Weekly Updates: July 16, 2025 🚀
The art of Balance, Tribe hosts YWCA and Sobeys School of Business Indigenous Students Camp, Tribe welcomes Marlon and Accelerate Tech is still accepting applicants.
Balance As A Way Of Life
It’s Rocco here, and this week I’m taking over the newsletter.
A bit about me — I’m a proud African Nova Scotian, born and raised right here in Nova Scotia. And if you’re on the hunt for the best commerce student at Saint Mary’s, you’ve found him. (If I don’t hype myself up, who will? 😂)
I’m your typical full time student and work part-time as an Outreach Engagement Intern here at tribe. And on some weekends, you’ll find me casting a fishing line at sunrise. I like to think of myself as the Batman of my own little life — wearing different hats and switching roles depending on the day.
And with all the hats I wear, the one thing that keeps me grounded is balance — staying aligned while reaching for what’s ahead, without burning out.
To me, balance isn’t a one-time thing, I’ve made it my way of life and my special superpower. It’s what allows me to show up fully, stay connected to my purpose, and keep growing.
Here are a few ways I incorporate BALANCE into my day-to-day life to stay on top of things:
Ways To Practice Balance
1. Balance between leading and listening
In the little ways I’ve led — and from being under strong leadership, I’ve learned that being in charge isn’t always about being front and centre. It’s about knowing when to guide and when to support. And you can’t guide or support effectively if you don’t first listen. There’s a time to step up and a time to step back. Getting that balance right helps me be more effective, whether I’m leading a project or just showing up for someone.
2. Balance between tradition and progress
As an African Nova Scotian who carries a legacy of resilience and holds my history close to my chest, I’ve come to see how important it is to stay open-minded. I let my history and traditions shape me, but I also recognize the pace at which the world is changing. That means making room for new ways of thinking and growing. For me, balance here means honouring the past while making space for the future.
3. Balance between academics and community
Being a full-time student takes a lot of focus and time — and it’s one of my top priorities. But I also know how much community has poured into me and shaped who I am. Giving back matters. Balance, for me, is knowing when to put my head down and study, and when to show up and serve. Commerce gives me the technical skills, but it’s community work that teaches me how to lead with heart.
4. Balance between showing up for others and recharging myself
I’m someone who loves to show up for my community, my friends, and my family. It brings me fulfilment. But I’m also very intentional about making time to reset and recharge. That’s what keeps me from burning out. You simply can’t show up for others if you’re running on an empty tank. I’ve learned that I do my best work and make the most impact when I’m well-rested and centred.
A few ways I do this are:
I start my mornings fishing before sunrise—there’s no better reset than being by the water
Backyard BBQs with music and laughter keep me connected to joy and culture
I love long drives with no destination, just a good playlist and a coastal breeze
When I need stillness, I unplug, sit by the ocean, or walk a quiet trail
You’ll find me at community events, supporting local, and staying rooted in what matters
Speaking of community events…
YWCA Graduation
Last week tribe had the privilege of hosting the YWCA Halifax at our headquarters.
It was their final session and graduation, an event that marked the closing of one chapter for these incredible founders.
A huge shoutout to the YWCA team for the work they are doing to empower women entrepreneurs across our community.
We look forward to seeing where you all go next and are here to support in whatever ways we can.
Indigenous Students Camp SMU visits Tribe HQ.
We also welcomed the Indigenous Students Camp from SMU’s Sobey School of Business, who visited Tribe HQ as part of their tour to learn about business and management.
The students took part in a friendly pitch competition where they were challenged to create completely new products using random everyday objects and pitch them to potential buyers. Their creativity, teamwork, and the way they made sure each business idea gave back to their community was truly inspiring - showing just how much potential this next generation of leaders holds.
The Tribe Teams Grows
To wrap up the week, we’re excited to officially welcome Marlon Thompson to the Tribe Network team as our new Founder Growth Coach.
Marlon brings over a decade of experience working at the intersection of innovation, economic inclusion, and community building. He’s a startup founder, seasoned executive, and early-stage investor who understands what it takes to build and back bold ideas.
Some highlights from his journey:
Founder of Opening Round — an inclusive advisory firm supporting early-stage startups and progressive venture investors
Founder of Future Capital — a platform focused on equity in venture capital, acquired by Spring Activator in 2023
Board Member at QueerTech — Canada’s leading organization working to queer the tech ecosystem
Marlon has been connected to Tribe since the early days, and we’re thrilled to have him on board in this new role. We know he’ll continue to make a meaningful impact on our community and the founders we support.
🚀 Still Accepting Applications: Accelerate Tech
We’ve launched Accelerate Tech — a high-performance venture support program built for racialized founders building tech-enabled solutions or digital products across Canada.
This isn’t startup advice in theory — it’s real coaching, capital access, and founder community for those ready to validate, build, and scale with confidence.
Program benefits include:
1:1 milestone-driven coaching
Capital readiness and investor connections
Workshops led by startup operators and mentors
A peer network of ambitious tech founders
Visibility, accountability, and national exposure
📅 Program runs July 28, 2025 – March 31, 2026
⏳ Apply by July 21, 2025
If you’re ready to move faster and grow stronger, apply now and fuel your tech startup journey.
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: The Evolution of a Creative Entrepreneur: Doodle Breaks and the rise of AI
Melissa Lloyd went from burnout to building two creative businesses; Doodle Breaks and Agility Hub.
This article breaks down how she turned mindfulness into a business, embraced AI early, and now helps others do the same.
A quick and inspiring read for founders navigating change.
