One of our mandates is to convene players within our ecosystem. Our events provide an opportunity for participants to connect with some of Nova Scotia’s finest entrepreneurs and IDE amplifiers, while learning and being inspired to tackle present challenges and opportunities.
Are you ready to supercharge your networking game, gain invaluable insights, and be part of a community that champions inclusivity and financial empowerment? Prepare to be captivated by two powerhouse guest speakers from Scotiabank and Pocketed.
Scotiabank's Women's Initiative is changing the game for women and empowering them to succeed on their own terms. Pocketed is revolutionizing access to capital, and you're invited to the front row!
VBI Info Session
Event on August 16th, at 2:30 p.m. ADT.
This 30-minute info session will tell you all you need to know about the Virtual Business Incubator, which is part of the project we are powering, the Start Now Incubator.
Alexandra, our executive director, will be hosting the event. Nicole from Mashup Lab will be speaking on what the VBI is.
Peer-to-Peer Mentor Session
Topic: Challenges as entrepreneurs and how we overcome them
As entrepreneurs we pride ourselves on our independence, annnnnd we crave that boost we get from getting together with others and sharing how we overcame challenges and to celebrate our successes.
Mashup Lab’s Peer-to-Peer Events are casual Zoom (virtual) spaces to gather with new and old friends for a little motivation to keep you going. These mini 45-minute chats will start with how-do-you-do’s, then a topic that every entrepreneur bumps into will be briefly introduced, and everyone will get to share their experiences, discuss approaches to solving issues, and be part of a supportive community.
You’ll leave the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring with a refreshing buzz of connection that will help you take on your business’ next step.
Education and Tech Workshop
TOPIC: How to Handle Expenses and Revenues and Send Invoices (Wave Accounting Software)
Sometimes we lack motivation or feel stagnant in our business and this can lead to a lull in activity. This is okay, it happens to everyone.
Who doesn't love that relief that comes along when you find that perfect tool that saves you time and improves your efficiency?
At Mashup Lab's Education and Technical Training Workshops you'll be introduced to the top business tools that may just be the key to leveling up your business (or at least making certain parts of it way more enjoyable). After being introduced to the tool, there may be a demonstration, question and answers, and conversation about similar tools that may be more suitable for you.
After these sessions you will definitely (hopefully) be yelping for joy at how your life is going to change for the better thanks to this tool.
Putting Yourself Out There
When?
June 29th, from 3-4p.m. ADT.
What is it?
As entrepreneurs we pride ourselves on our independence, and we crave that boost we get from getting together with others and sharing how we overcame challenges and to celebrate our successes.
Mashup Lab’s Peer-to-Peer Events are casual Zoom (virtual) spaces to gather with new and old friends for a little motivation to keep you going. These chats will start with how-do-you-do’s, then a topic that every entrepreneur bumps into will be briefly introduced, and everyone will get to share their experiences, discuss approaches to solving issues, and be part of a supportive community.
You’ll leave the Peer-to-Peer Mentoring with a refreshing buzz of connection that will help you take on your business’ next step.
Lunch and Learn
When?
Thursday, June 29th from 12-12:45 p.m. ADT.
What is it?
The Lunch and Learn: Virtual Connector Event is an online event that is perfect for Canadian women who want to expand their professional networks and learn from experts.
You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Start Now Incubator project and the Virtual Business Incubator Cohorts. Make sure to sign up before it's too late!
It will be a great way to reflect on your entrepreneurial passions and be inspired by the journeys of entrepreneurial women.
Hear how Coralus (formerly SheEo) activates “radical generosity” and is revolutionizing how women-led business are financed and grow. Plus learn more about the Start Now Incubator project and the “Dream Business” - Virtual Business Incubator Cohorts starting in June.
Speakers:
Nicole Knickle-Hatt, Director of Operations, Mashup Lab.
Janaki Hadida, Partnership and Development Lead, Coralus.
How To Schedule and Prioritize
Calling all women entrepreneurs! Join us for our ongoing series of empowering events focused on providing you with essential business tools and training to fuel your success.
At these exclusive events, we will introduce you to a wide range of business tools that can revolutionize your operations, enhance efficiency, and bring joy to different aspects of your business. From project management and marketing to finance and customer relationship management, we'll cover it all. Each session will feature in-depth demonstrations, interactive Q&A sessions, and insightful discussions about various tools relevant to your industry.
By attending these events, you'll gain valuable insights into the latest tools that can help propel your business forward. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, we are here to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive.
