Black to Business – Issue 44 – Fall 2009

The Periodical of the Black Business Initiative

Tracey Crawley Crowning Glory Hair Salon Also in this Issue • Constructing the Future • Ask the BBI • Local Artists

Fall 2009 u Number 44

“A dynamic and vibrant Black presence within the Nova Scotia Business Community.”

Black to Business

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Message from the Board of Directors

In this Issue

Cassandra Dorrington, Chair, Black Business Initiative 1

Message from the Chief Executive Officer

2

COVER STORY Crowning Glory Hair Studio Plus

3

5

TRAILBLAZERS Local Artists

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Talbot Photography Wayne Talbot

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Maritime Centre for African Dance Mufaro Chakabuda 11 Ask The BBI

glimmer of business resurgence. One of the most telling signs is that Wall Street is predicting the pay-out of compensation in the financial industry to be equivalent to, and perhaps even greater than, the 2007 compensation pay-out, which was considered to be at an all-time high. These signs are all positive indicators for the resurgence and growth of the entrepreneurial business environment.

Paul Adams

Message from the Board

Caribbean Twist Lyndon Hibbert

Fall 2009

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And the beat goes on...

I

t has been almost one

OUT & ABOUT WITH THE BBI

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Constructing the Future

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Rhonda Drummond

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Business is Jammin’

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that we were in the middle of

BBI Welcomes New Staff

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a recession. This declaration

Building Business Skills and Management Expertise – Training 23

year since the western world openly declared

was followed by bailouts to both the financial industry and

BBI 2009/10 Training Schedule

24

People & Business on the Move

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My Day with the Olympic Torch

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PARTNER PROFILE Encana

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since the onset of the reces-

Business & Community Events

29

sion.

Regional Reports Central

6

Business Development

10

Northern

19

Southern

22

24

Training Report

the automotive industry, not to mention others. It is amazing how things have changed

We have seen the drop in housing sales, the slump in both retail and automobile sales, and business startups have taken a hit. Now one year later, we are beginning to see the

The recessionary period has proven to be a time of reflection and refocus for Black Business Initiative (BBI). From a board perspective, our mandate has been to develop and grow the capacity for business startups across the Nova Scotia landscape.

However, we have not been content to simply say our job is complete. continued on page 6>

within the Nova Scotia Business Community.

The Black Business Initiative Centennial Building Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7 Phone: 902-426-2224 Fax: 902-426-8699 Toll Free: 1-888-664-9333 E-Mail: bbi@bbi.ns.ca Web Site: www.bbi.ca

For Advertising Information, Rates, Submitting Story Ideas, Notices or Community Events, or for More Information, call: 902-426-2224

Published by: the Black Business Initiative Editor in Chief: Rustum Southwell Design & Layout: Design North Production by: Mirabliss Media Productions Cover Photograph: Peter Marsman

Black to Business is the official periodical of The Black Business Initiative and is published quarterly spring, summer, fall, and winter. Its goal is to support the BBI as it fosters a dynamic and vibrant Black presence

Mailed under Canada Post Publications Mail Sales Agreement no. 0040026687

The recessionary period has proven to be a time of reflection and refocus for Black Business Initiative (BBI). From a board perspective, our mandate has been to develop and grow the capacity for business start-ups across the Nova Scotia landscape. We are pleased to say that over the recessionary period the majority of our stable of companies have weathered the storm.

Cover photo reprinted with permission of Tracey Crawley

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Fall 2009

Message From the Chief Executive Officer S. I. Rustum Southwell Peter Marsman

new office location at 1660 Hollis Street, Halifax. On that day, during the open house attended by some 100 guests, while appreciating how far we’ve come, we could not help but realize we are not on this journey alone.

We are not alone

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n the last issue of Black to Business, we covered the announcement of

our new five-year partnership agreement with Atlantic

We are not alone. It does sound a bit like “Star Wars,” however, we do realize that it is the people you reach – colleagues, staff, board, clients, customers and partners – who ultimately make this all worthwhile. Our public and private sector supporters are many and they are sincere about their desire for us to prosper. If you took a sample of these philanthropic companies and corporations who are business partners that we have worked with to implement our strategies and deliver our services, you will notice the variety from banking to energy, transportation to marketing, etc.

Tourism and Culture.

RBC, Royal Bank of Canada is one of our closest partners. They provide direct services to all of our clients and, apart from disbursing the loans approved by our Board of Directors to the Black business owners, their staff participates by sitting on our Board, and providing mentorship and guidance to these business people. It is also not widely known that it was senior management of RBC who realized that the “Business is Jammin’” (BIJ) program is an important strategy and encouraged us to become a registered charity. As a result, in 2006 the BIJ charity society was formed and this year we are part of the 2010 winter Olympic Relay, thank you RBC.

So it was the ultimate moment of pride on Friday, October 16, 2009, to have the Honourable Minister Percy Paris and Peter Hogan, Director General of ACOA, join Joseph Parris, the Black Business Initiative’s Vice Chair, to cut the ribbon at the official opening of BBI’s

There are other companies and individuals – Global, Encana, Michelin, Halifax Stanfield International Airport (HSIA), Bell Aliant, and O’Regans, to name a few. However, it is the individuals who take the time to provide their support by participating at our

Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), our Federal Government partner, and we celebrated the appointment of Percy Paris as the first African Nova Scotian Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs with additional ministerial portfolios of Economic and Rural Development and

events and giving of their time and advice who are priceless. Debbie Windsor, Vice President of ACOA, is someone who has certainly made it easy for us to align our vision to become a true participant in building a stronger economy for Atlantic Canada. Pat Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Nova Scotia Business Incorporated (NSBI), is another.

This native of Digby Neck brings a dedication to inclusion and diversity in business seldom seen in the Nova Scotia corporate sector. These are two examples of a long list of partners who are guardians to us on our business journey and give us comfort in knowing that we are not alone.

Although we are seeing these champions rise up to work shoulder to shoulder with the BBI to make inroads into a vision of a significant increase in Black business ownership in Nova Scotia, there still remains much work to be done. We are really at the beginning and not the end.

The essential systems are now developed, tested and in place. The time is right for corporate Nova Scotia to engage in a strategy of inclusion that will identify partnerships within the Black business sector to create diversity in its supplier base, while encouraging entrepreneurial development and a strong growth strategy for companies in the Black community. Only stronger companies and a stronger workforce would result from this direction.

The current global economic trends are forcing us to become more efficient and productive in our business actions. As a result, new alliances and partnerships help to sustain growth and entry into new markets.

For us this is transformational as we continue to recruit and develop skills in our community. Several of our former staff team and board members have moved on to important positions in the public and private sectors, and we have continued to continued on page 10 >

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Fall 2009

Angela Johnson Photos: Peter Marsman

I

n a nondescript strip mall of half a dozen stores, the one in the middle has been Tracey Crawley’s dream for close to four decades.

Tracey Crawley’s Crowning Glory Hair Studio Plus opened its doors on November 25, 2008. Since then it has been a thriving business, featuring two full-time stylists and one part-time barber with future plans to add two more stylists and an esthetician.

The master hairstylist will celebrate her one year anniversary as a business owner in November 2009, but she has been working in this industry for more than two decades. “I would get a doll’s head each Christmas and I would cornrow the dolls’ hair, starting when I was just four,” she remembers.

After graduating from Halifax’s Transformation School of Hair Design in 1989, Crawley worked in several salons, spending the most time at London Hair Design in Halifax.

“The owner was looking for a diverse hairstylist and I was looking for a more permanent home,” remembers Crawley. Fourteen years later she decided it was time to strike out on her own.

“I had been thinking about it for a while,” she recalls. “It became too chaotic there. I was the only one doing ethnic hair and I’d hit a wall, out grew the box. It was time.”

On her way to work at that salon, Crawley drove by her current shop several times. “Each time the ‘For Lease’ sign called to me and I finally thought, I have nothing to lose and told myself to just dial that number.” Soon after securing the location, Crawley hired a lawyer and an accountant, asked them “a million questions,” signed the lease and was on her way.

“There was so much to consider – permits, scheduling trades, complying with the conditions of my lease. The construction phase took the longest,” she says.

However, the name of her shop came relatively easy. A devout Christian, while reading her Bible Crawley came across a scripture that reads, “…a women’s hair is her glory…”

“I had a vision of my shop long before I started the process of having one,” she explains. The shop’s subtitle and motto attests to that, it reads: We are Hair to Serve You. There is a concentrated direction in the décor as well – cerulean blue walls, turquoise shelving and touches of warm dark brown. Customers are treated to a relaxing reception area with a comfortable couch and dark brown club chairs. Upon arriving, you are greeted with a smile, an offer to take your coat and a hot or cold beverage. Depending on who last changed the CD player/radio, there is gospel, rock, jazz music or the FM radio playing.