🎥 Watch: Yes, you can be an entrepreneur too | Saamra Mekurina-Grillo
In this inspiring TED Talk, entrepreneur Saamra Mekuria‑Grillo breaks down how young racialized founders can start strong; offering insight, confidence, and clarity.
A short, powerful watch that every founder should see 🎯
🎧 Listen: Breaking Barriers: Black Tech Founders on Innovation and Access
Black tech founders continue to push boundaries in innovation but access to capital and networks still isn’t equal.
In this episode, serial entrepreneurs Erin Horne McKinney and John Pasmore break down how they’re moving through the system, building real solutions, and what it takes to grow as a racialized founder in tech.
A sharp listen for anyone navigating entrepreneurship and impact.
Opportunity for Ocean Innovators 🌊
Applications are now open for the Ocean Startup Challenge, a national program supporting early-stage ocean innovators (TRL 5 and under) working on sustainable, ocean-focused solutions.
15 selected teams from across Canada will receive up to $25,000 in funding, along with:
Business development programming
One-on-one mentorship with Executives-in-Residence and industry experts
National networking opportunities
In-kind support from ecosystem partners
The program runs from September 2025 to March 2026 and is designed to help founders move from idea to validated business through customer discovery, market strategy, and financing readiness.
🗓️ Info Sessions:
June 18 (English)
June 25 (French)
July 16 (English)
📅 Application deadline: July 20, 2025
(rolling admissions — early applications encouraged)
Integrative Sex and Relationship Therapy with Anahata (Group Therapy Sessions for Men)
This one is for the men. Ready to show up differently—in your partnerships, your friendships, your family, and with yourself?
We entreat you to join this 6-week, in-person group therapy experience for men who want to grow emotionally, communicate more clearly, and build deeper, healthier connections—with themselves and others.
📍 In person
✅ Now enrolling
🗓️ 6 weekly sessions
This is a safe, supportive space to unpack old messages about masculinity, reflect on your experiences, and build real, respectful relationships—with your partner, your family, and yourself.
✨ New to Canada? We also offer a dedicated edition of this group specifically for immigrant men adjusting to life in a new country. Explore how migration impacts identity, emotions, and connection—alongside others who understand the journey.
Space is limited—register today to reserve your spot.
For General Population: Tuesdays, starting September 9th
For Immigrant Men: Wednesdays, starting September 24th
🎓 New Online Course: Responsible AI for Business Leaders
Ready to lead responsibly in the age of AI?
We’re excited to share that ShiftKey Academy UP, in partnership with Dr. Frank Rudzicz from Dalhousie University, has launched a new 10-week online course designed just for business leaders, decision-makers, and innovators — no coding skills required!
What you’ll gain:
✅ Tools to evaluate ethical risks in AI systems
✅ Strategies for transparent and accountable AI use
✅ Insights into legal, regulatory, and governance best practices
✅ A capstone project and a digital certificate to boost your credibility
📅 Start Date: August 1st (rolling enrolment — sign up by Canada Day for 50% off!)
⏳ Duration: 10 weeks | 15–20 hours total | 100% online & self-paced
Equity Seats:
ShiftKey is offering 15 fully funded spots for folks from underrepresented communities in tech — including women, African Nova Scotian/Black, and Mi’kmaq/First Nations professionals. If this is you (or someone you know), apply now!
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:
2026 Halifax Business Awards
Nominations close September 5th
Nominations for the 2026 Halifax Business Awards are officially open.
Nominate yourself. Nominate your faves. Nominate that café that knows your order by heart.
Finalists get bragging rights, big-stage moments, and serious buzz. Nominations close September 5 — don’t sleep on your glow-up!
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.
JOB BOARD
Job Opportunity: Community Navigator – HRM
Organization: Clean Foundation
Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Role Type: Full-Time
Clean Foundation is hiring a Community Navigator – HRM to support community engagement and sustainability programming. Applications are strongly encouraged from Black/African Nova Scotians as part of Clean Foundation’s commitment to Employment Equity.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Opportunity: Community Navigator – Cape Breton
Organization: Clean Foundation
Location: Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Role Type: Full-Time
Clean Foundation is hiring a Community Navigator – Cape Breton to foster relationships and support inclusive, sustainable community initiatives. Applications are strongly encouraged from Black/African Nova Scotians in alignment with Clean Foundation’s employment equity goals.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Opportunity: Human Resources Coordinator
Organization: Clean Foundation
Location: Nova Scotia
Role Type: Full-Time
Clean Foundation is hiring a Human Resources Coordinator to support inclusive hiring and workforce development strategies. Applications are encouraged from Black/African Nova Scotians as part of the organization’s employment equity efforts.
Salary Range: $54,000 – $58,000
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Job Opportunity: Assistant Registrar, Recruitment and Admissions
Organization: Dalhousie University
Location: Nova Scotia
Role Type: Full-Time
Dalhousie University is hiring an Assistant Registrar, Recruitment and Admissions to join its Enrollment Services team. This position is designated for candidates who self-identify as persons of Black/African descent, with a particular emphasis on African Nova Scotians. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing inclusive recruitment and admissions strategies across the university.
Salary Range: $59,555 – $79,673
Application Deadline: July 24
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
GRANTS
HCi3 Grants | for innovative projects that help Halifax/Kjipuktuk reach its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 (Acceleration Grant, fall intake: October 24th; Catalyst Grant: applications accepted on a rolling basis, through Nov 15th)
Amber Grants | for majority women-owned businesses registered in the US or Canada (applications accepted every month)
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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