Join our dynamic community of women entrepreneurs, where you can connect, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. Together, we'll explore the vast landscape of business tools and discover solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Don't miss out on this ongoing series of empowering events designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs. Register today and unlock the potential for growth and success in your business.
Facilitator: Mashup Lab
We are looking for community-minded change-makers and entrepreneurs who focus on creating better conditions for entrepreneurship in their communities, and crafting new ways and solutions to address entrepreneurial barriers in their communities.
The Pitch it to the Town Hall prize has $4,500 in cash awards for winning participants.
First Prize $2,000 (1 recipient)
Second Prize $1,500 (1 recipient)
Third Prize $1,000 (1 recipient)
The Pitch it to the Town Hall awards will be determined by a judging committee made up of a panel of judges, and YOU, the community members in attendance. The judges will determine the top contenders, and the audience will determine the final ranking and awards.
Nova Scotia Entrepreneurs
This competition is FOCUSED on BIPOC entrepreneurs and changemakers, including those engaging in social entrepreneurship.
*The focus is on enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, not an individual business.
Where: Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute, 5450 Cornwallis Street Halifax, NS B3K 1A9
When: Friday, December 9th, 2022
Time: 4:00 PM AT
RSVP here
Apply to pitch here before applications close on Friday, December 2nd, 2022 at 11:59pm AT.
The Walrus Talks Advancing Work will bring together leaders to share insights and discuss opportunities for supporting workers and strengthening communities. Now is the time to share challenges and solutions across sectors, demographics, and regions so that we can collaboratively reimagine existing expectations and systems of work.
Join us in person in Toronto or via our livestream for this vibrant discussion on rethinking work. This event will showcase impactful strategies and innovative resources that we can all engage with now and in the future to ensure that we generate more possibilities and access more potential for people across Canada.
Amanda Aziz, Immigration and Refugee Lawyer, Migrant Workers Centre BC
Max Brault, Vice President, People & Change, BDO Canada LLP
Agapi Gessesse, Executive Director, CEE Centre For Young Black Professionals
Golnaz Golnaraghi, Founder, Accelerate her Future
Samir Khan, Senior Research and Evaluation Associate, Future Skills Centre
Alexandra McCann, Executive Director, ONSIDE
Paul Taylor, Executive Director, FoodShare Toronto
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
6:30 p.m. Doors Open
7 p.m. The Walrus Talks
Join us for a reception following the event to continue the conversation.
Can’t make it in person? Register for the livestream and watch online from the comfort of your home.
RSVP here
Networking event with Nova Scotia REAP teams and MIT REAP team Kentucky
We are so excited to be partnering with the Public Sector Network for the Public Sector Innovation Show-Atlantic happening in a few weeks on Tuesday, April 26th!
In Atlantic Canada, organizations are working together across multiple jurisdictions to build better public service outcomes. When we work together, the public sector can turn ideas into real solutions and make them available for citizens.
For the Atlantic public sector, this opens the door to reimagine a future in which everyone in the community has access to the benefits and opportunities of the digital economy. Join us at this one-day event for the opportunity to harvest quality conversations with some of the leading innovative ‘doers’ in the region!
Passes are limited, so claim your ticket as soon as possible. Registration is free for public sector employees. Register here
Where: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, NS
When: Tuesday, April 26th, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM AT
Foundations in Startup Investing is designed to develop investment acumen and build confidence. This short, online course prepares learners to break into early-stage startup investing and optimize their approach. It focuses on the tactical steps & strategies to develop a relevant network and strong portfolio of personal investments.
Get more information about the session curriculum here
Commitment + Logistics:
Sessions will run daily: Monday, March 7th - Friday, March 11th, 2022
Session times: Mon + Thurs 4pm - 5pm AT; Tues, Weds 4pm - 5.30pm AT; Fri 1:00 - 2.00pm AT
Sessions are run on zoom and completed virtually.
There is no commitment to invest. All seats will be complimentary.
Are you interested in innovation & entrepreneurship?
Come listen to our innovation panel co-hosted by Alex McCann, Executive Director at ONSIDE and Martha Casey, Chief Executive Officer at Volta. Including special guests Saeed El-Darahali, Founder, President & CEO at SimplyCast and Ross Simmonds, Founder & CEO at Foundation Marketing Ltd. We will be taking a deep dive into topics related to inclusive innovation entrepreneurship during the hour long Youtube live podcast.
