Scotiabank gift supports aspiring NSCC entrepreneurs

Left to Right: Craig Thompson, Scotiabank, NSCC student Avinash Pillay, Robbie Shaw, Make Way Campaign, NSCC President Don Bureaux at $150,000 donation announcement

Scotiabank donates $150,000 during announcement at NSCC IT Campus on Monday, May 17, 2019. L-R Craig Thompson, Scotiabank, NSCC student Avinash Pillay, Robbie Shaw, Make Way Campaign, NSCC President Don Bureaux

Embracing entrepreneurship

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 this morning at the Institute of Technology Campus in Halifax. It is the first program of its kind at the College.

“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,” says Craig Thompson, Scotiabank’s Senior Vice President, Retail and Small Business, Atlantic Region. “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 underway with four participants selected to receive start-up funding and mentoring.

Avinash Pillay, a Game Development student, was selected to take part in the pilot and is getting ready to launch his venture, an app that connects people with similar interests through public events.

“It’s sort of an anti-social-media app,” says Avinash. “This program is helping me get my feet planted and take a chance on something I really believe in.”

NSCC President Don Bureaux notes: “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.”

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.