ESG for Business Resilience: Thriving in Periods of Uncertainty is a practical, interactive training program designed to help small and medium sized enterprises in Nova Scotia strengthen their competitiveness and resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment. As trade conditions shift, tariffs remain uncertain, and sustainability expectations vary across markets, this program focuses on how the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles can be applied as a strategic business tool – grounded in risk management, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.

Participants will learn how ESG-aligned practices can support business continuity, unlock new opportunities, improve productivity, attract capital, and support market expansion locally, nationally, and globally. The program will show how a “business-first” approach to sustainability can help companies create value, open doors to new partnerships and export opportunities, and position businesses to succeed in an increasingly sustainability focused marketplace.

The training also builds workforce capacity by teaching participants how to identify, measure, and clearly communicate key non-financial sustainability metrics that matter to investors, customers, and supply chain partners. Participants will gain an understanding of the evolving local and global regulatory landscape, how public policy is shaping business expectations, and how transparent reporting builds credibility and trust with investors, customers, and other stakeholders.

In addition, the program focuses on risk mitigation and resilience. Participants will learn how to proactively manage ESG-related risks such as supply chain disruption, regulatory change, climate related impacts, and geopolitical uncertainty. By developing a structured ESG approach, businesses will be better equipped to improve operational efficiency, reduce exposure to external shocks, and build long term resilience in a volatile and uncertain global environment.

Nancy Foran, FCPA, FCMA, C. Dir.

Nancy Foran is a recognized leader in environmental, social, and governance strategy and business sustainability, bringing more than two decades of experience working with organizations, boards of directors, investors, and leadership teams in Canada and internationally. She is the President and Founder of ESG Partners, where she helps organizations move from intention to action by integrating ESG and sustainability practices into core business strategies to create long-term value, manage risk, and strengthen resilience in times of uncertainty.

A Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA) and Chartered Director, Nancy combines deep financial expertise with governance and sustainability leadership. Her background includes senior executive roles with CPA Canada and as Chief Executive Officer of the CMA of Nova Scotia, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, where she led strategy, international expansion, stakeholder engagement, and governance transformation. She has extensive experience developing and delivering education programs for businesses and associations, with a strong focus on ESG strategy, climate related risk, scenario analysis, and sustainability reporting aligned with global frameworks such as IFRS/ISSB, TCFD, GRI, SASB, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Nancy’s work is closely aligned with the goals of the ESG for Business Resilience: Thriving in Periods of Uncertainty training program. She brings practical, real-world insight into how small and medium sized enterprises can use ESG as a strategic tool to improve competitiveness, attract capital, navigate regulatory change, and build operational resilience. Her approach helps businesses understand and communicate non-financial sustainability metrics, manage emerging risks, and position themselves for sustainable growth in an increasingly complex and sustainability focused business environment.