Entrepreneur in the Making Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort

Funding for Black and African Nova Scotian entrepreneurs 

To celebrate, promote and advance Black and African Nova Scotian entrepreneurship, Tia Upshaw (ALP '06), CEO and Founder of Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE) has partnered with NSCC to deliver the Entrepreneur in the Making (EITM)–Black and African Nova Scotia cohort in 2025.

Open to NSCC students and recent graduates, participants in the EITM–Black and African Nova Scotian will gain entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and access to business resources while receiving up to $3,500 in funding to launch or grow their own business.

This opportunity is made possible through the collaboration between BWIE and NSCC Entrepreneurship, with generous support from NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations donors and partners.

Program details

Successful applicants will receive:

• One-time funding up to $3,500
(includes $3,000 in seed funding + $500 travel/cost-of-living stipend)
• 6 weeks of mentorship
• Access to the full suite of BWIE programs
• Access to supports and resources through NSCC Entrepreneurship
• Brand-building opportunities, including a professional headshot session
• 6 months of business counselling services
• 1-year membership to the BWIE group and community network
• Upon completion of the program, a $500 graduation grant will be awarded to one participant based on engagement and participation.  

Eligibility 

Applicants must:

• Be a current NSCC student in good academic standing or a recent graduate within the past 10 years (2015 to present)
• Have viable business goals and objectives
• Be an entrepreneur looking to start or expand your business
• Be able to commit to all required sessions, mentorship and reporting
• 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 parents (all genders)
• Applicants who self-identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or part of Africa diaspora

*NSCC and Scotiabank employees are not eligible to apply. 

Judging criteria 

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• The uniqueness of the product or service
• Clarity and completeness of the application
• Applicant’s understanding of their target customer and industry
• Relevant experience and capabilities
• Awareness of logistics (e.g., planning, production, distribution)
• Demonstrated understanding of the resources needed for success

Application process 

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

• Complete the online application form, including a description of your entrepreneurial dream
• Provide a one-page overview of your business model or idea
• Submit a customer testimonial or referral explaining why you should be accepted into the program

Applications details

• Applications open: Monday, November 3, 2025
• Applications close: Sunday, November 30, 2025 (11:59 p.m. AST)
• Review period: December 2–6, 2025
• Notifications sent: Week of December 9, 2025
• Program start date: Week of January 20, 2026

 Apply now

Past participants

Questions?

For more information, email NSCC Entrepreneurship at .