Tribe Network, a community organization dedicated to empowering racialized individuals in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology across Atlantic Canada, has announced an expansion of its partnership with Emera, a leading clean energy transition company based in Nova Scotia. This collaboration aims to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion within the entrepreneurial community in Atlantic Canada.
Emera is investing $500,000 over the next three years to provide financial and business development support for an additional 3,000 entrepreneurs and community leaders as Tribe’s official Innovation Partner. This builds on Emera’s previous support for Tribe Network, resulting in a total investment of over $800,000.
The renewed partnership will enable Tribe to focus on three key areas, propelling their work forward:
1. Tribe Start Small Grant Program Powered by Emera: This program will offer grant funding and capacity building for up to 300 racialized entrepreneurs and community leaders, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, over the next three years.
2. Collaboration Spaces at Tribe HQ Powered by Emera: Tribe’s co-working space in Halifax, which includes the Idea Zone, Idea Room, and Idea Studio, will be accessible to up to 2,250 community members over a three-year period. This collaboration aims to foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and cultivate a culture of innovation.
3. Ecosystem Funding: The partnership will support the creation of more inclusive pathways for technology and innovation, including challenges, events, and mentorship and coaching programs. These initiatives are designed to empower up to 450 diverse leaders in the tech and innovation sectors.
Alfred Burgesson, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Through this partnership with Emera, we are positioned to expand our impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem for racialized individuals in Atlantic Canada. By providing people access to funding, resources, and a supportive community, we are not just empowering entrepreneurs, we are catalyzing a movement towards a more inclusive and innovative future in the region. We are grateful for Emera’s continued support.”
Scott Balfour, President and CEO of Emera, highlighted the positive impact Tribe has made since their initial partnership in 2021. He stated, “We’re proud to continue supporting Tribe’s important work in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities to develop the next generation of leaders and innovators.”
The collaboration between Tribe Network and Emera underscores their shared commitment to creating a more equitable and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem in Atlantic Canada.
About Tribe Network:
Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada. The organization supports its members by providing access to community, coaches, and capital, helping them thrive in entrepreneurship and innovation.
About Emera:
Emera Inc. is a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With approximately $39 billion in assets and 2023 revenues of over $7.6 billion, Emera invests in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, gas transmission, and utility energy services. The company has a strategic focus on transitioning from high carbon to low carbon energy sources and has investments throughout North America and in three Caribbean countries.
The partnership between Tribe Network and Emera signifies their commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion while driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada.
