Weekly Updates: December 10, 2025🚀
An important power move before the holidays, big founder opportunities you don’t want to miss, and some soul-warming reads, watches, and playlists to close the year right
Before You Close Your Laptop...
A year-end checklist for founders who want to finish strong and start smarter.
December is a funny month. It feels like there’s all the time in the world until suddenly there isn’t.
And if you’re building something... whether it’s a full-time business, a passion project, or a “just-getting-started” idea... the way you close out the year matters.
Because what you don’t wrap up now? It’s coming with you into January.
The receipts you didn’t file. The files you didn’t back up. The goals you didn’t pause to check in on. It all rolls over.
This isn’t about being perfect or having it all figured out. It’s about clearing space so that you can start the new year with focus, momentum, and less chaos.
So without further ado [ drumroll….. ]Here’s your end-of-year checklist. It’s made for real-life founders who want to finish 2025 grounded and begin 2026 with clarity.
🧾 Financials: Let’s Get Honest with the Numbers
You don’t want to enter January guessing what happened with your money. Run the numbers now so tax season isn’t a disaster and next year’s planning actually makes sense.
❑ Download your income and expense reports (from Stripe, Square, Wave, or wherever you track)
❑ Reconcile your bank accounts and make sure everything’s logged
❑ Collect and organize any receipts or invoices still hanging in your inbox
❑ Set aside time to review your cash flow; not just how much came in, but where it went
❑ Estimate your profit or loss for the year, even if it’s just a rough snapshot
❑ If you have a bookkeeper or accountant, check in early before tax season chaos hits
💼 Admin: Tie Up Loose Ends
A messy backend will always slow you down. Handle the small but crucial stuff now so you’re not tripping over it when things ramp up again.
❑ Renew or check on your business registration
❑ Back up your website, content, and client files
❑ Review your subscription tools and platforms. Are you still using them?
❑ Archive or clean out your business email and shared drives. Digital clutter is still clutter
❑ Update your terms, pricing, or packages if you’ve been meaning to
❑ Set your out-of-office message if you’re stepping away
📊 Business Review: Know What Worked (and What Didn’t)
If you don’t look back, you risk repeating the same missteps or forgetting your wins. Give yourself a minute to reflect before jumping into what’s next.
❑ Jot down your top three wins, no matter how small they feel
❑ Reflect on your hardest lesson or biggest pivot
❑ Check in with your goals from last January. Did they evolve? Are they still relevant?
❑ Look at your audience growth, engagement, or sales trends. What did good? and what didn’t?
❑ Ask yourself: What drained me? What lit me up?
🧠 Strategy: Don’t Just Look Back. Look Ahead
January you will thank December you. This is your window to map out some direction while things are still quiet. No pressure, just a rough game plan.
❑ Block out planning time before the year starts rolling again
❑ Revisit or revise your mission, values, or brand story
❑ Map out one to three big goals for Q1. Keep it focused
❑ Identify what support you’ll need: funding, mentorship, hires, tech tools
❑ Build or revisit your dream team list. Who do you want to learn from or collaborate with?
❤️ Reflection: You Built Something This Year. That Matters
Endings deserve a pause. Even if it wasn’t your biggest year, it was still a building year. Don’t skip the part where you give yourself some credit.
❑ Write a quick reflection. What did I learn this year as a founder?
❑ Say thank you. To your customers, collaborators, mentors, or even yourself
❑ Celebrate the fact that you showed up, learned, and built. Even if you’re still figuring it out
Your business can only run on fumes for so long and so can you.
Now, before You Log Off...
Take one last deep breath. Pull the lesson from the chaos. And give yourself a little credit, because this path isn’t easy, but it’s yours.
Whether you’re closing out your first year or your fifth, know that you’re part of a network of builders doing the same.
So enjoy the holidays. Spend time with your people. Laugh a lot, rest even more, and soak up what brings you joy.
We’ll see you in the new year; rested, ready, and rooted.
Tribe Named Nominating Partner for National Innovation Awards
Tribe Network is honoured to become a nominating partner for the Governor General’s Innovation Awards.
These awards recognize outstanding Canadian individuals, teams, and organizations — trailblazers shaping our future and inspiring the next generation. We’re proud to help spotlight innovators from our community and beyond whose work is moving the ecosystem forward.
