presented innovative business ideas across various sectors. Furthermore, IWEN’s Vendor Market provided 31 women entrepreneurs with critical market exposure, helping them refine their business models while contributing to their financial growth and community engagement.

To promote inclusivity, IWEN conducted two intercultural competency training sessions for financial institutions and ecosystem stakeholders and organized five roundtable discussions that gathered insights on fostering gender-inclusive practices in the business ecosystem.

Building a supportive ecosystem
IWEN’s success is built on strong partnerships with seventeen organizations, including Saint Mary’s University, Emera IdeaHub, Tribe Network, RBC, BDC, and Divert Nova Scotia. These collaborations enhance the program’s reach and provide participants with access to critical resources, funding opportunities, and mentorship.

Participants have praised the program’s effectiveness in transforming their entrepreneurial journeys. Many describe IWEN as more than just a training program; it offers a genuine push into the business world along with valuable opportunities for networking, mentoring, and accessing high-value reports. The practical insights gained through the training have significantly boosted their confidence and connected them with inspiring peers.

“What I liked most about the program was its comprehensive nature – from the content to the people involved. Every aspect was enriching and valuable, and the connections I made with others added a special dimension to the experience.”
IWEN participant

As IWEN looks ahead, it remains dedicated to empowering women, fostering connections, and advocating for their needs. The program continues to evolve with upcoming events such as the Halifax Accelerators Tour and Podcast Recording. By addressing the unique challenges faced by newcomer and refugee women entrepreneurs, IWEN is creating a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nova Scotia. The program’s success demonstrates the power of targeted support in unlocking the potential of diverse entrepreneurs while contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Interested in learning more about this initiative? ISANS will be answering all your questions during an Ask Me Anything session on February 11, 2025, at 2 p.m. AST.

This project has been funded through Women and Gender Equality Canada’s Women’s Program.

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