Although she opened her doors in November, Crawley hosted her salon’s Grand Opening in January 2009. Clients, family, friends, suppliers, and former colleagues all piled into the approximately 25 by 45 foot shop. All were treated to an official introduction of staff, a live jazz trio, door prizes, presentations, and circulating hairstyle models delivering hors d’oeuvres.

Twyla Downey is Crowning Glory’s General Hair Stylist, one designation up from Junior. She graduated from the one-year cosmetology program at the Academy of Cosmetology in Dartmouth in 2008. One of Crawley’s clients suggested she hire Twyla but she was already working.

Two months later, the salon downsized and Twyla was out of a job. “I called her [Tracey] and asked if she was still looking and she said yes.

I thought I could learn a lot from her.”

In one short year, the 20-year-old is almost as busy as the salon manger and owner. “I hope to be here for a while and maybe even take over the

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business when she retires,” smiles Twyla.

Both women say their working together was divine intervention.

“She’s a wonderful stylist, nice person, easy to work with, very professional. She comes to me with ideas and listens to mine,” says Twyla.

Rounding out the team is the salon’s barber, Nathan Anderson. He has been cutting hair for 17 years, professionally for 11, and joined the salon three months after it opened.

While looking for locations for his own barbershop, Nathan bumped into Crawley when she was renovating hers. “I knew Twyla and had talked to Tracey. It was a family atmosphere and I fit right in,” he says.

Nathan wields his clippers on Friday evenings and Saturdays.

He says he appreciates the way Crawley has organized her store, her attention to detail and the way she communicates with staff.

“Customers come and go. You have to be able to deal with each other on a daily basis – all else will then fall into place.”

“Team Glory” will celebrate their one-year anniversary on November 27, 2009, with the launch of a website at another open house. “Our theme is An Attitude of Gratitude.

It’s about the clients, because without them where would we be?”

In celebrating this milestone, Crawley says she got through the challenging first year with three Ps – Prayer, Perseverance and Patience. “I take it one day at time, always looking forward,’ she explains.

Fall 2009 ing birth. It’s my baby, that needs nurturing and care, and because it’s mine, I respect it more and want to do more for it.”

135 Wyse Road, Unit 5A, Dartmouth Tracey Crawley, Owner & Master Hairstylist

902-406- 7676

“I think I have finally exhaled. I can breathe easier,” she says with a smile. “But, I still sleep with a notebook and pen by my bed so I can write down my ideas, when they come to me.”

She adds that the best part of all the work is walking into her shop and knowing it’s hers. “It’s like giv-

Twyla Downey, general hair stylist

Nathan Anderson, barber Tracey Crawley, salon manager / owner

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Fall 2009

Caribbean Twist Spicing up Gottingen Street

Sunjay Mathuria

Paul Adams

“We get lots of locals coming in, people who have never tried Caribbeanstyle food before,” he says.

And Johnson says one of the highlights of owning a restaurant is, in fact the customers. “The best part is the customer’s reactions. We have comment cards now – 98 percent of which are excellent,” he says.

Despite these perks, Johnson and Hibbert admit there are some challenges. “It’s long hours. You don’t always know what you’re getting into when you start,” says Hibbert.

Mark Johnson (l), with Sherri and Lyndon Hibbert (r) , Caribbean Twist

A

s you walk into Caribbean Twist on Gottingen Street, you are immediately hit with a rich aroma of spices.

rant than what meets the taste buds.

Owners Lyndon Hibbert and Mark Johnson also ensure quality customer service.

“Black pepper, salt, roasted herb garlic, cayenne pepper, onions, garlic, some barbeque sauce and honey,” Mark Johnson, chef and one of the owners of the restaurant, lists just a few of the spices and seasonings used in Jamaican cuisine.

With Hibbert behind advertising and promoting, Johnson in charge of food services, and Lyndon’s wife Sherri taking care of the finances, the restaurant runs on a combination of a variety of skills.

“You need all three elements to make it successful. And you need the manpower to have all three,” says Hibbert.

Steam rises and meat sizzles in the back as all these tantalizing flavours come together. With your eyes closed and Bob Marley softly playing in the background, it is easy to forget that you are still in Halifax.

Looking for their favourite dish, satisfying a certain craving, or perhaps led into the restaurant by the smell of ackee, customers filter in and out of Caribbean Twist all day.

Specializing in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, Caribbean Twist’s website provides a disclaimer, warning customers to prepare for a “celebration of taste buds jumping for joy in response to explosions of flavour.”

But there is a lot more to the restau-

With the prodding of several satisfied customers over the past nine years, Hibbert and Johnson decided to make their part-time catering business into a full-time endeavour. “We had customers asking us where we were located and why we didn’t have a place, so we decided it was time to open one up,” says Hibbert.

Since Hibbert and Johnson opened Caribbean Twist this past May, they are already beginning to see many familiar faces coming back for more.

“We’re getting to know the customers and what they order,” says Hibbert.

But they still meet new people each day.

For new business owners, Johnson provides the following advice: “You have to be able to deal with each other when you’re tired or lack energy. There’s lots of time put into the business, so be prepared for that.”

Still, Hibbert and Johnson are not stopping here. They have plans to possibly expand to other cities and renovate their current location.

“We’re going to start delivering, but we’re going to do some renovations to make this an eatery market. We still want this to be a restaurant, but with market specialties,” says Hibbert.

“It’s good to have a place like this. It’s makes the neighbourhood a brighter place.”

489 4781 / 209-7964

info@Caribbeantwist.ca

www.Caribbeantwist.ca

Black to Business REGIONAL REPORT Central Njabulo Nkala

Things are definitely picking up in the Central region with a number of potential businesses coming forward to seek assistance from the BBI at the start of what promises to be another busy business season.

Although summer is officially over, it is not forgotten. A record number of youth participated in week-long business camps through the popular Business is Jammin’ summer camps.

Some of these young people were motivated to set up their own businesses beyond ‘Business for a Day’.

One example is talented sketch and animation artist, Noah Levering from Truro, who obtained a micro-loan to set up a business he named Noodlehead Creations. Noah got inspiration after trying the ‘Business for a Day’ at the camp. Noah is meticulous in his creations for example animating a man made out of LEGO. Noah is among a group of African Nova Scotian youth who are demonstrating you can actually make money doing what you love.

I would like to congratulate Valerie Reid-Tomlinson on her purchase of Look Good Hair Design in Spryfield from Pauline Patten. I also congratulate SunWorld Tanning Studio on the start of an extension on the studio.

Finally, our hearts go out to Elizabeth Cooke-Sumbu and her CANSA team as they rebuild from a devastating fire that burned down their offices in Amherst this fall.

For any inquiries, additional information, suggestions and comments please contact me at (902) 426-4281 or by e-mail at: Nkala.Njabulo@bbi.ns.ca.

Fall 2009

6 Message from the Board of Directors continued from page 1

We have used this time to reflect on potentially changing our strategy.

Having begun the organization almost 13 years ago during different economic times, it was necessary to review BBI’s vision/mission and strategic plan to determine if, during these changing times, we, as an organization, are still on target. After consultation with our key stakeholders, it was determined that while our vision was still appropriate, our strategies and our measures require some minor revisions to reflect the current environment.

What has that meant to us? In good times, when opportunities and monies are easy to access, organizations tend to be more liberal in their actions but given our current fiscal conditions, we at BBI have been very reflective of our business strategies and governance requirements to ensure we have made effective use of our resources, to ensure we are both meeting our mandate as well as fulfilling our strategies towards achieving some level of organizational sustainability.

In particular, having completed an organization evaluation earlier in the year, we used this information to revise our strategic plan and its linkages to the Balanced Scorecard. Other key initiatives undertaken include: •

An in-depth review of our financial position. As a result, we identified an opportunity to relocate the multiple locations of BBI staff into one location.

This step has proven to be not only cost effective but has also facilitate synergies across the organization.

•

A renewed funding commitment from our partners. This has facilitated our ability to fulfill the BBI mandate. What most people do not recognize is that we, as an organization, have managed under the same budget as originally put in place 13 years ago. This has been a challenge, to say the least, but

with the new infusion of funding we have been able to step up to the evolving requirements of our stakeholders.

•

Continuous governance training.

As a board, we have focused on building our board’s capacity to fulfill their role as a board of directors.

•

Participation and guidance in the Constructing the Future initiative. This initiative has introduced approximately 20 young men and women to the world of trades. The participants have seen much success in a short period of time and we are already planning on a second cohort into the program.

Overall, the BBI board has been focused on providing management and staff the autonomy and guidance necessary to fulfill their business plan. We are very proud of the accomplishments of our staff and the ongoing in-roads they have made to build and grow entrepreneurship across the region. Thanks to all board, staff and stakeholders who continue to make this vision possible.

Despite the onslaught of the recession, BBI has continued to work with our clients to grow and flourish their businesses, recognizing the many challenges encountered in fostering and growing the skills necessary to be successful in the world of business.