When? Friday, December 3rd, 2021 @ 4pm
Where? ONSIDE Youtube Channel
Click here to listen in on the Innovation Panel
This intensive, online course prepares learners to break into early-stage startup investing and optimize their approach. It focuses on the tactical steps & strategies to develop a relevant network and strong portfolio of personal investments. Content includes:
Investment Strategies - Designing a thesis, strategy, and timeline for success.
The Process - Exploring the end-to-end process of an individual deal and defining the path to your next investment.
Venture Assessment- Using an angel/VC lens to assess startup potential
Investment Live Lab - A live investment lab to synthesize learnings and test readiness for participation.
Course delivered by ONSIDE, Innovacorp, Sandpiper Ventures, and Future Capital.
Get more information about the session curriculum here
Commitment + Logistics:
Sessions are run virtually, on Zoom.
There is no commitment to invest.
Calling future entrepreneurs from rural Nova Scotia!
Mashup Lab's Dream Business Program is now accepting applications for it's next cohort in September, in partnership with Onside.
This is your chance to explore the viability of a new business idea with this free, virtual six-week program. It provides coaching and mentorship along with access to resources and tools to help to transform ideas into viable businesses.
Whether you've never done anything entrepreneurial before, or you're trying to pivot your business to a new environment, this program could be for you!
Space is limited to 15 participants, so be sure to apply as soon as possible to reserve your spot!
ONSIDE, Tribe Network, and Future Capital are pleased to deliver another cohort of the Foundations in Startup Investing program designed to develop investment acumen and build confidence in aspiring, new and emerging startup investors. This intensive program includes five virtual training sessions (1-1.5 hours each) taking place over the course of one working week. Content includes:
Investment Strategies: Designing a thesis, strategy and timeline for success.
The Process - Explore the end-to-end process of an individual deal and define the path to your next investment.
Venture Assessment: Using an angel/VC lens to assess startup potential
Future Capital Live Lab: A live investment lab to synthesize learnings and test
Who can Apply?
The ideal applicant for this session is an individual from Nova Scotia who is an aspiring, new or emerging startup investor. Founders may be accepted into the program if they are looking to invest. The training is not designed to prepare entrepreneurs to seek investment.
Apply here by July 14. The application takes just about five minutes.
Click here for more information about the curriculum.
It goes without saying that there are few women in investor and investee roles. In fact, research shows that only 2% of Canadian angel investors are female. This translates in low financing for women investments, yet, there is evidence to prove that women founded ventures are profitable.
That is why in partnership with Sandpiper Ventures and Future Capital, ONSIDE is holding a second women-only cohort of the startup investment education program.
Participants will be part of a cohort of successful female leaders from Atlantic Canada. So, in addition to learning about high-impact investment, this will be a unique opportunity for them to build camaraderie with like-minded female trailblazers in the community.
The program will comprise of five, one-hour sessions on key fundamentals of investing facilitated by Future Capital. Participants will gain hands on skills for assessing investment opportunities and hone their personalized investment thesis.
We invite you to check out the training curriculum for more information on this offering.
Application deadline: June 9, 2020.
ONSIDE is thrilled to present a bi-weekly lunch and learn series exploring three pillars of Nova Scotia's startup ecosystem: data, investment and placemaking. Sessions will be presented every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from May to July.
Data
Wednesday May 5, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Peter Moreira, Entrevestor
An ecosystem by the numbers
A sneak-peek into Nova Scotia-focussed startup ecosystem data ahead of the launch of Entrevestor's 2021 Atlantic Ecosystem Startup Data Report.
About Peter:
Peter Moreira has spent more than 40 years in journalism in Asia, Europe and North America. His postings include London Bureau Chief for The Deal, European banking correspondent for Bloomberg, banking reporter for the South China Morning Post, and a stint at the Canadian Press's parliamentary bureau in Ottawa. His writing has appeared in USA Today, the Columbia Journalism Review (online), the Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, National Post, and the Independent on Sunday (London). He is the author of five books, and the third book in his Haight Mystery Series of crime novels will be published in the autumn.
Wednesday, May 19, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship
Nova Scotia's Inclusive Innovation Monitor
After the release of their insightful Canada inclusive innovation monitor, ONSIDE partnered with the Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship to develop a monitor tracking indicators for innovation, equity and inclusion in Nova Scotia. Be the first to learn about the areas where we are doing well and where we need to do more.
