Entrepreneur in the Making Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort
Congratulations to the 2025 participants
We’re excited to welcome this talented group of NSCC students and alumni who will gain entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and funding to launch or grow their businesses:
| Recipient | Campus | Student or alumni |
| Amie Jaiteh | Ivany Campus | Alumni, Continuing Care ‘25 |
| Benedict Madueke | Pictou Campus | Student, Social Services |
| Christopher De Kock | Akerley Campus | Student, Early Childhood Education Africentric |
| Donntayia Jones | Akerley Campus | Alumni, Early Childhood Education ‘23 |
| Jamie Gray | eCampus | Student, Adult Learning Program |
| Jalana Morton | Ivany Campus | Alumni, Industrial Engineering Technology ‘17 |
| Nyrell Martin | Akerley Campus | Student, Welding |
| Olaitan Oladapo | Institute of Technology Campus | Institute of Technology Campus Student, Adult Learning Program; Alumni, Occupational Health and Safety ‘13 |
| Shayla Parsons | Ivany Campus | Alumni, Practical Nursing ‘18 |
| Zaria Paris | Akerley Campus | Student, Baking and Pastry Arts |
About this program and funding
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 Cohort 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.
Tia Upshaw (ALP ’06), CEO and Founder of Blk Women in Excellence, has empowered more than 137 female entrepreneurs through her not-for-profit organization. NSCC is proud to partner with Tia to launch a new cohort designed to support Black and African Nova Scotian students and recent graduates in starting or growing their businesses.
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
- 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 are closed
Applications for the Entrepreneur in the Making Black and African Nova Scotian Cohort, partnered with Blk Women in Excellence, closed on November 30, 2025.
Questions?
For more information, email NSCC Entrepreneurship at .