All in all, we will continue to forge ahead to build capacity, recognize and celebrate the successes as they come.

Whatever comes, whatever goes, the beat goes on …

Cassandra Dorrington, Chair

Black to Business

Local Artists

Fall 2009

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Pen and ink, acrylic and oil on canvas, quilting … these artists may work in a variety of mediums, but they share a collective interest in the dissemination of stories that reflect Nova Scotian experiences.

Whether it’s poetry and politics, or the visual arts and community activism, multi-disciplinary artist David Woods says you can’t separate the two.

“People tend to think that the arts is one thing and politics is another,” says Woods. “It isn’t to me. When I had the opportunity to do community organizing – especially with CAYG (Cultural Awareness Youth Group) and with BUF (Black United Front) – we used creativity as a basis for how we organized our programs.

So I don’t see it as a separate thing.

And that’s primarily what my life has been involved in.”

As a visual arts curator and a founder of the Black Artists Network of Nova Scotia, Woods has discovered, preserved, and celebrated the work of black artists in Nova Scotia through many successful exhibitions, including In This Place: Black Art In Nova Scotia, the first comprehensive exhibition of African Nova Scotian art (Anna Leonowens Gallery, Halifax, 1998). In This Place revealed a 200-year-old tradition of art-making in Nova Scotia’s black communities.

Dr. Henry Bishop is probably best known for his work as chief curator of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia. But his work as a graphic artist shows up regularly on posters, pamphlets, and letterheads of several local organizations.

The Fiddler by David Woods - acrylic on canvas

Aunt Evie by David Woods - acrylic on canvas

As a writer and spoken word artist, Woods’ socially conscious works of theatre and creative writing have been featured in numerous books and anthologies, and also on national television and radio. As a visual artist, Woods is primarily known for his acrylic and oil on canvas paintings, though he has also done mixedmedia installation work as well as collaborative work with other artists including sculpture, quilting, and carving.

“I am drawn to black history and experience,” says Woods. “I am attracted to the parts of the experience that were unrecognized or lost in the shuffle of events. The feelings people had in times of great despair or great struggle, or in personal confusion.

“Right now I’m working with (quilter) Myla Borden from New Glasgow, exploring community experience and black women’s experiences,” says

contributed

Woods. “So we talk and I draw, and then she makes (the quilts).”

“I designed a lot of logos,” says Bishop. “The original East Preston Daycare logo, the BEA (Black Educators Association) logo, the WADE (Watershed Association Development Enterprise) logo, the Black Cultural Society logo … all those logos you see from black organizations, I’m the guy behind the scene.”

“Everything inspires me. People, faces, communities, the way people talk, the way people move, houses…

Bishop graduated from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communication (with a major in graphic design, and a minor in photography). After graduating he took on a communications role with the Black United Front, designing brochures and newsletters. This would lead to more work designing logos for organizations within the African Nova Scotian community.

“The narrative of the black experience is the thread that runs through most of my work,” says Woods.

“But the starting point is always the people.”

“The whole concept of logos wasn’t known in the black community at large,” says Bishop. “But it caught on because corporations were getting into it. And I thought black people

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Shauntay Grant which led to the establishment of the Cumberland County School of the Arts. “We wanted to establish a venue that was open to any artisans,” says Strong of the latter. “Not just people of color.”

Apart from graphic design, Bishop has illustrated historical figures for public display, and also for publication in books – most notably Out Of The Past and Into The Future and In Our Time, published in 1994 and 1996 respectively. As with his work as a graphic artist, Africentric images are at the centre of his creations.

“The main reason for me (creating primarily Africentric work) is because I just didn’t know enough about my own culture growing up,” says Bishop. “So as I got older, I tried to get as much knowledge about this great past that we didn’t learn about in school. And I was driven to do something about us – about black people.”

This passion for celebrating black history and culture through the visual arts has resulted in several portraits of historic figures – many of which are on display at the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, including Portia White, Sam Langford, Richard Preston, and Mathieu Da Costa.

contributed

and organizations should have those things as well.”

The Cumberland County School of the Arts offers a “holistic approach to the world of life skills, upgrading, employability, entrepreneurship, art and culture.”

Darlene Strong has had her fair share of opportunities. As a visual artist, her work has been featured internationally and in various mediums, including the 2008 African Heritage Month events calendar for which she drew the historical figure Marcus Garvey.

Homecoming by Darlene Strong

“I believe that every community has an Anne of Green Gables,” says Strong. “Anne, being fictitious, continues to bring an international audience to Prince Edward Island – people love her and she’s not even real!

“I was asked to design an image of Mathieu Da Costa by Canadian Heritage,” says Bishops of one of his career highlights. “I came up with different ideas of what he could have looked like based on historical accounts from that period, and (Canadian Heritage) bought the rights to use (the image) for the Da Costa campaign.”

Bishop says that while some may see him as a one-dimensional artist, he is committed to using his work to celebrate and disseminate black history and culture.

“Landscapes, pretty pictures of boats, white people… I can do that,” says Bishop. “But I would rather do it about my ancestors.”

Guitar Player by Darlene Strong

But no matter what opportunities have been awarded Strong throughout her career, she remains committed to helping others. In 1999 she founded the Cumberland County Black Artisans Network,

“The artists we have here in Nova Scotia also have something valuable, (and) we must preserve and continue to present our gifts to the world,” adds Strong. “I think the biggest challenge is that sometimes people just don’t realize their work has value.”

Strong has made it her mission to create opportunities for local artists to develop their artistry, all the while encouraging them to dream big. continued on page 20 >

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Talbot Photography Njabulo Nkala, RBDM

Wayne Talbot’s post-retirement dream

Carol Dobson

will spread as a result of those shoots.

“I thoroughly enjoy landscape photography,” he says. “I’m out shooting on almost a daily basis, for a couple of hours a day. Some days I’ll come home with all kinds of great shots. Other days, I don’t come home with any, but I really enjoy it.”

Wayne Talbot, Talbot Photography

I

t’s amazing how chance can intervene in a person’s life.

Twelve years ago, Wayne Talbot went on a golfing expedition to South Carolina with a bunch of friends. One of them had an early point and shoot digital camera which he used to record the trip, often to the annoyance of his fellow travellers. When the trip ended, his efforts not only resulted in a CD of photos telling the story of their journey but in Talbot’s interest in photography.

“I did some research, started buying photography magazines, and bought myself a good point and shoot camera,” he says. “I got so interested in it that I started buying better cameras, different lenses, editing programs ...”

He also enrolled in the New York Institute of Photography correspondence course. It’s a combination of reading, assignments, critiques, and quizzes. That course is almost over;

he’s got three or four lessons still to complete.

Talbot worked for the federal government for 33 and a half years in Nova Scotia and Ottawa for the Department of Human Resource Development (now Service Canada) and three years ago, he launched Talbot Photography as his postretirement dream. Since then, most of his business has been generated through word of mouth. Now he’s working with the Black Business Initiative on aspects he’d like to further develop – his business plan, marketing plan and website development.

“My preference is landscape photography but I know that, in order to succeed in business, I also have to do ‘people photography’,” he says. “But my course has a lot of emphasis on portraiture – using filters, lighting, how to set portraits up, etc.”

He’s photographed weddings around the province, in Truro, Weymouth and Preston, and hopes that word

In addition to his professional studies, he credits membership in two photographic organizations – Imagemakers in Truro and the Photographers Guild of Nova Scotia – as avenues for both improving his craft and spreading the word about his pictures. He recently won third prize in a photo contest and his winning picture was displayed at a busy Truro video store for a couple of weeks, something which he says has led to more recognition of his work.

“Our hospital has a hallway gallery where local artists exhibit their work,” he says. “They’re for sale, the hospital takes a small part, and the artist takes the rest. I have three pictures in the current exhibit. It’s a great way to get the word out.”

Wayne Talbot

Talbot Photography 

34 Phillip Street Truro, NS B2N 3B3

 902-895-2986

wtalbot@eastlink.ca

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Message from the CEO

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

continued from page 2

shows the imperative of documentation through anecdotal and statistical evidence that programs like ours are still necessary.

source and develop a capable BBI team.

Recent changes at the BBI saw Monique Carvery become engaged and moving to Bermuda and Shakara Russell, Regional Business Development Manager (RBDM), and James Williams (Management Intern) joining our staff team. Evan Williams was appointed to Director Client Development for the BBI. Evan has been with the organization since 2005 and was RBDM acting in the role of director for most of the past year.

With the success of our first ever Business is Jammin’ fundraising golf tournament this fall based on corporate participation, we know that we are not in this alone. BBI is making progress, one step at a time, towards economic parity and stronger and better participation of Black-owned companies in the Canadian economy.

And we have a lot of you to thank, but we need more.

While we are pleased with our track record, our goal is to use excellence as the standard for everything we do. We cannot afford to procrastinate and we put our team before ourselves. The management team is hands-on; we’re in this together.

Mistakes are just opportunities to learn from. If we win, everyone wins.

The external evaluation by Gardener Pinfold, our Balance Scorecard and results from the 2006 Census clearly

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

– Winston Churchill

S.I. Rustum Southwell, CEO

Deep Panuke gas project business and career opportunities.

For information on business opportunities with EnCana’s Deep Panuke natural gas development in Nova Scotia’s offshore, visit the Deep Panuke pages on the EnCana website at www.encana.com/deeppanuke/business For information on employment opportunities at Deep Panuke, visit the Career section on EnCana’s website at www.encana.com or the Career Beacon website at www.careerbeacon.com

Gordon Doe

CEDIF: Invest in Nova Scotia There is a bigger reason for you to invest in the Black Business Community Investment Fund (BBCIFL) this season. The initial 30 percent tax credit benefit available to investors in the fund has been increased to 35 percent. At the same time, the subsequent tax credit (20 percent in year 5 and 10 percent in year 10) remain in place.

We are preparing to launch our sixth offering in December, having held off on an offering last year due to the market downturn. We hope you plan and prepare to invest. Our goal is to take our $441,000 portfolio beyond the half-million mark. Your investment in the Black Business Community Investment Fund will help the fund to make a greater impact in the Nova Scotia economy as we continue to invest in small businesses.

Construction Over eight years of working within the community, I do not recall a program that has excited and engaged participants as our Constructing the Future program has. There are currently some 30 unsolicited applicants for a potential next phase of this program. The results of the program partly explain this excitement.

The summary of the program results to date include: Phase 1: 20 out of 22 shortlisted applicants were enrolled in the program after a three-day assessment phase Phase 2: 19 out of 20 participants graduated after the 8-week personal development phase Phase 3: 15 out of 19 participants graduated from the 14-week specialized construction training at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Phase 4: Currently, of the 15 who graduated from the NSCC training: • six are taking trades training at NSCC (two in carpentry, two in pipe trades, two in plumbing (blended) • seven are on work placements with different employers • two are out of the program.

Additionally, we have developed significant private sector partnerships with numerous stakeholders in the construction sector, principally employers. This program in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Workforce Development is a very effective way to expose people to the construction industry and holds great potential for the youth in our community.

As always, please feel free to call me at 426-6985 if you have any questions or plan to invest.

www.encana.com

ECOR-7758 Deep Panuke_Generic ad update.indd 1

REPORT

1/20/09 11:21:51 AM

Black to Business

11

Maritime Centre for African Dance Paul Adams

November with a 2009 Women of Excellence Award from the Halifax chapter of the Canadian Progress Club.

Not bad for a business idea that garnered plenty of skepticism when Chakabuda first pitched it.

“There were a lot of naysayers, because the idea of an African dance studio was so foreign to a lot of the people I presented it to,” she says. “They thought it just wouldn’t fly here.”

Despite the doubters, MCAD has flourished – even more than Chakabuda perhaps first expected, and “not without lots of pressure and stress,” she admits.

Mufaro Chakabuda

F

ive years ago, Mufaro Chakabuda was ready to pack her bags.

The native of Zimbabwe was considering either a return to her home country or moving on to Montreal for further studies. But a recurring question kept her in Halifax.

“I was teaching some dance classes at the YMCA, and people kept asking me, ‘Where else do you teach?’”

Chakabuda says.

Out of that question, the Maritime Centre for African Dance was launched. Chakabuda likes to say that she started the business with just $20: the cost of renting space for her first lesson.

“It sort of grew from there,” she says – which is a major understatement.

Less than five years after she launched MCAD in the spring of 2005, Chakabuda has taught dance classes and workshops from coast to coast and performed for some illustrious audiences. She was honoured in

Weekly dance classes are now the smallest part of the growing centre, which also offers cross-country workshops, summer camps, hiphop dance competitions and a DVD series.

Chakabuda’s studio employs a network of 13 drummers and 10 instructors. She has crossed the country giving workshops, including one in Vancouver last summer that drew 500 participants.

Chakabuda also travelled with four other dancers and two drummers to Washington to perform at U.S. President Barack Obama’s historic African Inaugural Ball in January, which was the highlight of a lifetime, Chakabuda says.

“It was also very nerve-wracking, because there were people there from the (African) continent who knew the traditional dances and would know if we screwed up,” she says with a laugh. “But there are no words to describe it. At the end of the performance we had people coming up on stage and dancing with us. Everybody was dressed in traditional outfits. It was beautiful.”

Fall 2009

Chad Lucas The Maritime Centre for African Dance draws on a wide range of styles and influences from across the continent, including Zimbabwe, Gambia and Ghana, among others.

Chakabuda credits its popularity to what she sees as a growing curiosity about other cultures.

“I think it’s becoming such a global world,” she says. “People are interested – ‘What is this culture all about?

It looks like more than what I see on TV.’” For Nova Scotians of African descent who visit her studio or take a workshop, it’s often about connecting with their own roots.

“They come in and say, ‘I want to learn my heritage. I want to learn my culture and what it’s all about,’” Chakabuda says.

She says MCAD’s mandate is so much more than just teaching dance steps.

She and her instructors do plenty of presentations in schools, especially during African Heritage Month.

“We feel our role is really to be ambassadors of the continent,” she says. “We’re in the business of cultural education.”

The Maritime Centre for African Dance is on the web at: www.mcafricancamps.com

Maritime Centre for African Dance Mufaro Chakabuda

406 3280, 225-9267 afrikandance2005@yahoo.ca

www.mcafricandance.com

Black to Business

Fall 2009

12

Question

L

Where can we access more specific data on the African Nova Scotian community to use in business and trend applications? make understandable by a non statistician or a decision-maker.

Featured Expert: Greg Nazaire, Regional Business Development Manager

Data and Research - The case of the African Canadian community When the private or the public sector wants to elaborate any strategy or any initiative targeting some ethnic groups, it needs to overcome major challenges due to the lack of economic data and research concerning those cultural communities. In Canada, there is ample data on East Indians and Chinese communities, a de facto situation when considering the importance of the trade relations of these countries with Canada. The Black community situation in that regard is impressive. Very few formal studies or data collecting initiatives addressing the Black community currently exists. The tendency is for them to be very limited in scope and very often they address most of the problems facing this community from a social or historical standpoint such as slavery, racism or education.

Most of the available data are raw data, mainly from Statistics Canada via censuses and surveys. Those data take a considerable amount of time and special skills to analyze and

The need to start generating economic data and rigorous research is vital for businesses that are seeking to more effectively reach and provide goods or services to the growing African Canadian segment.

For example, in the United States, research has shown that the shopping behaviour of African American consumers differs from that of their white counterparts. Therefore, different marketing strategies may be needed to reach these people.

Research and data on this subject is quite extensive and regarded as an American mainstream topic. There is a study by Kimberly McClain DaCosta from Harvard University on how marketers conduct market research on African Americans as opposed to the “general market. We also have a study conducted by Walstad and Kourilsky (1998) that grabbed our attention that showed that the entrepreneurial aspirations of Black/African American youth (age 14 to 19 years old) were significantly greater than those of white youth – 75 percent of Black/African American youths surveyed would want to start their own business, compared to 63 percent of white youths.

But to be able to find similarities and differences between communities, we have to start giving more attention to visible minorities and their culture

and affinity within our society. Any finding in that regard can be also critical for governments (municipal, provincial or federal) to formulate policies, let alone implementing them effectively in the Black community. The need for some studies on this matter will lay the groundwork for the conceptualization of differences between the Black community market and the “mainstream” market as it is widely explored in the United States, thus allowing private and public entities to do a better segmentation of the population.

Anecdotal evidence often suggests that Black businesses are confronted with specific challenges (e.g., barriers to financing) but peer-reviewed, statistically based empirical studies conducted on this issue using Canadian data are extremely hard to find. This seems to be due to the scarcity of relevant data that could be disaggregated according to different criteria. The development of a dataset, whether census-based or survey-based, at the national level that would include information about both a firm’s characteristics (e.g., size, industry, age, capital structure, location, revenues, etc.) and the firm-owner’s characteristics (e.g., ethnicity, gender, age, education, etc.) would allow researchers to come up with some sound conclusions regarding various aspects of business ownership by minorities, which in turn could greatly improve the public policy decision-making.

Black to Business

Fall 2009

13

The saying goes: ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ or in this case, a short caption. Not a full story, but a quick snap-shot, the new Black to Business regular feature, BBI Out and About is a photo spread that will highlight the BBI staff and board ‘out and about’.