Register to be part of Startup Huddle Halifax – January
In partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). This event provides founders with a safe space to share their biggest challenges, receive constructive feedback, and connect with mentors, peers, and community members.
Unlike a pitch competition, Startup Huddle is about authentic stories, real challenges, and collective problem-solving.
You can read the official press release about this exciting collaboration here.
Why Attend?
As an attendee, you’ll:
· Hear candid stories from local founders.
· Be part of the feedback loop that helps ventures grow.
· Connect with mentors, investors, and innovators across Atlantic Canada.
Why Apply?
As a founder/ Participant you’ll:
· Share your venture and biggest challenge in a 6-minute presentation.
· Gain 20 minutes of constructive feedback from peers and mentors.
· Build visibility in Halifax’s ecosystem and join a global Startup Huddle community.
Event Details
· Date: January 29th 2025
· Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
· Location: Tribe Network HQ — 1717 Barrington Street, Halifax
This is your chance to be in the room where Nova Scotia’s startup ecosystem comes together, whether you’re stepping up to present or showing up to support.
Let’s put Nova Scotia on the map as a hub of inclusive innovation.
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.
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: Tribe’s Holiday Reads for the Road
Whether you’re flying home, catching a long ride, or finally catching your breath after a full year… sometimes, all you need is a good story to sink into.
Here’s a list of reads we’re loving right now. Some are new, some are timeless, and all are perfect company for that cozy in-between space we call holiday travel.
The Rest of Our Lives by Jason Mott (2025)
A moving, soul-searching novel about a man road-tripping across America to scatter his mother’s ashes and the strangers he meets who shift his journey. Fresh, poetic, and very human.Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Two sisters uncover their Russian mother’s mysterious past, and it’ll stick with you long after the last page. Perfect for those emotional flights or snowy afternoons.The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Historical fiction meets small-town mystery, with a sharp woman protagonist and a 1700s Maine backdrop. Cozy and gripping.The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
If you’ve been reflecting on life choices, this one hits. A woman gets the chance to try out alternate lives and reckon with regrets. Deep, but gentle.Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
A lyrical love story between two Black British artists, full of vulnerability, intimacy, and tension. Short, stunning, and deeply resonant.The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Spanning decades, this story of twin sisters who choose very different lives explores race, identity, and family. The writing? Impeccable.Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson (yes, he made the list twice)
Set between London and Ghana, this one’s all about music, memory, and moving forward. A rhythmic, emotional ride.The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
A magical, wintery fairytale for grown-ups. Quiet, strange, and beautiful. Very much like a snow globe in book form.All About Love by bell hooks
A nonfiction classic for those ready to reflect. Deep, thoughtful, and empowering. Perfect for realignment before the new year.The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
A collection of stories full of wit, longing, and complexity. If you want something you can pick up and put down in small bites, this is it.
🎥 Watch: Holiday Movie Picks (with Extra Flavour)
We’re switching it up this week. Instead of our usual watchlist of docs or startup series, we’re leaning into a cozy season with a festive twist.
Here’s a lineup of Christmas movies that bring comfort, nostalgia, and just enough drama to keep things interesting. Whether you’re unwinding after a busy year, hosting a chill night in, or just need something in the background while you cook up some holiday magic, we’ve got you.
Happy binging (and yes, you’re welcome).
🎧 Listen: Holiday Jazz That Hits Just Right
No lyrics. No chaos. Just smooth, soulful jazz to carry you through the season.
This is a curated cozy little playlist of Christmas jazz instrumentals, perfect for background vibes while you wrap gifts, write your 2026 goals, or decompress from the wild ride that was this year.
Think warm horns, soft piano, and that slow-simmer energy we all need right now. Pour a cup, press play, and let it vibe.
🌍 Call for Applications: Represent Canada at World Governments Summit 2026 (Dubai)
Scale AI is sending a Canadian delegation to the World Governments Summit 2026 in Dubai, and your company could be part of it.
From February 3rd to 5th, 2026, 10–20 Canadian AI and tech companies will present their solutions to global government leaders and take part in high-level discussions on the future of AI in public services.
