FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nova Scotia, Canada – Have you ever wondered how you can showcase your skills for a prospective employer before you get to an interview? If so, the Cape Breton, Northern, and Valley Connector Programs invite you to register for Get the Skills, Land the Job, a free virtual workshop series taking place March 8 to March 17, 2022.

The series features Tanya Sieliakus, Owner of HR Pros Inc., and will focus on dissecting job descriptions, writing targeted resumes and meaningful cover letters, and effective self-promotion. This is an excellent opportunity for new graduates, job-seekers, students approaching graduation, and newcomers to Nova Scotia to build their resumes and their confidence in gaining meaningful employment.

Two separate workshops will take place: Workshop One, a general session focused on the majority of employment types (Business, Administration, Trades, Hospitality, Marketing, etc.); and Workshop Two, focused on project-based employment types (Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology, etc.). Each workshop will include two three-hour parts.

“This is a terrific opportunity to learn skills that can help newcomers, new graduates and others who are searching for meaningful employment. Pursuing these  workshops virtually allows individuals to gain access to the resources from the comfort of their own home, especially during the pandemic,” says Ayha El-Darahali, Coordinator of the Cape Breton Connector Program. “These workshops are just one of the many resources available through the Connector Program to help job-seekers. If you are interested in expanding your network and taping into the hidden job market, consider joining the Connector program in your region and join the hundreds of professionals who have been successfully connected across Nova Scotia.”

Participants who attend and participate in either workshop fully will be entered into a draw for one of two grand prize packages, which will include Apple AirPods; a professional headshot; professional business cards; and a $50 gift certificate to a local coffee shop in the winner’s community.

To register, please visit https://bit.ly/GetTheSkillsLandTheJob-Mar2022 and sign up as soon as possible, as capacity is limited.

-30-

Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902-631-5442
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

About the Connector Program

The Connector Program matches community and business leaders (Connectors) with local and international graduates, newcomers, and other qualified professionals (Connectees) in their industry of expertise. The Connector Program is a simple and effective networking program that connects driven individuals with industry leaders who can help facilitate the growth of their careers. Connector Programs are administered locally by a number of organizations, such as the Cape Breton Partnership, Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity, the Cumberland Business Connector, Pictou Regional Enterprise Network, and the Valley Connector Program. To learn more about the Connector Programs hosting Get the Skills, Land the Job, visit:

On February 24, 2022, the Cape Breton Partnership, through the Building Tomorrow Campaign, hosted Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services and Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) for an informative virtual session, via zoom, exploring the topic of procurement and selling to both the Provincial and Federal Governments.

Presenters and presentation topics included:


For more information:

Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902-631-5442
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com 

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About Building Tomorrow:

Building Tomorrow is a campaign from the Cape Breton Partnership highlighting the five major projects underway that will revitalize the Island and put more people to work.  Learn more at https://building-tomorrow.ca/.

The first session of Ocean Farming 101 was held virtually through Zoom, and featured Dana Morse, Extension Associate at the Maine Sea Grant College Program and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Morse’s talk touched on the basics for beginner ocean farming enthusiasts, current trends and cultivation of species.

Ocean Farming 101 is the first in the five-part Ocean Farming Series presented by the Cape Breton Partnership and Nova Scotia Community College. The series focuses on bringing the local Unama’ki – Cape Breton business community together to hear from industry experts on a range of topics important to the success and growth of the ocean farming sector on Cape Breton Island.

Future topics include: Food Security and Environmental Sustainability; Pathways to Entry and Regulations; Aquaculture Development Areas; and the Nova Scotia Quality Seafood Program.

For more information:

Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
902.562.0122
carly@capebretonpartnership.com 

Amanda Mombourquette
Nova Scotia Community College
902.227.7836
Amanda.Mombourquette@nscc.ca

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About Nova Scotia Community College

NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 130 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Learn more at https://www.nscc.ca/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cape Breton Island, NS – If you’ve ever wondered how to get started in the Ocean Farming industry, or if you’re already in the industry and want to learn more, the Cape Breton Partnership and Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) invite you to the first in a five-part Ocean Farming Series – Ocean Farming 101 on Thursday, February 17 at 1 p.m. via Zoom.

“Launched in response to local community interest in sustainable economic development opportunities, this series is a significant early step to learn more about this important industry,” said Tyler Mattheis, Acting President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We are excited to partner with NSCC to promote and encourage growth in sustainable aquaculture to give anyone wanting to get started in the industry the resources, information and supports they need.”

The first session will be held virtually through Zoom, and will feature Dana Morse, Extension Associate at the Maine Sea Grant College Program and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Morse’s talk will touch on the basics for beginner ocean farming enthusiasts, current trends and cultivation of species.

“The College’s programming is based on scientific approaches and industry consultation to ensure programs such as Oceans Resources Technology provide students and the industry with the most up-to-date and sustainable methods of ocean farming,” said Amanda Mombourquette, Community Innovation Lead – Eastern Region/Cape Breton. “As an extension of that work, we’re pleased to be a part of the Partnership’s information sessions on these important industry topics.”

