Weekly Updates: April 30, 2025 🚀
Big News: Alfred Wins an Award, Meet Tribe's Emerging Leaders, and We're Hiring a Marketing Intern!
Ubuntu: I am because we are.
That was the core message of Alfred’s address to the crowd at the Public Policy Forum's Annual Testimonial Dinner, where he received the Emerging Leader Award.
In his speech, he talked about how hard it can be, in today’s tumultuous world, to find the light. But his message was also a reminder that it’s often in this midst of uncertainty and challenge where real leadership begins—when young people choose to channel their energy, frustrations, and drive into something productive and lasting.
A message that echoed throughout his words was the spirit of Ubuntu: I am because we are.
He reflected on the sacrifices many immigrant parents, like his, make in pursuit of a better life, and how those difficult decisions to start over— to rebuild from scratch—can alter not just the trajectory of one family, but of entire communities and generations. Witnessing that kind of resilience up close teaches you everything you need to know about leadership: the value of pursuing excellence, the power of perseverance, and the importance of community.
And that’s what we want to focus on this week — not just the award, but the many forms that leadership takes across our network…
Here are just a few our very own emerging leaders we’re proud to know and support:
🌱 Tiffani Young & Emmanuel Itiveh
Tiffani is the founder and CEO of Natural Butter Bar—if you’ve been by our office, you’ve definitely seen her products. Emmanuel is the founder and CEO of Zino Consulting, an agency that offers a suite of business strategy and leadership services.
Together, they recently hosted Uncover Your Essence, a youth-led conference for high school students exploring identity, empowerment, and purpose. The event
brought together over 1000 students, and we were honoured to be a part of it and to witness the impact of their vision firsthand.
🌊 Nicholas LaValle
As founder and CEO of CleanValley, Nicholas is leading a cleantech team working at the intersection of sustainability and innovation. Based in Atlantic Canada, his company is developing specialized tools and services that help protect our waters and build a cleaner future.
🌸 Irene Saliendra and Mukisa Kakembo
Co-founders of FemEntity, Irene and Mukisa are building a platform dedicated to helping women access wellness and medical professionals. Their work is allowing women, especially women of colour, thrive!
These are the kinds of leader who keep us inspired. They’re not pointing fingers and waiting for change—they’re creating it.
So yes, we’re celebrating both Alfred’s win, and what it stands for— a step forward for all youth and anyone looking to create meaningful change in the world. Not to mention, leadership that’s rooted in community, progress that’s driven by collaboration, and a future that’s being shaped by brilliant people right here in our network.
Remember, I am because we are. And we rise because others lift us.
Join Tribe as a Social Media Marketing Intern 🤳🏼
We’re looking for a Social Media Marketing Intern to join our team this Summer and Fall! Our Social Media Marketing Intern will support with social media content creation, research and strategy, and community management. They will also lead the curation and development of Tribe’s weekly newsletter, and provide technical and promotional assistance for our ongoing events. This is a hybrid role.
Send your resume and cover letter to hr@tribenetwork.ca.
Tribe’s Residence Mailboxes 📩
We’re excited to introduce our new Residence Mailbox service—a secure, professional mailing address designed to support entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. When you rent one, you get:
📬 A secure, private mailbox at 1717 Barrington St
📨 Package acceptance & notifications: we’ll hold your deliveries and notify you when they arrive
💸 Flexible leasing: choose from 3, 6, or 12 months
😌 Bonus perks: get access to Wi-Fi, our kitchenette, and our welcoming co-working space.
Tribe’s AI Launchpad | Tribe x Scale AI
Meet Tribe AI Launchpad—an exciting accelerator program powered by Tribe Network and Scale AI!
With our new program, you can get access to up to $50,000 in funding, expert mentorship, and invaluable industry connections to take your AI solutions to the next level. 💸💡
This is your chance to fast-track your growth and contribute to Canada’s booming AI ecosystem. We’re looking for innovative startups and SMEs with applied AI solutions that can transform supply and value chains!
Show Tribe Some Love! 🧡
If you’ve attended a Tribe event, participated in one of our programs, or just love what we do—let us know! Leaving a review on Google helps us grow, reach more entrepreneurs, and continue building a stronger community.
Things to Read, Watch & Listen To
📰 Read: What Makes You a Unicorn in Your Industry? | Entrepreneur
If you’re looking to stand out in a crowded industry, this article by Emily Reynolds for Entrepreneur is for you!
It offers clear, practical advice on what it takes to build a business that shines using 4 key pillars: finding a niche, leading with kindness, adopting organizational efficiency, and investing in your team. Whether you’re an early-stage entrepreneur or well on the way to creating something great, this piece is a great reminder of the value of doing one thing really well and with lots of love.
🎥 Watch: Emotional Intelligence: The #1 ability for leaders | Big Think+
Daniel Goleman, former science journalist and emotional intelligence expert, breaks down why he thinks emotional intelligence will be the most important qualities for leaders to have in the future, even more than IQ.
