Building Connections Through Business

Celebrations for Small Business Week began early when members of the Halifax business community came together for last Thursday’s “Networking in Motion” event.

Currently in its seventh year, Networking in Motion is an annual event for immigrant business owners in Halifax to showcase their work and celebrate their successes. More than 150 people attended this year’s event – sponsored by RBC, and put on in partnership with ISANS and Halifax Public Libraries – to network, meet new immigrant business owners, enjoy culturally diverse food, and listen to music.

“Newcomer entrepreneurs bring investment, global connections, and new business initiatives that contribute to the vitality and economic growth and development in local communities,” said D’Arcy Poultney, ISANS Manager of Business and Workforce Integration. “Networking in Motion provides an opportunity for new and old members of the local business community to connect with each other, share ideas, and grow their businesses.”

On behalf of the city of Halifax, Deputy Mayor Tony Mancini welcomed newcomers and spoke about the impact immigrants have in Halifax, both economically, and socially. The event highlighted the positive impact immigrant businesses have on the Nova Scotia economy. “Immigrants continue to bring assets and opportunities to Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole, helping us build capacity,” said Jennifer Watts, ISANS CEO. “We recognize the key role that immigrant entrepreneurs play in Nova Scotia’s economy. They invest in business opportunities, hire other Nova Scotians, and help bring a global competitiveness to the province.”

Food provided by Shivani’s Kitchen, 902 Restaurant and Catering, Unique Asian, Elaine’s Brazilian, Mamas Kitchen, and Meli Savory.

Businesses showcased: A&R Accessories Design, Acceleration Trading Inc., East Coast Filipino Portal Ltd., EazyBuy (Project Evolve Technologies Inc.), Eureka Technologies Inc, Future Star Learning Centre, Golden Touch Group, Konnect the Dots Training Inc., Seger Motors, Unified Canada Tel Inc.

Music provided by Saeid Foroughi, Arash Delavar, Nikoo Mansourifar, and Mohammad Sahraei.