BBI Open House October 16, 2009

Mike Hayes, ACOA (left), Robert Browning (Bell Aliant) & Alexia McGill (Agenda Managers)

Minister Percy Paris (l); BBI Board Vice Chair, Joe Parris; & Peter Hogan, ACOA (r) cut the ribbon Rose Davidson, BBI Board (left) & Idy Fashoranti, BBI (far right)

Rev. Glenn Gray blesses the new office

Councillor Tim Outhit (l); Minister Percy Paris and his EA Mike Wyse (r)

Shakara Russell & Cheyanne Gorman-Tolliver, RBDMs prepare presentation

National Minority Supplier Development Council 2009 conference in New Orleans

Rustum Southwell networks with other conference delegates

Cassandra Dorrington, BBI Chair & Magic Johnson

Black to Business

Fall 2009

14

Business is Jammin’ Charity Golf Tournament September 23, 2009 Grandview Golf & Country Club

Relaxing after a ‘hard’ day of golf

Teammates – Dorey, Ash, Williams and Ash

Champions: The Bell Aliant team receives trophy from BIJ Chair Joe Parris

Greg Nazaire and cheque Longest Drive winner: Pam Williams

Additional Notables

Best Dressed: Nova Scotia Power team

Photographer Paul Adams at a BBI planning session

Evan Williams, BBI Director of Client Development featured in Business Voice magazine

by: Chad Lucas Constructing the Future, a 40-week job readiness program that the BBI launched in March, in partnership with the provincial Department of Labour and Workforce Development and the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

Participants and program facilitators after a training session

Vincent Johnson

climbs out of bed these days with a new sense of purpose.

The Uniacke Square resident used to pick up odd jobs wherever he could, though steady work was rare.

But since August, Johnson has been training on the job with Carvery’s Construction through the Black Business Initiative’s Constructing the Future program.

With a new set of skills and a foot planted solidly on the doorstep of the construction industry, Johnson says he feels like he’s turning a corner in his life.

“I feel good every morning I get up,” he says. “It’s something I talk about every day. It’s been a good journey.”

Helping people like Johnson make a living in the trades is the aim of

The groundwork began several years ago as the BBI looked to make more of an impact in the construction sector. One of the first steps in 2007 was creating ADEPA, a project management firm that works with black-owned companies to bid on big contracts that smaller firms may not be able to land on their own.

ADEPA also focuses on training, and the BBI held roundtables in several communities to determine what needs were out there in the construction sector.

“We wanted to bring people’s skills up in the industry,” says Gordon Doe, the BBI’s director of business development.

From there, the BBI partnered with the Department of Labour, which provides key financial support to Constructing the Future.

The program was launched at a crucial time earlier this year, with governments looking to find ways to increase employment in the face of a recession.

But she had let her interest fall by the wayside until she heard about Constructing the Future.

“I had been working in the food industry for years and I wanted a change,” Drummond says. “I heard about Constructing the Future and I thought, why not now.”

That’s exactly the question that more people – especially those in the black community – should be asking themselves, says Joel Marsman.

“It turned out to be timely, given the economy,” Doe says.

The program covers plenty of ground to prepare people for a career in construction. Participants started in March with 12 weeks of personal and professional development, covering everything from forklift operation to math upgrading, before moving into 14 weeks of trades training in areas such as plumbing, electrical, drywall and flooring.

The final phase is a 14-week work placement or apprenticeship with employers, or further training at the community college.

“There’s always a need for certified professionals,” says Marsman, the program coordinator for Constructing the Future. “There are so many things in the construction industry that pay well, and the black community is under-represented. We’re trying to change that.”

Robert Sampson wants to change that too. Sampson is the Academic Chair for Trades and Technology at NSCC, and he jumped at the opportunity to help when the BBI approached the community college.

“We put this high on our priority list, because it should have happened 15 or 20 years ago,” Sampson says. “For me, it’s important to do something about under-representation. Those mechanical areas like plumbing and electrical are where the big bucks are, and the representation in the black community is just not there.”

The course immediately piqued the interest of Rhonda Drummond. The Dartmouth resident always had an eye for the trades – she remembers being the only girl in her junior high shop class, and she went on to take a post-secondary drafting course. continued on next page >

Participants, program facilitator, and other guests during a lunch event at Dalhousie University

NSCC has been a crucial partner in Constructing the Future. The college’s Leeds Street campus hosted and provided instructors for the trades training phase of the program, and also helped find partners for some work placements. Several participants, including Drummond, are pursuing further training at the college.

“We’ve gotten a lot of help from the Nova Scotia Community College,” says Marsman. “(The participants) gained some real practical experience there that prepared them for their work placements. We wanted them prepared when they went out to an employer.”

It’s been so far, so good for those who moved into the workforce on August 14. Vincent Johnson says he’s grateful for the opportunity to prove himself, as well as for the continued support from both the BBI and the community college even now that he’s on the job.

“I really didn’t expect all the support we’ve had from everyone involved,” he says. “I get phone calls from people asking me how I’m doing, how’s it going. That means a lot to me.”

Employers who have lent support to the program seem satisfied as well. Richard MacInnis of MF Electric, a Lake Echo-based company, says it’s not easy to break into the electrical trade – but he likes what he sees in Tyrone Dixon, who’s apprenticing with MF Electric through Constructing the Future.

“We hope to keep him on,” MacInnis says. “He wants to work and he wants to learn, and that’s what we look for.”

Joel Marsman says it’s been fun to watch participants grow and change over the course of the program, some from barely believing in their own abilities to working confidently on a job site.

NSCC has been a crucial partner in Constructing the Future.

The college’s Leeds Street campus hosted and provided instructors for the trades training phase of the program, and also helped find partners for some work placements.

“It’s amazing, the change in some of them,” Marsman says. “You can almost see the light going on. They’re starting to think beyond today and tomorrow.

They’re setting goals for two or three years down the road.

The confidence they’ve gained is tremendous.”

Rhonda Drummond is one of those looking down the road. She’s planning to upgrade her math and physics to study construction management and administration at NSCC. It’s a field she didn’t even know existed a few months ago.

“It’s just incredible – I’d never really thought about all the different areas and all the things you have to consider when putting up a building,” she says. “It’s opened up a lot of doors for me.”

Sampson said he’s looking forward to an ongoing partnership with the BBI, as well as drawing in more construction firms to build those crucial networks between students and potential employers.

“I think the tell-tale in the future will be the connecting,” Sampson says. “Four or five years from now, I think we’ll really see the fruits of what’s happening now. I’m looking forward to doing (the program) again.”

And there should be no shortage of applicants, the way Vincent Johnson is spreading the word.

“It’s just been excellent,” Johnson says. “I told (the BBI) I’ve been putting the word out there and they’ll have 100 people signing up

by January.”

Drummond is quick to add her endorsement as well. “Anyone who has the opportunity to get into the program, they should take it,” she says. “It’s been everything I expected and more.”

For more information on the program contact the Black Business Initiative.

Black to Business

19

Constructing the Future Rhonda Drummond - Opportunity Rising

Fall 2009

REGIONAL REPORT Northern

Cheyanne

Gorman-

Tolliver

It has been a quiet few months in the region however, a new season is approaching and I am excited by the recent inquiries from the Northern Region.

Working out of Sydney’s African Nova Scotian Employment Centre (ANSEC) Omonigho (Omo) Omonode has been hired as Economic Development Officer. BBI has been in contact with Omo and there are some promising partnership opportunities for clients in the area.

Rhonda Drummond (l) with classmates

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reating new opportunities in the construction industry for African Nova Scotians The Black Business Initiative is working closely with NSCC to develop innovative programs for Nova Scotians of African heritage.

I’ve always been creative. In high school, I was really into drawing and poetry, and when I graduated, I worked for many years as a cook in the healthcare sector which I enjoyed.

But I was always drawn to the trades, especially the construction industry.

So at the age of 44, I decided to go back to school. A friend emailed a brochure about a program called ‘Constructing the Future’. It offers training to African Nova Scotians interested in construction, and is supported by the Black Business Initiative and NSCC. Everything about it appealed to me, so I applied. I went for an assessment, and boom, I was in – and started almost immediately.

Not only am I the oldest in the class, I’m also the only woman, but that’s

what makes it interesting. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying it.

We’re all learning so much in such a short time. Our instructors take a personal interest in our success and go the extra mile to help us.

... I was always drawn to the trades, especially the construction industry.

The first time I created and built something from start to finish, I looked at it and thought, “Yeah, I did that.” It spurred me on to discover that I have a special passion for architecture. Maybe, down the road, I’ll build that dream, too. With NSCC, I have more options than even I thought possible.

Reprinted with permission from the Nova Scotia Community College Report to the Community 2009 www.nscc.ca/ report09

Congratulations to Mufaro Chakabuda and her dance company Maritime Centre for African Dance (MCAD) in the announcement they have been asked to perform in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics. This is the same dance company who performed at an inauguration party for President Barack Obama. For more information on classes/programs contact Mufaro at 225-9267.

