Tribe Network Updates: December 12th, 2024 🚀
Tribe on the Road, Reconnecting with Frank Baylis, Engaging with entrepreneurs in New Brunswick, Networking Events, & more!
Tribe was on the move this past week, making connections from Ontario to New Brunswick.
Tribe in New Brunswick
On the East Coast, Katerina and Dan headed to New Brunswick for two networking events, first at ConnexionWorks in Saint John and then at Planet Hatch in Fredericton. There, they introduced our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EiRs) and shared Tribe’s vision for supporting racialized entrepreneurs in the region.



These events brought together founders, mentors, and community leaders who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in New Brunswick. Dan and Katerina spoke to attendees about how Tribe connects with vibrant communities eager to collaborate on innovative ideas, impactful partnerships, and meaningful mentorship. And a big welcome to Kolawole Oshundiya (Saint John) and Bolaji Akintola (Fredericton), who are joining Tribe as our EiRs.
It was great to engage with entrepreneurs and partners in the New Brunswick region, and we look forward to supporting more entrepreneurs in the region through the support provided by our Entrepreneurs-In-Residence.
Visiting Baylis MedTech in Mississauga
In Ontario, I reconnected with Frank Baylis (Executive Chairman at Baylis MedTech) — one of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs.
He was recently one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Tribe Leaders Summit.
Baylis Medical Technologies seeks to improve the lives of patients through the conception and commercialization of state-of-the-art medical devices.
Frank invited Tribe to visit Baylis Medical Technologies, and while I can’t show everything I saw because of intellectual property rights, I was amazed by what I saw.
Frank and his team grew Baylis Medical Technologies from a modest medical device distribution company founded by his mother, Gloria Baylis, into a multiple-facility operation right here in Canada.
In October 2021, Baylis Medical agreed to the sale of its cardiovascular medical devices business to Boston Scientific Corporation for US$1.75 billion. The acquisition was completed in February 2022. The team at Baylis Medical Technologies continues to develop new medical devices for the industry.


It was great to spend time with Frank and Kris to discuss how they built Baylis Medical into a successful global company from Canada, and to get insights into how we might be able to support more startups and scaleups from underrepresented communities to succeed.
Thank you for hosting me, Frank!
Join the 15-week BUILD Program for Black and racialized entrepreneurs
Are you a Black entrepreneur in Atlantic Canada aiming to grow your business and create lasting impact?
The BSP BUILD Program is your opportunity to achieve that goal. This 15-week virtual program offers a transformative experience, providing expert coaching in key disciplines like leadership, marketing, business development, finance, and more.
By joining the program, you’ll:
Receive personalized coaching to master essential business skills
Build a strong network with other Black entrepreneurs and business leaders
Share and gain practical insights and tools for managing and scaling your business
Be inspired to build purposeful and successful values-driven businesses
To be eligible for this program, you must be an early-stage Black or racialized entrepreneur based in Atlantic Canada.
Applicants will also have a chance to apply for a consultancy advisory services grant, valued at $5,000.
Things to Read, Watch & Listen To
📰 Read: What Every Entrepreneur Can Learn from NCAA Coach Dawn Staley's Leadership Style| Entrepreneur
If you're looking for leadership inspiration, check out the incredible story of NCAA coach Dawn Staley. Her blend of DEI advocacy, mentorship, and team-building has propelled her teams to historic success. Staley’s fearless fight for pay equity and her commitment to building trust through shared values are game-changing lessons for entrepreneurs. She shows how empathy, resilience, and strategic leadership can create winning teams on and off the court. It’s a must-read for anyone aiming to lead with impact!
🎥 Watch: 4 simple ways to have a great idea | Richard St. John | TED
In this captivating talk, Richard St. John reveals how great ideas often emerge from humble beginnings. Drawing on stories from visionaries like Richard Branson, Richard Feynman, and Sam Smith, he offers fresh perspectives on creativity and innovation. This engaging journey through the minds of remarkable thinkers will leave you inspired to embrace the unexpected and turn simple moments into groundbreaking ideas.