Ocean Farming 101 will be the first in the five-part Ocean Farming Series presented by the Cape Breton Partnership and NSCC. The series will focus on bringing the local Unama’ki – Cape Breton business community together to hear from industry experts on a range of topics important to the success and growth of the ocean farming sector on Cape Breton Island. The first session will be held virtually. It is hoped future sessions in the series can be held in-person at the newly renovated A’paqt Place/ Ocean Innovation Centre on the Town of Port Hawkesbury waterfront as COVID-19 restrictions allow.

Future topics include: Food Security and Environmental Sustainability; Pathways to Entry and Regulations; Aquaculture Development Areas; and the Nova Scotia Quality Seafood Program.

“We hope this series supports the growth of the ocean farming industry across Cape Breton – Unama’ki and shines a light on the importance this industry plays on the current and future economic growth of the Island,” said Mattheis.

Learn more and register for the session here: https://bit.ly/ocean-farming-101

-30-

Media Contacts:

Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
902.562.0122
carly@capebretonpartnership.com 

Amanda Mombourquette
Nova Scotia Community College
902.227.7836
Amanda.Mombourquette@nscc.ca

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About Nova Scotia Community College

NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia’s economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 130 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Learn more at https://www.nscc.ca/.

The opportunity to own your own franchise in Sydney River, NS

It was always a dream for Troy and Judy Hulme to move back home to Cape Breton Island. After living and working in Halifax for many years, Troy for the Navy and Judy for the federal government, an excellent opportunity presented itself – the opportunity to own and run their own Massage Addict franchise.

“It was my dream to own a franchise, and I looked into several, but not many offered the terrific support Massage Addict did,” said Troy.

As a franchise owner, you are paired with a Business Advisor who is available to you whenever you need support. From the very beginning, through the building/ renovation stage, through to opening and after, their dedicated team of advisors are available to provide support.

So what made them decide to take the leap and venture into the healthcare industry?

“We were clients of the Massage Addict location in Sackville and we always had a great experience, so when one of the massage therapists told me about the opportunity in Sydney River, I immediately looked into it,” says Troy. “Within the next few days, we met with Massage Addict and the decision was made.”

The initial discussion with Massage Addict took place in the fall of 2015, and their location was built and ready to open on June 7, 2016.

“The franchise was wonderful throughout the process, we couldn’t have done it without their ongoing support,” said Judy.

What began as Troy’s dream, has been made a reality thanks to Judy’s business acumen and background.

“Troy took on a new job as a Marine Engineer from home that he really enjoys, so I stepped in to run the business,” adds Judy.

In addition to the business being “pandemic-proof”, and as an essential service, it provides a great opportunity for therapists to treat clients, without the extra work of booking appointments, doing laundry, or processing insurance.

“It’s a great model, because therapists can come in and do what they love and that’s to treat their clients, and I worry about running the business,” she adds.

In addition to the many benefits, the membership model provides owners with excellent guaranteed monthly revenue, which allows the ability to offer benefits to therapists – such as medical and dental. The model gives clients the opportunity to commit to a monthly membership, which in turn lowers the cost of each individual massage.

“We currently have eight therapists with us, and we’ve had upwards of 14 in the pre-pandemic days,” says Judy. “There is great potential in this business for a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or a reflexologist.

So why the decision to sell now when things have been going so well?

“Judy would like to retire and it was always our plan to build it, run it for a few years and then sell it,” says Troy. “Now is the time for an energetic new owner to step in and continue what we started.”

“We want someone to take over who is passionate about the community of Sydney River, about providing good paying jobs to the therapists, who in turn provide exceptional care to clients,” says Judy.

When asked if they have any advice for the new owners, they say, “Embrace the support from the organization. Stay in regular contact with your business advisor and maintain relationships with massage schools and recruit new graduates.”

About the community of Sydney River

The Sydney River Massage Addict is located at 45 Keltic Drive in the picturesque community of Sydney River. Centrally located in a major retail district of Sydney at one of the primary entry and exit points into the urban centre, the community is named after the river itself, also known historically as the Spanish River. This business location serves a population of approximately 133,000 people. Personal services, including massage therapy, is the third largest spending retail segment in this Primary Trade Area with more than $120M in 2019. A healthy 4.4 per cent growth in this segment is projected by 2024, and an additional 4.7 per cent of growth is projected by 2029 when more than $130M in spending is expected.   

Sydney River boasts many amenities, and is home to a strong performing convenience sector that is anchored by Walmart and Sobeys, along with a cluster of local home furnishing retail businesses. With a total of 428,945 sq. ft. of occupied retail space, and a well- balanced inventory of branded to local independent retailers with high sales productivity, Sydney River is an ideal location for this successful Massage Addict franchise to continue its growth and success.


Current business opportunity

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business in the 3-billion-dollar health and wellness industry, here’s your opportunity.

Massage Addict is currently seeking entrepreneurs to franchise their own Massage Addict location in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.

If you’re ready to be part of a proven brand in a growing industry, please contact:

Michael Mutsaerts
VP Franchise Development
Massage Addict Incorporated
1-888-550-1080 x 112, or email MAfranchiseinfo@massageaddict.ca.

A previous informational webinar is available here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/135747225389892109


Elevate is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business-focused publication brought to you by the Cape Breton Partnership. To evolve with our business audience, the publication has now moved from a print publication to fully online. Readers can expect to see Elevate articles appearing on both our website and on Saltwire.com.