Innovating a new approach to an old business wins Halifax Immigrant Start-up Challenge

On March 8th, the Workforce Innovation and Inclusion Project (WIIP) hosted Start-Up Challenge: Halifax in celebration of International Women's Day 2020. Women immigrant entrepreneurs had the opportunity to pitch their ideas to business leaders for the chance to win $5,000 and develop them further. WIIP provided women entrepreneurs with all they needed to participate, including free childcare and lunch.

Judges saw nearly a dozen creative and highly engaging pitches ranging from integrated marketing services, innovative retail solutions, and technology. The winner of the competition was the new owner of a long-established local shop who had only been in Canada for eight months prior. She wowed the judges with innovative new ideas to preserve both a local business and the environment.

To prepare for the competition, entrepreneurs participated in three interactive half-day workshops to develop their business ideas and learn about value propositions, marketing, branding, and financial planning. Participants valued the opportunity to build on their existing skills and knowledge and connect with other immigrant women entrepreneurs in Halifax.