Entrepreneur-in-the-Making Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort, partnered with Blk Women in Excellence

Funding for Black and African Nova Scotian female entrepreneurs 

To celebrate, promote and advance Black and African Nova Scotian female entrepreneurs, Tia Upshaw (ALP '06) of Blk Women in Excellence has partnered with NSCC to launch this new cohort.

Six NSCC students and recent graduates will be accepted into Entrepreneur-in-the-Making (EITM) Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort, partnered with Blk Women in Excellence to learn entrepreneurial skills, and each will receive up to $3,000 in funding.

This opportunity is offered thanks to support from Blk Women Excellence and NSCC Entrepreneurship and funding from NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations, generous donors and partners.

If you're a Black or African Nova Scotian NSCC female student or recent grad with the desire to launch or grow a company, apply for the Entrepreneur-in-the-Making Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort, partnered with Blk Women in Excellence!

Eligibility

Applicants must: 

• Be a current NSCC student in good academic standing or a recent graduate within the past five years (2019 to present).
• Have viable business goals and objectives.
• Be an entrepreneur looking to start or expand your business. 
• Clearly describe entrepreneurial aspirations through the program's application.
• Demonstrate that they are immersed, engaged and active within their community through the program’s application.
• Demonstrate that they understand the importance of social media strategy and the power of networking to grow their business.

Preference will be given to:

• Single mothers
• Females who self-identify as African Nova Scotian
• Participants from the following campuses: Akerley, Burridge/Digby and IT Campus

*NSCC and Scotiabank employees are not eligible to apply.

Program details

Successful applicants will receive: 

• 6 weeks of mentorship
• 1-time funding, up to $3,000 for seed funding
• Access to the full suite of Blk Women in Excellence programs
• Access to supports and resources through NSCC Entrepreneurship 
• Brand-building opportunities, including a headshot photography session and 6 months of business counselling services
• 1 year membership to:
  • The Blk Women in Excellence group
  • The Centre for Women in Business at Mount Saint Vincent University
  • Tribe Network’s Entrepreneurial Hub

Judging criteria 

Applications will be judged based on: 

• Uniqueness of the product or service being offered 
• Clarity of application 
• Applicant’s knowledge of the proposed customer base/industry 
• Experience and ability of applicant in relation to the product or service 
• Awareness of the logistics (ex: planning, production and distribution) 
• Demonstrated understanding of the resources required for project success 

Applications process

To be considered for this grant and wrap-around support program, eligible applicants must:

• Complete the online application form, which will request a description of your entrepreneurial dream.
• Provide a detailed 1-page description of your business model or idea.
• Submit a customer testimonial or referral stating why your application should be accepted into this program.

Apply for the EITM Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort, partnered with Blk Women in Excellence from April 22 to May 22, 2024. 

Apply for the EITM Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort

Questions? 

For more information, contact NSCC Entrepreneurship at