A $150,000 donation by Scotiabank will support emerging entrepreneurs at Nova Scotia Community College, particularly women and those from underrepresented groups.
The new, three-year Scotiabank Entrepreneur-in-the-Making program, designed to assist NSCC students and alumni across Nova Scotia, was announced on May 27 at the Institute of Technology Campus in Halifax. It is the first program of its kind at the College.
The Scotiabank donation is part of Make Way - The Campaign for NSCC, which has raised more than $33 million to support students on their NSCC journey.
"We understand the courage and hard work required to become an entrepreneur. We also realize that traditional lending has not always been available to first-time business owners, particularly women," says Craig Thompson, Scotiabank's Senior Vice President, Retail and Small Business, Atlantic Region.
"Our intent with the Entrepreneur-in-the-Making program is to open doors to women and those from other underrepresented groups who have compelling projects. By working with NSCC, we can identify these students and alumni - the next generation of entrepreneurs - and help them achieve success."
Starting this fall, the program will support up to 14 start-ups annually - one at each NSCC campus. Participants will be paired with a mentor from NSCC, Scotiabank and the local business community. A related pilot project at NSCC's Truro Campus, funded by local businesspeople, is now under way with four participants selected to receive start-up funding and mentoring.
"As a College, we strive to create an environment that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship and, in turn, enhances the province's economy and quality of life," says NSCC President Don Bureaux.
"This generous donation by Scotiabank will give students the ability to take their amazing ideas to the marketplace," he adds, "Participants will benefit from this applied learning opportunity, while getting a chance to develop and launch their venture in a safe and supportive environment, with the resources they need to succeed."
About Make Way - The Campaign for NSCC
Make Way, NSCC's most ambitious fundraising campaign to date, raised more than $33 million to help students on their NSCC journey. Through the generosity of donors, partners and sponsors of Make Way, together we are providing students with scholarships, bursaries and urgent aid, as well as innovative learning opportunities and programming. By investing in those who will propel Nova Scotia forward, Make Way will continue to resonate for many years, strengthening our economy and quality of life, and creating a legacy to its many supporters and contributors across the province and beyond.