🎧 Listen: Trevor Noah ON: How to Turn Bad Experiences into Healing Experiences & Finding Calm in Chaos | On Purpose With Jay Shetty
Trevor Noah gets real and relatable in this episode of On Purpose with Jay Shetty, sharing what it was like growing up in South Africa and how those experiences shaped him. He opens up about finding a sense of "home," the kind of people we choose to keep close, and what it takes to build independence in a new place. Along the way, we talk about self-awareness and staying in tune with your inner thoughts. It’s a mix of humor, heart, and thoughtful insights you won’t want to miss!
Tribe’s Consulting Advisory Services Grant
Applications close January 15th, 2025
The Tribe Consulting Services Grant (CAS) is here to support Black-owned businesses in Atlantic Canada by giving them access to expertise that can drive growth, attract more customers, and help scale their business! Through Tribe Network’s CAS, eligible Black entrepreneurs and businesses gain the opportunity to work with a consultant on a specific project that aligns with their goals. Tribe Network covers consulting costs directly—up to $5,000—based on a clear project scope and signed contract, so you can focus on building and succeeding with confidence!
Dreamer’s Gala | Ulnooweg Education Centre
December 12, 6:00 PM (ADT) | Halifax Convention Centre Ballroom
Enjoy a spectacular evening of food, stories, and music by Indigenous performers!
Ulnooweg Education Centre's 2024 Dreamers Gala will celebrate the efforts to heal the hemlocks and land-based learning initiatives at Asitu'lɨsk.
What to expect:
Performances by award-winning Indigenous artists like Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers
A three-course meal featuring ingredients from Mi’kma’ki
A celebration of our achievements so far in healing the hemlocks and land-based learning initiatives at Asitu'lɨsk.
Buy your tickets and learn more about the event on their website: www.ulnoowegeducation.ca/dreamers-gala
Rural Nova Scotia Tourism Innovation Challenge | IGNITE Atlantic
Deadlines vary
IGNITE is hosting a Rural Nova Scotia Tourism Innovation Challenge—an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs in rural Nova Scotia to bring their tourism business ideas to life. This challenge gives you the chance to showcase a new tourism venture idea and compete for valuable prizes and industry connections.
The event will feature four regional pitch competitions, each with a $1,000 cash prize for the winner. Participants will also have access to invaluable non-cash prizes, including a one-year residency at IGNITE Atlantic and individual coaching sessions with advisors from Tourism Nova Scotia. This is a unique chance to pitch to industry experts, get feedback, and gain exposure for your venture!
Business is Jammin's Role Models on The Road Program
BIJ’s Role Models on the Road initiative is starting back up for this school year, and they are looking for people interested in being mentors.
This program promotes awareness about entrepreneurship while focusing on the importance of education amongst Junior High and High School students. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth or know anyone who is, this is the opportunity for you!
Ecosystem Events
At Tribe, we deeply value community and building relationships. This is why we aim to keep you informed about events happening within the ecosystem that could be beneficial to your personal or professional goals. These events foster relaxation, networking and relationship building and might help you find your Tribe.
Make sure to look through the carefully curated events happening within the community and register for any that catch your eye and work with your schedule. These events are mostly free to attend; however, there might be some paid events.
Jobs, Resources, Business & Funding Opportunities 🔍
RESOURCES
The B.L.A.C.K. Joy Experience | Motion Activities every Monday - Thursday
North End Community Health Centre Clinics and Outreach Services | Available Monday to Friday at various locations
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
National Network of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments Assessors
PROGRAMS
Branching Out Program | Immersive trips to Black and Indigenous communities across NS
RISE Spring 2025 Cohort | Apathy is Boring
GRANTS
JOBS
Director of Human Resources at Nova Scotia Legal Aid
Director, Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation at NPower Canada
Director of Philanthropy at Hospice Halifax
Child and Youth Care Worker at Akoma Family Centre
Marketing Assistant and Content Creator at DB Pearlz Designs
Retail Store Assistant at DB Pearlz Designs
Relief Workers at Phoenix
Youth Outreach Worker at Portal Youth Outreach Association
SCHOLARSHIPS/ INTERNSHIPS
Promotion Requests
At Tribe, our mission is to empower members by offering access to capital, coaching, and a supportive community. We invite individuals and organizations to share opportunities or events with our members by completing this form. Providing us with all the necessary information ensures we can effectively and accurately promote your initiative.
Looking for job or funding opportunities prioritizing racialized candidates? Check out the postings recently added to our Opportunities Portal!
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