The Business Is Jammin’ Summer Program made its mark on two young entrepreneurs. Brother and sister team Travon (11) and Sierra (9) Duarte were successful in obtaining financing and counsel to start their own business: a car wash & refreshment service. Look for them to continue their business around Dartmouth when the warm weather returns.

BBI continues to seek new opportunities to partner with organizations to deliver the most current business related training courses and workshops. These are not limited to HRM residents. If you are a regional community group, organization, or entrepreneur interested in business skills development BBI can arrange these activities in your region.

For more information or to arrange a meeting please contact me at 426-8685, toll free at 1-888-664-9333 or by email: gorman-tolliver. cheyanne@bbi.ns.ca

Black to Business

20

Business is Jammin’

T

he summer months were very busy for the Business is Jammin’ (BIJ) program.

Again partnering with Service Canada, we were able to hire six youth coordinators to facilitate our summer BIJ programs around the province. Youth coordinators were stationed in Halifax (BBI), Dartmouth (WADE), Sydney (ANSEC), Truro (CEA), Kentville (VANSDA) and Yarmouth (YBERC). The students hired were Kiesha Jefferies in Halifax, Alisha Brown-Fagan in Dartmouth, Robyn Martelly in Sydney, Tyrone Chase in Truro, Ellis Ffrench in Kentville and Ariel Smith in Yarmouth. Special thanks to the students and the African Nova Scotian Employment Partnership Committee (ANEPC) offices that partnered with us and helped in making the program a success.

This year we were able to deliver 20 presentations, 4 workshops and 18 week-long Business Builder camps to over 500 youth province wide. We were also able to assist six youth start their own businesses.

This would not be possible without the financial support from our corporate sponsor RBC and from the generous donations from businesses and individuals. You have truly made a difference and have assisted BIJ with positively influencing the lives of our youth. To learn how to support BIJ financially or in kind please contact us or visit www.bbi.ca . BIJ is a registered charity and will issue tax receipts for all contributions.

To deliver the programs it takes many resources. We are very fortunate to have an ongoing partnership with the African Nova Scotian Employment Partnership Committee network and also the in-kind support of entrepreneurs like Steve Lawrence of JMS Driving School, Jessica Bowden of TNT Magazine, Lyndon Hibbert of Caribbean Twist, Kelly Carrington of Evolution Massage Therapy and Duane Jones of Glitterati Communications.

BIJ’s programs and services have historically been funded by Black Business Initiative. Moving forward, BIJ is aiming to become less dependent on the BBI and a rigorous fundraising strategy has been implemented.

On September 23rd BIJ hosted the 1st

Fall 2009 Evan Williams

Annual BIJ Charity Golf Tournament at Grandview Golf and Country Club.

The 60 golfers participated in an exceptional day of fun and support for a great cause. This event would not have been possible without the support of Silver sponsors – Bell Aliant, Boyne Clarke and Encana – and our Bronze sponsors – Atlantic Lottery, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Michelin, Nova Scotia Power and Sobeys. We also want to thank all of our golfers, hole sponsors and all of the companies that donated prizes.

The 2nd Annual BIJ Charity Golf Tournament will be held during the 2010 Black Business Summit in June.

To learn how your company can be involved with BIJ, please contact us.

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Available with compatible devices within coverage areas available from Bell and its international partners’ coverage areas where technology permits. May not be available in all locations. Other conditions apply. (1) Based on: (a) fastest network, according to tests of average upload and download speeds using HSPA devices, in large Canadian urban centres, (b) largest network, based on total square kms of coverage, and (c) most reliable network based on tests for dropped calls and call clarity in large Canadian urban centres using HSPA devices; all on the shared HSPA/HSPA+ network available from Bell, vs. Rogers HSPA/HSPA+ network in Sept, 2009. Speed may vary due to topography, environmental conditions, device type and other factors. HSPA/HSPA not available in all areas. Bell.ca/network. BlackBerry®, RIM®, Research In Motion® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world.

Black to Business

BBI Welcomes New Staff

22 Trailblazers Local Artists

continued from page 8

And Strong has been doing some big dreaming herself lately. A multidisciplinary artist with a background in music, literature and the visual arts, Strong has recently launched an initiative that combines her love of the arts with her background in nursing, counselling and consulting, the ultimate goal being to “bring hope and healing to our world.”

Shakara Russell Regional Business Development Manager Shakara joins the BBI after gaining professional experience with a public accounting firm in Halifax. She has worked with companies across many industries including oil and gas, food brokerage, electrical utilities and construction. Shakara has a passion for assisting clients in developing sound business strategies and is excited to be working to further develop the business community.

“Professional counselling services are now available.” says Strong of Maria’s Place, which opened in Brookdale on September 1, 2009. “In addition to traditional professional counselling, such as stress reduction, we offer services in art, music, creative writing … sometimes, for example, children respond and communicate better through art when it may be difficult to verbalize some of the problems that they are experiencing. “ Apart from counselling services, Maria’s Place also offers workshops and creates programs for businesses, groups and individuals. The venture offers a platform for Strong to market her artwork and literary publications as well.

James Williams Management Intern James Williams was born and raised in Halifax.

He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and studied commerce at St. Mary’s University. After a few years of study, James moved to Toronto to pursue a passion in music recording. After completing a diploma in sound engineering James decided to return home to Nova Scotia to complete a Bachelor degree in Finance, which he is currently pursuing part-time.

Since returning, James has held several contract positions, gaining valuable work experience, with organizations such as; The Atlantic Film Festival Association, ABM Integrated Solutions, Metro Regional Housing Authority, to name a few. James was drawn to BBI because of their presence in the province and because he wanted to be part of something that helps make a difference in the community.

“It’s more than just counselling – it’s an integration of the arts and counselling,” says Strong of her new project. “And at this point in my life, it needs to be easy. So I’m blessed to be under one roof.”

Fall 2009

REGIONAL REPORT Southern Greg Nazaire

Although summer was quiet, we started the fall season with some very promising projects in the construction sector in Halifax.

Partnering with notable businessmen Ed Crawley, Tony Whynder or James Downey, there is potential for job creation through their businesses.

Following the success we had last year with the series of workshops and information sessions with CBDC and ACOA on the economic situation and business opportunities, we are planning to organize the same in Kentville. In this region, we will partner with CBDC in Hants County.

We are planning to organize the same series of workshops in Digby in cooperation with Darlene Lawrence, the Executive Director of the Digby County Family Resource Centre and other institutions.

It is critical for us to continuously inform the community on what programs and services, the BBI and other organizations, have to offer.

We are also planning several training sessions on business management and marketing in partnership with the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association.

I would like to congratulate Jordan Martin on his new venture. Jordan obtained a mini-micro loan to start a business following his participation to the BIJ business camp last summer.

Should you require further information or to book a regional visit please contact me at: (902) 426-1625 or toll free number at 1-888-664-9333.

Black to Business

23

Fall 2009

Building Business Skills and Management Expertise – Training

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and workshops were delivered by experienced and knowledgeable professionals. A total of 53 students completed training.

In 2008-09, the BBI offered numerous training courses and workshops at its Gottingen Street Training Centre and through outside sources. Designed to meet the needs of our clients, particularly those in the early stages of business development, these cources

BBI’s training is designed to meet the management and personal development needs of entrepreneurs. As such we work in partnership with various organizations to deliver the best business skills development program. Our training courses and workshops cover important ground related to financial management, sales, marketing and business development.

ontinuous education and skills building is a hallmark of successful entrepreneurs and businesspeople. That’s why the BBI holds training as a core focus of our organization.

BBI Training Objectives

Client Identified Needs

Client Perceived Outcomes

Stress importance of entrepreneurship

Business skills development

More business knowledge overall

Business skill development

Creating a business plan

Increased confidence to do things by self

Business plan preparation

Guidance in starting own business

Increased assertiveness

Provide support and mentorship

Training and support

Experience and practice

Developing partnerships

Marketing and accounting skills

Increased networking opportunities

Providing networking opportunities

Small business planning

Learned how to start a business

2008 Evaluation of the Black Business Initiative by Gardner Pinfold Consulting

Black to Business

Fall 2009

24

Black Business Initiative

2009/10 Training Schedule for Metro Workshops:

Day

How to Get & Keep a Customer for Life** Friday

Date

Time

Dec 11

7:30am 9:30am

Marketing Your Business Online**

Friday

Jan 8

7:30am 9:30am

Improving Sales & Profitability in a Retail Operation**

Friday

Jan 15

7:30am 9:30am

Branding and Imaging**

Friday

Jan 22

7:30am 9:30am

Project Management**

Friday

Jan 29

7:30am 9:30am

First Steps in Exporting**

Friday

Feb 5

7:30am 9:30am

Business Angels-How to Find Investors for Your Business**

Friday

Feb 12

7:30am 9:30am

Top 20 Taxation Questions for Small Businesses**

Friday

Feb 19

7:30am 9:30am

Breaking Down Barriers to Growth** Friday

Feb 26

7:30am 9:30am

Creative Thinking for Business**

Friday

Mar 5

7:30am 9:30am

Cutting Costs: How to Cut Costs Instead of People**

Friday

Mar 12

7:30am 9:30am

Managing Your Greatest Asset**

Friday

Mar 19

7:30am 9:30am

Expand Your Target Market**

Friday

Mar 26

7:30am 9:30am

Entrepreneurship 101 (Outside of HRM)

Available on request

Workshop Fee: Clients and Non Clients : $5.00 ** Space is very limited in these workshops. Call to Register and for more information

Registration is open to everyone.

