Event Type 2 Spark Zone Event
november
03nov11:00 am12:00 pmIgnition Program: Financial Management: Debt and Credit
Event Details
Learn about managing debt, building credit, and making sound financial choices. Uncover strategies to effectively handle loans, credit cards, and other financial obligations, while also building a strong credit
Event Details
Learn about managing debt, building credit, and making sound financial choices. Uncover strategies to effectively handle loans, credit cards, and other financial obligations, while also building a strong credit history. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to make informed borrowing decisions or an individual/student aiming to secure a solid financial future, this session provides practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of debt and credit.
Speaker: Andreas Robinson
As an authentic engagement specialist, in physical or virtual spaces, Andreas brings an infectious energy that encourages enriching dialogue. Whether navigating motivational and comfortable topics or dealing with ‘tough’ or ‘uncomfortable’ narratives, such as change management, high-performance accountability and stewardship in the digital age, Andreas’ energy allows for a grounding, vulnerable and authentic conversation. Andreas’ background in Entrepreneurship, Consulting, Training and learning and Human Capital Development has enabled him to lead two Federally Funded Programs—one focused on Anti-Black Racism, Developing Young Professionals and working with multiple Municipalities (mayors, wardens, municipal councilors, elders, executives and leaders from industry and community). He has actively led discussions, hosted events for stakeholders ranging from government, industry, community, youth, and elders, and directly engaged 7,500+ people ranging in age from under 6 to over 85.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Friday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
14nov5:30 pm6:30 pmIgnition Program: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Resilience
Event Details
Discover how cultivating a growth-oriented mindset can fuel innovation and adaptability in the face of challenges. Learn strategies to bounce back from setbacks, embrace change, and stay motivated on
Event Details
Discover how cultivating a growth-oriented mindset can fuel innovation and adaptability in the face of challenges. Learn strategies to bounce back from setbacks, embrace change, and stay motivated on your entrepreneurial journey.
Speaker: Tia Upshaw: a Catalyst for Empowerment and Excellence
Tia Upshaw is a dedicated mother, accomplished author, and serial entrepreneur with a passion for empowering women and fostering business excellence. As a mother of three, Tia balances family responsibilities while drawing inspiration from her children to create positive change. Tia is an author whose insightful works empower individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their potential. She’s a serial entrepreneur, creating successful businesses and contributing to her community’s economic growth. Recognized for her leadership, Tia has been nominated for the Business Leader of the Year with Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2022 & 2023 and RBC Woman of Influence awards 2021, 2022, & 2023. In 2023, she became the Professional in Residence at Saint Mary’s University’s Entrepreneurship Centre, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs. Tia is the founder & CEO of Blk Women in Excellence, a platform empowering Black women in Nova Scotia and Kelowna, BC. She’s been named one of the Canadian International Black Women of Excellence Top 100 Black Women to watch in 2023. Tia is also a motivational speaker, entrepreneurship content creator, and mentor in various initiatives. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering entrepreneurship has made her an inspiring figure in her community and beyond.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Tuesday) 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
17nov11:00 am12:00 pmIgnition Program: Exploring the Start-up ecosystem in Atlantic Canada
Event Details
Discover the opportunities, resources, and support networks available to aspiring innovators. Learn about local success stories, incubators, accelerators, and funding options that contribute to Atlantic Canada’s thriving start-up scene.
Event Details
Discover the opportunities, resources, and support networks available to aspiring innovators. Learn about local success stories, incubators, accelerators, and funding options that contribute to Atlantic Canada’s thriving start-up scene.
Speaker: Sahil Ahuja
Sahil is Volta’s Senior Coordinator of Strategic Projects. Through this role, he focuses on the intake process and experience for startups looking to join Volta. He also supports the Partnerships team with upcoming activations to engage the community. Sahil graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance. Sahil is an alum of Venture for Canada, a not-for-profit that recruits, trains and supports top recent graduates to work at Canadian startups.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Friday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
24nov11:00 am12:00 pmIgnition Program: Problem and Passion Identification
Event Details
Learn how to identify pressing problems and align them with your personal passions to spark innovative ideas. Discover techniques to analyze market needs and uncover opportunities for creating meaningful solutions.
Event Details
Learn how to identify pressing problems and align them with your personal passions to spark innovative ideas. Discover techniques to analyze market needs and uncover opportunities for creating meaningful solutions.
Speaker: Mamadou Wade
Bio: Mamadou Wade, whose background is Senegalese, was born in Ohio and moved to Halifax with his family at the age of 11. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto. Entrepreneurship has always been a passion for him, but giving back is something he is equally fond of. Education—whether formal or informal—has always been a pillar in Mamadou’s life and a stepping stone to new avenues. Throughout his professional career, he has worked with various community-driven organizations. As a young person, he believes that one thing worth protecting is community. When he is not in the office, he finds pleasure in art and other creative means, as well as staying physically active and spiritually in tune.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Friday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
27nov5:30 pm6:30 pmIgnition Program: Customer Discovery
Event Details
Explore the methods and strategies that unlock profound insights into your target audience. Learn how to identify their needs, desires, pain points, and preferences to develop your product or
Event Details
Explore the methods and strategies that unlock profound insights into your target audience. Learn how to identify their needs, desires, pain points, and preferences to develop your product or service.
Speaker: Shubhra Singh
Meet Shubhra Singh, a serial entrepreneur and tech visionary with a remarkable 17-year journey in technology. She’s a pioneer, known for her innovation, mentorship, and commitment to making tech more inclusive. With 17 years of diverse tech roles, Shubhra brings a wealth of experience across the tech landscape. She is the winner of prestigious pitch competitions like Aqua hackathon and Onside. She actively mentors in programs like the Stay and Study initiative and the Ignite Program at the Arthur Entrepreneurship Center, shaping the next generation of tech leaders. As a woman in tech for 17 years, Shubhra envisions a future where all, especially women and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, can realize their tech dreams through an empowering product she aims to develop. Shubhra Singh, the tech luminary, is driving innovation, mentorship, and diversity to make tech more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Monday) 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
december
Event Details
Learn the crucial steps to take before, during, and after a business sale. Explore strategies for preparing your business for a successful transition, navigating negotiations, and ensuring a seamless
Event Details
Learn the crucial steps to take before, during, and after a business sale. Explore strategies for preparing your business for a successful transition, navigating negotiations, and ensuring a seamless handover. This session provides valuable guidance to maximize the value of your hard work.
Speaker: Darren Burke
Dr. Darren Burke has a PhD in exercise physiology. He is a university professor and serial entrepreneur who turned his research into a new category of sports nutrition products. The company grew from an idea to a Canadian and US market leader in five years, followed by a successful exit. Next, he and NHL Hockey Player, TJ Galiardi, co-founded a sustainable agriculture business to save the nutrients in fruits and vegetables heading to landfills. They grew the company rapidly over three years with manufacturing facilities in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. He is an Entrepreneur-In-Residence at Saint Mary’s University and an Industry Professor at McMaster University. Dr. Burke’s latest venture is called Future Foods with a mission to help farmers sell more of each harvest using fermentation to transform rejected crops into probiotic-rich and high-protein new food.
Register to be a part of the Ignition Program today!
Time
(Friday) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm