Events

VibeCoding Welcome to VibeCoding - where tech meets creativity in a vibrant atmosphere! Join us for a day filled with discussion, problem solving, design, and inspiration. Are you an educator looking to learn about Creting solutions with AI from natural language prompts, an entrepreneur with a new Killer-App that they need to bring into the light of day or a student learning to develop marketable skills; Welcome to Vibe Coding! This in-person event is perfect for tech enthusiasts, designers, and anyone looking to explore the intersection of technology and design. Dive into a hands-on workshop, network with like-minded individuals, and unleash your creative potential. Don't miss out on this opportunity to vibe with fellow entrepreneurs, developers and creators! See you there! Presented in partnership with VOLTA, supporting founders across Nova Scotia. VibeNetworking: Friday, October 17 - 5:00 to 7:00 VibeCoding: Saturday, October 18, 10:30 to 3:00 Location: CBU Multiversity Room (Across from Security)

Join us for a relaxed and energizing evening of connection at our Business After Hours, immediately following the Small Business Big Growth Summit. Our Business After Hours events provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, reflect on the day’s insights, and build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and growth-minded professionals. Enjoy casual conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere where big ideas and lasting partnerships can take root. Whether you're looking to follow up on a summit conversation, expand your network, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this is the space to make it happen. Have a burning question about your business? Stop by one of our Ask an Expert booths at the event, where seasoned professionals will be available to offer quick tips, guidance, and real-time advice tailored to small business owners.

Overview We are excited to have Michelle McCann, owner of Bold and Italic leading this workshop to help rural businesses maximize their marketing! Join us for a community-focused education session on marketing designed especially for rural businesses. Together, we’ll explore simple, practical ways to share your story, reach more customers, and celebrate local products and services. This session will highlight how marketing can strengthen community connections, encourage local support, and grow your business.

2 Speakers and Social event. Pizza and Pop included. Join us for an evening of Data Science talks and networking!

Details Join us as Graham MacDougall shares what it’s really like to practice UX and Service Design within Agile teams. Drawing from real-world projects, he’ll show how methods like research, journey mapping, and blueprinting can be woven into fast-paced work without losing sight of what matters to users. We’ll look at practical ways to integrate discovery into delivery, collaborate across disciplines, and keep a user-centred focus even when timelines are tight. It will be an interactive session with time to ask questions, exchange ideas, and reflect on how to make design more effective and influential in Agile environments. Agenda 7:00 PM Doors open, networking time 7:15 PM Introductions from the event hosts, Nata and Ruby 7:20 PM Designing in Agile: Lessons from the field with Graham MacDougall 7:50 PM Q&A 8:15 PM Networking and wrap-up 8:45 PM Doors close Speaker Bio Graham MacDougall is a digital strategist and UX practitioner with over 25 years of experience helping teams design and deliver exceptional digital products. He’s worked across broadcasting, advertising, education, and tech — from national media brands to startups — leading projects that blend business goals with user needs. Drawing on his background in Service Design, content strategy and analytics, Graham focuses on connecting insights to results. He’s […]

While many countries face mounting challenges in funding retirement for their citizens, Canada’s approach has drawn global attention for its resilience and results. In this fireside chat, John Graham, President & CEO of CPP Investments, will reflect on the factors that have shaped the CPP Fund’s growth, long-term stability and success. From its origins to its role in today’s economy, Graham will offer an inside look at how CPP Investments manages one of the world’s largest pension funds, and what drives its performance. He’ll also share his perspectives on navigating global markets, the importance of staying focused on the long term, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. This candid conversation will provide a rare glimpse into how Canada’s national pension investment manager is positioning the Fund for the decades to come. Meet Your Speaker John Graham President & Chief Executive Officer - CPP Investments John Graham President & Chief Executive Officer, CPP Investments John was appointed President & CEO of CPP Investments in February 2021. He is responsible for leading the organization on its critical mission: to help ensure a strong foundation of financial security in retirement for millions of Canadians. The CPP Fund has over C$714 billion in assets under […]

Join Springboard Atlantic and the Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) for an afternoon of engaging dialogue, insight-sharing, and solution-building focused on intellectual property (IP) and innovation in Atlantic Canada. Afternoon Forum | Powering Cleantech Scale-Ups: IP, Innovation & Investment Agenda October 22, 2025, at The Pier, Halifax Lunch: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Attendees from both the morning and afternoon events are invited to join us for lunch. Afternoon: 1:30 PM- 5:30 PM Powering Cleantech Scale-Ups: IP, Innovation, and Investment will bring together local cleantech companies to highlight how robust IP strategies intersect with investment readiness and cleantech commercialization. Event Flow MC: Erin Pisko, VP, IP Strategy, IAC 1:30 PM: Welcome and introductions – Mike McLean, CEO, Innovation Asset Collective 1:40 PM: Keynote from Dr. Mina Mekhail, CEO & Founder, Freshr Technologies 1:50 PM: Fireside Chat: Founder & Funder with:· Mina Mekhail, CEO & Founder, Freshr Technologies Matt Stanley, Partner, Climate Tech Fund, BDC 2:10 PM: Panel: Building an Invisible Portfolio Moderator: Ashley Hobb, VP of External Relations Speaker: Mark Snow, VP, IP and Quality, Solace Power Speaker: Jennifer Fuccillo, Investment Principal, Clean and Ocean Technology, Invest Nova Scotia Speaker: TBA 2:45 PM: Break 3:05 PM: CIPO: Registering in Canada Speaker: Lisa Desjardins, Manager, Business Services Design & Development at CIPO 3:25 PM: Fireside Chat: Building […]

Discover Futurpreneur’s mentorship & financing for young founders. Thu, Oct 23, 12–1 pm at IGNITE Yarmouth. Lunch provided. Date and time Thursday, October 23 · 12 - 1pm ADT Location IGNITE Atlantic 208 Main Street Yarmouth, NS B5A 1C7 Good to know Highlights: 1 hour, In Person About this event Business • Startups Join us for a practical Lunch & Learn with Futurpreneur—a national nonprofit that supports young entrepreneurs with startup financing, mentorship (up to two years), and resources to plan, launch, and grow. You’ll learn what programs exist, who’s eligible, and how to get started—plus tips on making the most of mentorship and funding pathways. Lunch is provided. What you’ll learn: An overview of Futurpreneur’s core offerings (financing, mentorship, tools & workshops). Eligibility basics and how the application process works (especially for ages 18–39). Program pathways and supports for diverse founders (e.g., Indigenous and Black entrepreneur programs, side-hustle support). How to prepare a strong application and leverage mentorship for the first 24 months. Who should attend: Early-stage founders, side-hustlers, and aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those exploring mentorship and accessible financing options. (Futurpreneur programs primarily serve ages 18–39 who meet eligibility.) Otni Chinenere Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur Canada Otni supports aspiring entrepreneurs across […]