To register for any session, please call 426-8683 Note: Course and Workshop delivery times are subject to change.

TRAINING REPORT Evan Williams

The summer season is historically fairly slow for training courses. We do not offer many summer courses because of participant vacation conflicts. Potential participants reengage once fall rolls around therefore September was the beginning of another rigorous training season.

Fall/Winter courses include Simply Accounting, Marketing for your Business, Creating a Winning Business Plan and Bookkeeping Level 1.

We were also able to send several clients to St. Mary’s University Business Development Centre’s Breakfast Workshop Series. The morning workshops covered topics in the areas of Marketing, Management, Finance and Operations. These workshops will be running from September to March.

We are still trying to reach areas outside of HRM. The only way that we can do this effectively is with your input. If we do not have the critical mass to organize our own sessions, we can look at finding you established training in your area.

If you are interested in any of BBI’s training courses outside of Metro, please contact me directly at 902-426-8688 or toll free @ 1-888-664-9333 or speak to the RBDM for your area. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the various very affordable top quality-training programs that BBI has to offer.

Black to Business

25

Fall 2009

People & Businesses on the Move

Congratulations to Justine Colley, Celeste Williams, and Carlos Beals.

They were awarded $4000 Future Leader scholarships from Future Shop for their outstanding contributions to their local Boys and Girls Club.

Justine Colley was one of the stars of the Canadian team during the FIBA world under-19 championships in Bangkok, Thailand. Her performance contributed to wins against Tunisia and Japan.

The former Seaview Road received a new name during this year’s Africville Reunion. Now the road that extends from the north end of Barrington Street to the Fairview Cove Container Pier will be known as Africville Road.

During the Reunion weekend, the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Africville Baptist Church was celebrated, with the Rev. Rhonda Britton as the guest speaker.

Emancipation Day was marked during the weekend with a special program at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Shanice Bennett is the recipient of this year’s Burchells Summer Internship and Scholarship. The internship included a summer work term at the Halifax law firm and a scholarship towards her studies at Dalhousie University this fall.

Juanita Peters’ newest film, “Africville: Can’t Stop Now” was one of the films shown at this year’s Atlantic Film Festival. It debuted at the Festival on September 20 and chronicles the lives of Irvine, Eddy,

and Nelson Carvery as they carry on their crusade for Africville. The documentary also aired on the Documentary Channel on July 23 and on CBC on July 25.

“Children of Africville”, Christine Welldon’s new book, was launched at the North Branch Library in Halifax on October 21.

Imhotep’s Legacy Academy has launched a virtual tutoring program that will enable math and science tutors at Dalhousie to help African Nova Scotian high school students across the province. The program uses webcams and videoconferencing software set up at Dalhousie and in the participating schools (Citadel High, Cole Harbour High, Prince Andrew High, Sydney Academy, Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, and Cobequid Educational Centre).

The fourth annual Dikita Women’s Festival was held July 31st and August 1st 2009. The theme was exploring the female body, with dance hula hooping sessions, Gambian dance, yoga of the body with elements of earth and water, concluding with a dinner featuring international food and a dance.

Her Honour, Mayann Francis, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, was the special guest speaker at the Founder’s Weekend Garden Party in Shelburne in mid-July.

La Amistad visited Shelburne as part of the commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society’s Freedom 175 events included art and quilting shows, a gospel festival and tours aboard the schooner when it visited Birchtown in August.

Congratulations to Mufaro Chakabuda from the Maritime Centre for African Dance who has received The Progress Women of Excellence Award from the Canadian Progress Club.

Pat Watson released a new CD entitled “Feeling Good” in late June.

The Pat Watson Quartet was also the featured entertainment at the Halifax Club’s Fall Fashion event to benefit Dress For Success on September 20th.

The Charlestown Maroon Drummers and Dancers performed three shows in the HRM during the summer. The first, at Alderney Landing also included a play by Shauntay Grant, the second, at the Black Cultural Centre featured the music of Marko Simmonds, and the third, at Citadel High included a performance by Harvey Millar and b-sharp.

Gary Beals performed in concert at the Carson and Marion Murray Centre in Springhill, Cumberland County this past summer. The Highland AME held three major fundraising events – a yard sale, an auction and a fundraising concert featuring local entertainers.

The story of Marie Marguerite Rose, a woman from Guinea who

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was one of more than 300 people enslaved at Louisbourg, was brought to life through special guided tours at the Fortress of Louisbourg this past summer.

Leslie Carvery’s show “Selena – Death After Life” was performed on stage at Neptune Theatre during this year’s Atlantic Fringe Festival in September.

There were two concerts during the Halifax-Dartmouth Natal Day weekend in celebration of Black Freedom 175. The first featured Asia & NuGruv, Dennis Wright (aka hellafactz), Harvey Millar & “b-sharp”, Wes Mackey Band, the Gary Beals’ Band and U-Soul while the Freedom Festival Gospel Concert featured Shoulder to Shoulder, The Nova Scotia Mass Choir, and Rhyume & Good News.

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis marked her third anniversary of her installation as the lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia with celebratory mass and blessing on Sunday, Sept. 6 at St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church in Sydney.

A Parks Canada plaque commemorating Rev. Richard Preston was unveiled during the 156th AUBA annual session. This year’s meeting was held at the Cornwallis Street Baptist Church and the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium during the weekend of August 14-16.

On August 12, Canadian Blood Services held its first blood donor clinic at the North Preston Community Centre.

Participants in this summer’s Business is Jammin’ camp in Halifax showed their entrepreneurial spirit by producing “Super Sonic Veggies” salad dressings from produce grown in the community garden on Brunswick Street.

The Black Educators Association held an Open House on August 27.

Visitors were able to talk to members of the association about its various programs including the Cultural Academic Enrichment Program, Regional Educators Program, Annual Fundraising events, Bursary Program, Adult Education; BEA Spelling Bee and Math Camp.

Gerald (Gerry) Clarke has been appointed to the position of Principal at the Nova Scotia Community College’s Akereley Campus.

The Beechville Baptist Church celebrated its 165th anniversary on September 27. Rev. Damon Gilyard, of New Jersey, was the guest preacher.

The East Preston United Baptist church celebrated its 167th Anniversary in September with the Rev. Jivaro Smith of Toronto as the guest speaker.

The 15th Annual Africentric Conference was be hosted by Graham Creighton Junior High School on October 23. This year’s event emphasized cultural diversity from an Afrocentric context. The keynote speaker was: Dr. Na’im Akbar PhD. The Dartmouth Seniors’ Service Centre hosted its 3rd. Annual Community Leadership Recognition Dinner on Thursday, October 1.

This year’s recognition went to fiveprominent Dartmouth residents: Dr. Wayne Adams, Roland Thornhill, Shirley Morash, Don Valardo, and Tom Forestall.

Fall 2009

Congratulations to Dalhousie University’s Black Student Advising Centre. It celebrated its 20th anniversary on October 23.

Halifax-based filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald has translated playwright George Boyd’s Gideon’s Blues into a poignant and moving domestic tragedy set in the North End entitled “Gospel According to the Blues”, which debuted on September 24 in Halifax. Jackie Richardson stars as an AfricanCanadian gospel singer who must confront the decline of her son; the film balances powerful first-person narration and uplifting music against gritty, poetic inner-city drama.

Chelsea Nisbett and Cindy Cain were the featured entertainers at the Community YMCA’s “Carry the Books, Carry the Ball” fundraiser held at the Westin Nova Scotia Hotel on October 15.

Auburn Drive students held an “Embrace Diversity” night at the school on October 15 featuring music, food, and poetry.

On October 15, the Black Cultural Society held an unveiling ceremony in commemoration of the Democracy 250 Monument: Freedom Stone. The monument represents the legacy of Freedom and Democratic Government as it relates to Black History.

Congratulations to Rose Stevenson-Davidson, Service Canada, BBI resource member who recently was appointed to the Board of the Council on African Canadian Education representing the Valley Area. This is a three year term.

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My Day with the Olympic Torch

S.I. Rustum Southwell running shoes and socks, under shirt, long johns, St. Kitts Olympic team T- shirt, camera and a picture of Daddy and Mother.

