Inclusive Growth Dialogue

Join the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, for an Inclusive Growth Dialogue on Thursday, September 28th.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are central and essential to fairness of opportunity, competitiveness of business, economic growth and our nation’s prosperity. 

As we are in the midst of economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is starting a dialogue series with the Canadian Chamber Network to ensure that we are collectively creating and increasing opportunities and supporting growth for Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia. 

The Inclusive Growth Dialogue is one of the ways through which knowledge and resources of the Chamber Network can be mobilized to be a strong agent for change and advocate to break down barriers to boost the local Black economy.

 

Keynote

Alfred Burgesson (he/him)
Founder & CEO, Tribe Network

Alfred Burgesson is recognized as a 30 Under 30 Innovator by the Atlantic Business Magazine, and a Changemaker by Globe and Mail’s Report on Business. 
 
Alfred is the Founder & CEO of Tribe Network, a community of racialized people pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation - Tribe provides members with access to resources (ie. Community, Capital & Coaching) to start, build, and accelerate their business in Canada.
 
Alfred is a member of the Board of Directors at the Black Opportunity Fund and a member of the Board of Governors at Halifax Grammar School. Alfred is a former member of the Prime Minister’s Youth Council and co-chair of Canada’s first-ever ‘State of the Youth’ Report. 
 
Alfred is a social entrepreneur whose unique talents include convening leaders and the ability to launch grassroots movements and coalitions while utilizing digital tools and technology platforms.




 

Tiffani Young 
Founder & CEO, Natural Butter Bar

Tiffani Young is the CEO of Natural Butter Bar, an award winning company that offers toxin free, 100% plant-based products to help different types of skin and hair look and feel their best. Butter Bar currently offers over 40 natural Butters, Oils, Essential Oils, Gel, Soap, Shampoos & Conditioners.  
 
Tiffani started Butter Bar in December 2020, and has had great success selling products across Canada and the United States while continually looking for ways to expand their reach. The goal is to be everyone’s go to for their hair and skin care needs.
 
Shortly after inception, Tiffani decided to improve the accessibility of her business by offering Braille labels upon request and improving its website to accommodate the visually impaired.  Community is very important to Tiffani and she is continually looking for ways to give back. 
 
Last Year Butter Bar received the award for New Business of the Year (Halifax Chamber of Commerce), Black Business Initiative Entrepreneur of the Year, and was the winner for the first annual Black Women in Excellence Pitch Competition. 
 
Tiffani is a graduate from Saint Mary’s University, Honours in Psychology and Human Resource Management. She is also a wife and a mompreneur with two beautiful kids, Malachi ("Ma-la-kai') and Rayah ("Ray-yah”).
 
Natural Butter Bar, wants to help people fall more in love with the skin they’re in and the kink in hair. 

Nevell Provo 
Entrepreneur

From North Preston- Nova Scotia, a former Division 1 and Team Canada basketball player turned entrepreneur. Nevell studied finance and business at Loyola University in Baltimore, MD and most recently Saint Mary’s University where he is currently finishing his degree.

Nevell and his Family founded Smooth Meal Prep in 2018 while he was a student athlete, and most recently R&B Kitchen. Nevell is also a founding member of the Future’s program, a Non-Profit organization that helps athletes find their potential off the court. He is a board member of the Family Business Association Atlantic, and has a passion for youth and community.




 

Temi Ologbenla 
Founder, Temi Bakes

Temi Ologbenla is a multi-award winning entrepreneur and business coach. As the founder behind Temi Bakes, she embodies the essence of her business: resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Her journey of moving from Toronto to rebuilding her business from scratch in Halifax is a testament to her unwavering commitment to spreading joy through her exquisite creations and making a positive impact on her community.

Temi's commitment to community and entrepreneurship shines through in every aspect of her business. Beyond crafting mouthwatering treats, she has become renowned for fostering connections and creativity within her community. The launch of cake decorating classes at Temi Bakes stands as a testament to her dedication.

​Beyond the walls of her bakery, Temi mentors fellow entrepreneurs, particularly within the BIPOC community, by offering guidance, support, and a compassionate ear. By sharing her insights and experiences at various events, she advocates for the values of diversity and infliction, sparking change in her entrepreneurial landscape.  Demi's participation in community events and promotion of local businesses further strengthens the bonds within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering growth and collaboration. 

In summary, Temi is not just the founder of Temi Bakes; she's a community catalyst, a mentor, an advocate for change, and an inspiration to fellow entrepreneurs. Her journey embodies the values of fostering community, inspiring entrepreneurs, building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, and advocating for systemic change. Temi's story is a testament to the power of resilience and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial future.