If you’re a racialized founder building AI for public impact, this is a real chance to:
Share your AI solution directly with international government leaders
Build strategic connections in a fast-growing global market
Raise the profile of Canadian talent in applied AI
Spark new collaborations focused on transforming public services through tech
📅 Deadline to apply: December 16, 2025
📍 Location: Dubai, UAE
🎓 Connect with Your Next Great Hire: Summer Job & New Grad Fair 2026
Looking to grow your team with fresh talent? Registration is now open for the 2026 Summer Job & New Grad Fair, happening Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This in-person event brings together 700+ students from diverse educational backgrounds (undergrad and grad) who are eager to connect with employers hiring for:
Summer jobs
Co-op placements & internships
Entry-level and new grad roles
If you’re building a team and want to tap into future talent, this is a chance to share what you’re about and find your next hire.
📍 Location: In-person (details via registration link)
📅 Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
(⚠️ Booths sell out every year — register early to secure your spot!)
🚀 Join the Next YWCA Halifax Entrepreneurship Cohort – Applications Now Open!
Looking to explore entrepreneurship or take your business idea to the next stage? YWCA Halifax is now accepting applications for their upcoming PowerUp programs, designed for women and gender-diverse folks ready to build or grow their business with the right tools, coaching, and community.
Choose the path that fits where you’re at:
PowerUp Explore
(2 weeks, 2x/week) Starts mid-January 2026
For those exploring if self-employment is the right fit. A low-commitment intro to entrepreneurship.
(Explore happens on Weekdays Mondays and Wednesdays for 2 weeks).
PowerUp Ready
(10 weeks, 1x/week) Starts late January 2026
For early-stage founders who need support with business planning, sales, and financial forecasting.
(Ready happens on Weekdays Thursdays for 10 weeks.)
Both programs include:
✅ 1:1 coaching
✅ Business skill-building
✅ Writing and refining your business plan
✅ Networking with other local entrepreneurs
📍 Location: In-person (YWCA Halifax)
📣 New: Regional Defence Investment Initiative (ACOA)
ACOA just launched the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII), a new funding stream to help Atlantic Canadian businesses tap into Canada’s growing defence and security sectors.
This is a big chance to:
Build capacity
Join defence supply chains
Access funding and support to scale
📍 Info sessions now open
📩 Register by emailing bis-sie@acoa-apeca.gc.ca or calling 1-888-576-4444.
Momentum Business Builder Series
Calling early-stage founders in Truro-Colchester! The Momentum: Business Builder Series is a free, online program helping local entrepreneurs turn big ideas into funded, achievable business plans.
Delivered through a mix of online workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and in-person networking, this program covers:
Business planning essentials
Financial foundations
Guidance from a Business Growth Advisor
A certificate of completion
Access to funding resources
🗓 Workshops: December 11 (evening webinars)
📍 Includes in-person networking and 1:1 mentorship
💬 Contact: kate@trurocolchester.ca
If you’ve got a great idea and need help making it make sense (and make money), this one’s for you.
📢 Supplier Diversity Certification Program Now Open
If you’re a diverse-owned business in Nova Scotia, this is your chance to level up.
The Supplier Diversity Certification Program (SDCP) is now accepting applications. The program helps businesses like yours gain a competitive edge nationally and internationally through official supplier diversity certification — and covers 100% of certification fees (up to $1,000, excl. tax).
You can get certified through one of Canada’s five recognized organizations:
CAMSC (Canadian Aboriginal & Minority Supplier Council)
IWSCC (Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada)
CGLCC (Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce)
WEConnect International Canada
WBE Canada (Women Business Enterprises Canada)
🗓 Applications are open Sept 22, 2025 – Feb 27, 2026 (or until funds run out — so don’t wait).
Questions? Reach out to Tamasha Fernando for support.
Access $10K in digital marketing training at no cost | DMSC
Digital Marketing Skills Canada (DMSC) is offering fully funded professional development programs—valued at up to $10,000 per participant—at no cost to eligible Canadian businesses in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and more.
Whether you're scaling an agtech startup or innovating in advanced manufacturing, DMSC’s expert-led training can help turn your marketing into a growth engine.
Check your eligibility:
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: Grants, and Scholarships & More🔍
RESOURCES
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated | Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated | Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
PROGRAMS
Earth Tech: 2050 and Earth Tech: Adapt (Foresight Canada) | supporting cleantech ventures addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation
The Taking Root Program | support and resources for BIPOC and/or newcomer entrepreneurs to kick-start selling at the farmers’ market
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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