On the back of the picture I had written the names our relatives who have passed - Daddy, Mother, Von Rebop, Clio, and Lillian and Marcelin (My wife Gracey’s sister and brother).

As I carried the torch, family, friends and colleagues cheered me on from the sidelines. BBI Board Member, Greg Browning yelled, “take your time and enjoy it.” My wife Gracey said, “Slow down!”

But Pat Ryan and Idy Fashoranti wanted to see me run.

And then I went to work.

I held a folded page with the picture of my parents and names of our lost loved ones in my red mittened hand with the embroidered maple leaf and pressed it to my heart covered by the cotton fabric of the St. Kitts Olympic team shirt.

I had planned my day to be ordinary. I still kept some key appointments, trying to calm my nerves. I was nervous with excitement.

I was so excited that I Rustum Southwell, olympic torchbearer became nervous. I was over excited. No, I was y hand slipped off just really, really, nervous.

M

the button and the flame went out. I panicked. Oh my goodness what have I done in front of the entire world! I had extinguished the Olympic flame.

These were my thoughts the night before I was to hold high above my head, for about 160-180 seconds, the Olympic Torch. Reason enough for losing sleep.

When I got out of bed that Wednesday, November 18, 2009 morning, after my sleepless night, I rechecked my bag where I had packed the torchbearer outfit, my

Fall 2009

The day seemed to drag on but finally it was time to get to the processing centre. I arrived at the Delta Barrington before 4 PM because we were told to be there by 4:15 or be replaced. We were greeted by Billy, a 5 foot 5 inch curly black haired, former teacher, hockey playing, energizer bunny who reconfirmed that we were about to make HISTORY. I was in the last group to run that night - one of the final four before the finale that would end at Parade Square in front of City Hall. 20 torchbearers in all including two celebrities got into the torchbearer shuttle bus where the briefing continued and the drop offs began - first at the Pier 21 in the city’s south end, where we also picked up our police escort.

Alas it all ended too soon. At the intersection of Bell Road, Sackville and South Park streets I kissed the next torch in a relay that began in Athens Greece and will continue on to the Olympics in Vancouver.

I rejoined the other torchbearers on the shuttle for the return trip to Parade Square where thousands of people were waiting to see hometown hero and hockey star Sidney Crosby pass the flame to Olympian Sarah Conrad.

The day ended at an RBC reception where the cauldron that has the original flame from Athens Greece was displayed. This flame follows the relay wherever it goes. And this is a long relay - 45,000 kilometres, 12,000 torchbearers and I, Rustum Southwell, was one of them. I will never forget this moment in time.

Big thank you to Lori Smith (RBC, Manager Public Affairs) and Greg Browning (RBC, BBI Board), who asked me to be part of this historic event. RBC has been much more than our banker they are one of our closest partners. They sponsored us to be part of the 2010 winter Olympic Relay, thank you RBC.

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Fall 2009

PARTNER PROFILE Encana

T

he Deep Panuke Field lies on the Scotian Shelf approximately 250 kilometres southeast of Halifax.

Two years ago, Encana’s board of directors gave the go ahead to start building the installation of facilities required to produce and process natural gas from this field. The gas will be processed offshore and then transported, via an undersea pipeline, to Goldboro and from there, will be fed into markets served by the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline.

It is estimated that there is approximately 13 years’ worth of natural gas available from this particular field.

Last year, Encana launced an initiative aimed at connecting the project’s major suppliers and contractors with Nova Scotian companies owned and operated by the following groups: • Aboriginals • Visible Minorities • Persons with Disabilities • Women The Encana website, www.encana. com/deeppanuke/business has been set up as a “matchmaking” service, with links to the Black Business Initiative, the Centre for Women in Business, the Entrepreneurs with

Carol Dobson

Disabilities Network, and Ulnooweg’s Aboriginal Business Directory, among other organizations. The company estimates that the companies listed in these organizations’ databases will “place contacts for more than one thousand Nova Scotia companies owned or operated by disadvantaged groups at the fingertips of major contractors or suppliers to Deep Panuke.”

“The page has been fairly well visited over the past year,” Encana’s Lori MacLean says. “The role of the page, for us, is to expose opportunities that are available and to facilitate people coming together.”

She says Encana has employed Dwight Dorey as an Aboriginal and Community Liaison Advisor. His role is to open lines of communication between the identified groups and Encana, share information about business opportunities, and provide analysis/advice to Encana’s management team. More information on his work can be found at http://www.encana. com/operations/offshore/deeppanuke/communityinformation/ P1201106922053.html.

MacLean says business opportunities with the Deep Panuke project are listed online at www.bids.ca.

“If you are a member of Offshore/ Onshore Technology Association (OTANS), they issue a daily bulletin to their members that includes business opportunities with Deep Panuke,” MacLean says.

She says Encana is also encouraging young Nova Scotians to look at careers in the energy industry. Encana spon-

sors an annual youth award presented to enterprising young Nova Scotian scientists and inventors.

“We’re trying to encourage young people in careers in science, engineering, and mathematics – the basic courses you need for a career in our industry,” MacLean says. “So we’re encouraging young people to get involved in science fairs, so that they can become aware that the type of groundwork they’re gaining, can be a help to them in their future careers.”

The Encana website, www.encana.com/ deeppanuke/business has been set up as a “matchmaking” service, with links to the Black Business Initiative, the Centre for Women in Business, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network, and Ulnooweg’s Aboriginal Business Directory, among other organizations.

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Fall 2009

29

Business & Community Events December 3

December 9

March 6 - March 14

2010 BBI Directory Launch & Christmas Social

Halifax Chamber of Commerce

2010 Tim Hortons Brier

For info: 426-2224 www.bbi.ns.ca December 4

The Whiney Pier Youth Club First Annual

Cape Breton Screaming Eagles Community Cup 6:30pm Cost: $5 or donation at the door.

For info contact: Wayne MacKay: wpyc01@gmail.com or 902.578.8752 Joe Menchefskit: joe@innoverus.ca or 902.371.4335

United by Song - a night of women’s stories & songs

Harmony Bazaar presents, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Montréal Massacre Avalon Sexual Assault Centre fundraiser 7:00pm The Company House, 2202 Gottingen St., Halifax Tickets: $25 (at The Company House) For tickets and info: 404-3050 December 5

More To Me Than Meets The Eye - workshop The Association of Black Social Workers REV. DAMON GILYARD,Corinthian Baptist Church in New Jersey 10:00 am – 12:30 pm North Branch Library, Gottingen St., Halifax Cost: $10/Members; $20/non For info: NSABSW@gmail.com; 494-1190

- Premier Darrell Dexter Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel 11:30 for 12 Tel: 468-7111 www.halifaxchamber.com December 12 The Black Cultural Society / Centre Presents

“The Sweet Sounds of Christmas”

7:00 p.m The Black Cultural Centre 1149 Main Street, Dartmouth Admission fee: $10.00 (adults), $5.00 (students) and children (six and under) admitted free.

Bring the entire family!

Tickets on sale now.

For more information call: 434-6223 in HRM or 1-800-465-0767 outside Metro December 31 ANSMA & PBBA presents

New Years JAM 2010 w/DJ LOONEY TUNEZ 9:00PM-2:00AM Army-Navy-Air Force Club 137 Main Street, Dartmouth $35 p/p; $60 p/c for tickets & info call: 404-3036 or 452-0682 Everyone is Welcome!

Halifax Metro Centre T: 451-1221 www.ticketatlantic.com March 4-7

2010 East Coast Music Awards, Festival & Conference Sydney, Cape Breton, NS. For Info: Phone: 902.892.9040; Fax: 902.892.9041 E: ecma@ecma.ca August 13-20

2010 New Glasgow Black Gala Homecoming Contact: Sajai M. Dorrington-Sheppard, Tel: 902-755-3793

Correction: In Issue 43, in Black to Business, the Trailblazers feature we incorrectly identified Rev. Glenn Gray as Wayne Gray.

B2B apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused.

January 9

The ANSMA 12th Annual Music Awards & Show

The Schooner Showroom, Casino Nova Scotia 7:00PM for tickets & info call: 404-3036 www.ansma.com

Rev. Glenn Gray New Beginnings Ministry

The Race to Business Success

The Black Business Initiative is proud to host the 7th Black Business Summit Workshops Boat Cruise Golf Tournament Biz Show

Networking Trade Show Keynote Speakers AGM Dinner & Dance

jUNE 23–25, 2010 Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel , Halifax, Nova Scotia

For more information, please call 902·426·2224 or visit our web site at www.bbi.ca

Charity Golf Tournament

T

he BBI wishes to thank all the golfers, hole sponsors and companies that donated prizes. This event would not be possible without your support!

If undeliverable return to: The Black Business Initiative Centennial Building Suite 1201,1660 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1V7

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