About the Brookfield Institute:
The Brookfield Institute for Innovation + Entrepreneurship tests assumptions with credible research to ensure Canadian governments and businesses are focusing on the most relevant issues and opportunities for Canada. Their multi-disciplinary teams focus on forward-looking work streams critical to Canada’s future economic success. They build collaborative relationships with partners to generate rigorous research, propose unconventional approaches and pilot ideas to explore how Canada’s innovation economy can include people of different ages, incomes and backgrounds.
Placemaking
Wednesday, June 2, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Sandra McKenzie
MAKE: Growing Community-Based Innovation in Nova Scotia
In this session, Sandra will be sharing her findings from the soon-to-be-launched report, MAKE: Growing Community-Based Innovation in Nova Scotia. She developed the report through local, national and international interviews and research. She found that grass-roots innovation is key to growing resilient people and communities. Makerspaces support grass-roots innovation by providing places for people to gather, learn, create, and share which makes them an important part of Placemaking in Nova Scotia and foundational to an inclusive innovation ecosystem.
About Sandra:
Sandra is a champion for Nova Scotia ingenuity. After concluding a rewarding career with the public service, she launched two companies: McKenzie Consulting, a Management and Strategy focused business; and The Forge Institute, a partnership dedicated to thought leadership for positive change. She is a Credit Union Board Member, Chair of Alderney Landing and a volunteer with GEO, a Digital Inclusion Partnership.
Wednesday, June 16, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Jennifer Angel, Develop Nova Scotia
The role of large-scale infrastructure and placemaking in facilitating innovation
Leading projects like COVE and the Internet for Nova Scotia initiative, Jennifer will discuss the role of large-scale infrastructure and placemaking in facilitating innovation.
About Jennifer:
Jennifer is a builder. She boots momentum and resilience by building places that balance Nova Scotia's economic growth agenda with the imperative of inclusive, livable, regenerative communities. Her work is centred around attracting people and invetsmnet to Nova Scotia.
Investment
Wednesday, June 30, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Investor panel hosted by Marlon Thompson, founder, Future Capital
About Marlon:
Marlon Thompson is an angel investor and startup founder who has spent the past five years creating pathways to success for underrepresented leaders in the startup ecosystem. He founded Future Capital to support ambitious, driven and diverse leaders who are ready to play a bigger role in their industries. He believes now to be a crucial time to create lasting change by enabling and equipping a new cohort of investors: minorities, women, and LGBTQ with the necessary tools to bolster economic empowerment.
Wednesday, July 14, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Entrepreneur panel hosted by Rhiannon Davies, co-founder and managing partner, Sandpiper Ventures
About Rhiannon:
A native of New Brunswick, Rhiannon’s business leadership spans Europe, Asia, South and North America. She was on the Board of Directors that took GrandVision N.V., a CAD$ 5.5 Billion revenue retailer with businesses in 45 countries, through a successful IPO on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Rhiannon has driven the target identification, due diligence, acquisition, integration and move to profitability of many companies. She thrives in fast moving, fast growth environments, and works in executive and board roles in private, public and non-profit organizations. Rhiannon believes in the need to support entrepreneurship and innovation to deliver meaningful change in business, community, and social development. She actively supports this belief by serving as a mentor and angel investor.
ONSIDE is hosting a team for MIT Solve’s Global Virtual Solveathon tournament on Friday, May 14 to generate and refine great ideas around digital inclusion. This event will bring together teams from around the world!
Solveathon workshops are highly interactive design workshops aimed at developing and improving great solutions to global challenges. You will meet new people, work on big ideas, and be part of a global community. This event will be led by MIT Solve staff and trained facilitators to focus on generating new ideas through the design thinking process in response to Solve’s Challenge:
Digital Inclusion
No prior expertise is needed to join! We welcome a diversity of backgrounds and experience levels. Everyone has their own passions and skills to bring to the table and can build on one another’s ideas. This will also be an opportunity for you to learn how to more effectively co-create and innovate in a virtual space. Come push boundaries with us, gain new insights, and have fun!
Calm Power is a 90-day coaching program designed to help you own your leadership purpose, power, presence and prosperity. It will build your resiliency to lead, with confidence and competence and strengthen you to advocate for the support you and your team need.
This supportive, confidential coaching circle will set you on a career and leadership mastery journey, which will flow into the way you show up with your internal and external clients. You will learn how to be aware of your emotions, sense the emotions of others, and remain calm, mindful and intentional under pressure. You will learn to pause, connect and strengthen the leader that you are from Within.
What you can expect:
Centering in your leadership presence
Exploration of your purpose, passion, values, motivators, key attributes, competencies, Power Stories™, and 360 strength branding
Mastering personal power to own your ambition and emerge strong while advocating for sponsors, mentors, coaches, financial and family support.