He covers the four main domains of emotional intelligence—self-management, self-awareness, relationship management, social awareness—and their impact on teamwork and leadership. It’s a thoughtful and informative watch for anyone looking to set themselves apart as a leader!
🎧 Listen: Jerry Colonna: From Venture Capitalist to Conscious Leader | Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People
Curious about what leading with the heart truly looks like?
In this episode of Remarkable People, Jerry Colonna shares his journey from venture capitalist to executive coach, and opens up about the deep connection between leadership, mental health, and belonging. He talks about speaking up against injustice, the harmful effects of exclusion, and how we can all play our part in creating safe spaces where people feel they belong!
Intellectual Property 101 | Springboard Atlantic
May 7th | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join Springboard Atlantic for lunch on Wednesday, May 7 and learn about the importance of intellectual property. In this IP 101 session, we’ll talk about the various forms of IP, the pros and cons of each, and tips on how to develop an IP strategy.
HCi3’s 2025 Grant Program | HCi3
Various deadlines
The Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation, and Impact (HCi3) Fund is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects advancing a just and equitable low-carbon transition in Halifax/Kjipuktuk.
Catalyst Grants – Up to $10,000 for emerging ideas (rolling intake until Nov 15)
Acceleration Grants – Up to $75,000 for collaborative initiatives (EOIs due May 5)
If you're building climate solutions in housing, transportation, community energy, or beyond—this is for you.
SheBoot 2025 Program | SheBoot
Apply by May 2nd
Designed and delivered by women investors and entrepreneurs for women founders, SheBoot program equips female entrepreneurs with the skills and legal, financial, and go-to-market know-how to pitch your business and secure investment.
Advisor Access Program | CGLCC
Various sessions from May - December
The Advisor Access program offers structured sessions and personalized one-on-one networking with expert advisors, tailored specifically for newcomer entrepreneurs. Entrepreneur participants will engage in expert-facilitated discussions on common business challenges, specifically addressing the needs of 2SLGBTQI+ newcomer entrepreneurs. Each session will focus on a specific theme, offering tailored insights and actionable strategies.
Public Impact Award | Research NS
Nominate someone before May 15, 2025 at 1p.m. (AST)
Do you know a researcher who deserves to be spotlighted and celebrated for their work that has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society?
The recipient of the Public Impact Award is someone who has dedicated their research to respond to the needs of society. They are solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.
Africville Heritage Trust Scholarship | Africville Museum
Apply before June 30th
The AHT have established a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to former residents and descendants of former Africville residents pursuing post secondary education, as well as to students who demonstrate an effort to further the purpose of the Society through community advocacy, research, publications and training. The scholarship is possible through a donation of $100,000 in seed money from the law firm, Waterbury Newton.
$30M to Scale Canada’s Ambition in AI
Sign up for an upcoming info session
Scale AI is announcing the immediate availability of $30 million to support high-impact AI projects that will contribute to structuring and strengthening Canada’s position in this strategic sector.
This initiative is open to all Canadian companies. Priority will be given to initiatives that advance the commercialization of AI-driven products and solutions, with a particular emphasis on those that enhance productivity and deliver measurable value across supply chains.
Nova Scotia Loyal | Producer Application
In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for Canadians to come together and support each other. One powerful way to do that is by making your product stand out as authentically Nova Scotian with the Nova Scotia Loyal sticker!
Nova Scotia Loyal is a government program designed to make it easier for Nova Scotians to identify, purchase, and support local products. When you see a Nova Scotia Loyal sticker or tag on a product, you know that it’s Nova Scotian.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital | ICTC
WIL Digital is an innovative work placement program that benefits both employers and students. WIL Digital helps employers grow their businesses by providing a wage subsidy of up to 50% of a student’s salary up to $5,000, or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students. WIL Digital is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). ICTC is among the first organizations to deliver this program.
Startup Atlantic Events Hub | Startup Atlantic
Startup Atlantic has launched a new events calendar that serves as a one-stop hub for all startup events happening across the country. It includes things like workshops, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and much more. Check it out!
Join BEKH’s Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map | Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Canadian Black entrepreneurship ecosystem map will provide nation-wide visibility of your organization and services you provide as well as the Black Entrepreneurs you serve to customers, funders/investors, procurement opportunities, and more!
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.
Resources: Jobs, Grants, and Scholarships & More🔍
RESOURCES
JOBS
Finance & Admin Support Specialist | Celebrate Your Curves
Reconciliation Training Facilitators | Joint Economic Development Initiative
Social Media Marketing Intern | Tribe Network
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
PROGRAMS
MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning Programs | various programs for youth ages 12-19
The Taking Root Program | support and resources for BIPOC and/or newcomer entrepreneurs to kick-start selling at the farmers’ market
GRANTS
Amber Grants (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US or Canada)
Her Rise MicroGrant (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US)
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.
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