Scotiabank funding elevates goals for NSCC alumni
“Almost like I never left!”
“I feel very supported as an alum of NSCC’s Kingstec Campus – almost like I never left!” said Kara Friesen, in response to being the first recipient of the Scotiabank EITM Growth Grant. The 2020 Business Administration graduate is a proud alum entrepreneur and 2021 Entrepreneur-in-the-Making (EITM) program participant. The EITM program offers NSCC students and recent alumni the funding, business advising, mentorship and networking opportunities needed to start and grow their business. Thanks to donor funding by Scotiabank, these business supports are available to students and alumni at NSCC each year, helping kick-start their entrepreneurial journey.
Started with an idea
Kara applied to the EITM program with the idea for a locally sourced meal kit business, bringing PieceMeal Food Provisions to life. The carefully curated, chef-inspired meal kits are not only delicious, they offer peace of mind with ingredients that support small-scale farmers and use guilt-free compostable or reusable packaging. PieceMeal currently has pick-up locations in Berwick, Dartmouth and Halifax. Kara plans to use the $3,000 funding from the new grant to expand PieceMeal's reach within the province and explore opportunities for alternative pick-up locations.
“When I participated in EITM, I took advantage of the mentorship opportunities made available and received solid advice from staff. The articles and photos by staff were incredible and helped so much with marketing as well,” said Kara. “Receiving the Scotiabank EITM Growth Grant feels like a huge pat on the back saying, ‘We believe in your progress and your proven business concept.’ PieceMeal Food Provisions would not be the same without the endless support of NSCC and its partnerships.”
Scotiabank’s continued support
In 2023, the Scotiabank EITM Growth Grant was created as a part of Scotiabank's expanded commitment to support and inspire NSCC students and alumni entrepreneurs. The new annual grant is available to past EITM recipients at least one year out of the program who are continuing to grow and operate their original business idea.
To learn more about the Entrepreneur-in-the-Making program and the Scotiabank EITM Growth Grant, please visit www.nscc.ca/eitm.
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