Aligning your self-awareness to shape your leadership presence
Overcoming any "Victimitis” so you can exude mental toughness, courage and resilience despite your current or past barriers
Readiness and eagerness for a different conversation with yourself. You will see the system's problems and decide your strategic moves.
Connection, support, a different energy, new perspectives, created with a multigenerational and diverse network of women
Renewed energy and reflection time to continue exploring your conscious leadership journey while being a lifelong learner
Commitment:
Weekly 90-minute virtual CALM Power™ coaching circle: Wednesdays 4:00 – 5:30 PM
About 60 minutes self-directed journaling every week
Monthly private accountability calls with Shelley Cox
A half-day retreat in HRM in May/June 2021
When: Week of May 3 – the week of July 19.
Cost to Participant: ONSIDE will cover all the costs.
Register here
Questions? Contact Sharon Sharon@onsidenow.ca
ONSIDE is partnering with Future Capital to present yet another, private training session on the fundamentals of startup investing.
To register, please complete your application here by 11:59 P.M. AST on Thursday, November 26, 2020. The application form takes just about three minutes to fill.
About the program:
Foundations in Venture Funding is designed to develop investment acumen & build confidence in new & aspiring investors and leaders in startup support organizations.
This week-long session will ground participants into the role of an investor and startup ecosystem leader. It will provide them with skills to evaluate opportunities and combine their expertise with capital to capture venture funding opportunities. The session will help senior leaders expand their capacity to lead alongside a cohort of like-minded peers.
Program Outcomes
· The investment training program is designed to develop investment acumen, build confidence in new and aspiring investors, and leaders of startup support organizations.
· Participants are able to understand the role that capital plays in the startup ecosystem.
· The program introduces leaders to the opportunities (both personal and professional) that early stage investing can provide.
· Individuals and teams will develop a thesis around their involvement in venture and form a perspective on the future of their industry/sector.
· Participants get first-hand experience with companies, investors and experts in the world of startup investing.
· Access to a new network of peers, subject matter experts, mentors and potential partners through
· Access to experienced angel, institutional and career investors who are active in the Canadian ecosystem.
· Opportunities to engage directly with startup founders who are raising capital through the Future Capital Live Pitch session.
· Complete access to Future Capital's growing list of tools and resources.
About Future Capital: https://www.futurecapital.ca/online-learning
Successful companies are those that have learned the art and science of evolving with the times. Delivered by Imaginal Ventures, this workshop is designed to help business leaders uncover ways they can consciously invest in their teams to build a culture of resilience.
Interested in learning key fundamentals of startup investing? This is for you. The investment training program is designed to develop investment acumen and build confidence in aspiring investors. Participants will learn skills for assessing investment opportunities and hone their personalized investment thesis.
Comprising of five, one-hour sessions, the program will culminate in a live virtual pitch competition to give participants an opportunity to apply the acquired skills with high-growth ventures in diverse industries who are raising capital.
July 27-31
4-5 p.m. AST
Aimed at unlocking accredited female investors’ potential for early-stage startup investing, this program was developed in partnership with Sandpiper Ventures, and Future Capital, an initiative of Female Funders.
June 15-19, 2020
4-5 p.m. AST
Join us for this 30-minute interactive session on how we can all create an ecosystem that is nurturing to innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you are an entrepreneur, investor, educator, corporate, public servant or are connected to an entrepreneurship support organization, there is a seat for you at this table.
To build this supportive ecosystem, players need to work together to mobilize action. ONSIDE uses a collective impact approach to bring people together to turn ideas into impact.
ONSIDE’s approach leverages a framework developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP). The MIT-REAP framework is an evidence-based, practical approach to strengthening innovation-driven entrepreneurship (IDE) ecosystems. It identifies five stakeholder groups which are critical to its success. These are entrepreneurs, higher education, risk capital, corporates, and government. In addition, we also know that there are other groups playing major roles including among others, incubators, business support organizations, and community groups, without whose input our entrepreneurial landscape would look so different.
This framework solidifies the notion that entrepreneurship does not happen in a vacuum. Rather, it occurs within an ecosystem and the ecosystem can be amplified by working collaboratively.
In this 30-minute session we will talk about collective impact, ONSIDE’s approach and how we leverage MIT REAP to accelerate innovation and resilience in Nova Scotia.
Thursday, September 24, 2020
12:00-12:30 p.m. AST
Register here: collective-impact-lunch-learn-tickets-120472100295