Small business spotlights 

In recognition of Small Business Month, we are delighted to introduce you to local entrepreneurs whose passion and dedication strengthen our community every day. These businesses showcase the creativity, resilience, and innovation that drive Halifax’s small business economy.

Learn more about how small businesses are leading the way in Canada’s era of economic transformation at bdc.ca/en/small-business-week.

Cover Image Credit: HallyCraft Cakes & Events Ltd

A Team Coaching

A Team Coaching is a trusted partner in building equitable organizations through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Team equips organizations and employees with education and strategies to recognize the importance of healthy relationships and to build more inclusive, safe work environments. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a small business? 

“My advice for entrepreneurs? Take advice. Don’t feel intimidated by others’ expertise—it’s an opportunity to grow. I intentionally surround myself with those who have skills I don’t. It helps me achieve more than I ever could alone. Also, not everyone starts a business from a place of abundance. The ‘why’ behind your mission might be as urgent as keeping the lights on or getting groceries. That reality is just as worthy of respect as any other reason to lead or succeed.”

Atlantic Shark Expeditions Ltd.

Atlantic Shark Expeditions provides unparalleled opportunities for the public to experience sharks through ecotourism and science. Guests join expeditions to view sharks from the boat or in water from the safety of a shark cage; scuba-certification is not required. 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?   

“My proudest achievement has been creating Atlantic Shark Expeditions, Canada’s first and only shark cage diving operation, and watching it grow into a business that combines adventure tourism with meaningful science and conservation. Seeing guests leave with a new appreciation for sharks—and knowing that our work is shifting perceptions and supporting conservation—has been incredibly rewarding.”  

Burning Flame Candle Company

Burning Flame Candle Company, a female-owned and operated business in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in 100% premium soy wax candles known for our incredible scents and long-lasting burn. Our candles are ideal for retail, custom branding and gift-giving, emphasizing our dedication to quality and collaboration within the local community. 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?  

“Building Burning Flame has given me the chance to honour my creativity, resilience, and love for community, and to pour those pieces of myself into every candle I make. A passion for family business and a deep-rooted sense of hospitality run in my blood, shaped by generations of hardworking women in Nova Scotia who built their lives and businesses with heart and kept alive a legacy of family, hospitality, and artisanal craftsmanship.”  

Darrell’s Restaurants

Opened in 1992, Darrell’s has since become a favorite stomping ground for students, local professionals, neighbours, families, first daters and all who have heard the rumblings of our fantastic food served up by one of the friendliest teams in Halifax! 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?    

“Being well established and still loved after 33 years. Taking care of my team and watching them take care of our clientele, getting to know many on a personal level. It’s about the people, relationships and loving what you do!”

GoLocal Quote 

GoLocal Quote is a platform that connects consumers with trusted local service providers. Users submit a service request and receive multiple quotes from nearby businesses, making it easy to compare and choose. GoLocal Quote supports local economies while offering convenience, transparency, and competitive pricing for everyday services. 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a small business?  

“Start with a clear purpose—solve a specific problem or fill a real need. Do your homework: research your market, understand your customers, and know the numbers to ensure your idea is viable. Keep it lean at first—test your concept with minimal resources before scaling. Build a strong network; relationships with mentors, suppliers, and customers are invaluable.”  

HallyCraft Cakes & Events Ltd

At our restaurant, we take pride in crafting dishes that cater to your exact preferences. From the sourcing of our ingredients and spices to the preparation and presentation of our meals, we pay meticulous attention to every detail. Our recipes are centered around organic and freshly sourced ingredients, ensuring the highest quality and flavour in each dish. 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?  

“HallyCraft began as a simple dream born from passion, culture, and resilience. Today, it stands as an award-winning brand that celebrates African heritage through food, events, and hospitality. My proudest achievement is not just the recognition, but the impact we have made in becoming a trusted name in Halifax. Every milestone reminds me that hard work and authenticity can transform vision into legacy.” 

immediac Worldwide Inc.

Since 1998, immediac has delivered more than 4,500 custom websites, web and mobile applications, and more professional web designs than any other company in Canada. immediac’s customers include the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, the Registered Nurses Professional Development, Canoe Kayak Canada, Massage Addicts, and many other well-known local businesses.  

What brings customers back to you? 

“We answer the phone and email! We are focused on helping our customers achieve their goals. Being local means our customers aren’t dealing with a faceless system; they get real people who know their business and care about their success. We take the time to build relationships and understand our clients.”

Lumi Studios Media and Production

Lumi Studios media + production specializes in delivering high-quality photo, video, and design work to a broad clientele that spans from local businesses to internationally acclaimed organizations including IBM and RBC. Conferences, cultural events, commercials, and corporate design: the Lumi team is ready to help you share your story!

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?   

“As an immigrant entrepreneur, my proudest achievement has been building Lumi Studios into a space where creativity thrives across cultures. Lumi Studios has become a home for other creatives like me—most of our team members are also immigrants who bring incredible talent, resilience, and global perspectives. Together, we’ve grown alongside Halifax, and it means a lot to contribute to the creative fabric of a city that welcomed us.”  

MO GATO Mauritian Delicacies

MO GATO is a Mauritian food business founded in 2022 by a couple from Mauritius Island. “Mo Gato” translates to “my cake” or “my treat” in Mauritian Creole! Our mission is to connect with people who share the same love for food and to showcase the rich diversity of Mauritian cuisine. 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?  

“What started humbly with our savings has grown into a dream fulfilled: sharing the flavours of Mauritius while showcasing the diverse food of our island. Each compliment on taste and quality is a tribute to our heritage. The greatest honour is carrying forward recipes I grew up with in my family’s restaurant, lovingly passed down by my mom, and adding my own touch. Every smile reminds us why we began.”  

Nature Folk Wellness Collective   

Nature Folk Wellness is an infrared sauna, massage therapy, and skin care studio located in downtown Dartmouth. The private sauna room features a state-of-the-art, medical grade infrared sauna and cold plunge option, offering a mini, urban nordic spa experience. Welcome to your new, favourite, urban oasis. 

What brings customers back to you? 

“Our ethos is care. Care for our facility, care for our clients, and care for our team. We hold a peaceful, kind container for folks who are working through challenges, need support, or just want to come add to the good energy. We believe that the collective is more than the sum of its parts and that when we come together, our vision for vitality, empathy, and health is magnified.” 

Nurtured Products for Parenting  

We are Atlantic Canada’s Baby Store! Visit us for maternity, gear, gifts, and baby registries. Discover thoughtful items for baby, kids, and home. From our family to yours, be nurtured! 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?   

“As Nurtured approaches 20 years in business, I’m proud of the community we’ve built together. The support we continue to receive season after season is truly humbling. The North End is such a special place on the Halifax peninsula, and it feels right that Nurtured has grown into a destination here. What I treasure most is welcoming customers into parenthood within this warm, neighbourhood setting.”

NuYou Med Spa + Laser Clinic 

NuYou MedSpa + Laser Clinic was born with the vision of providing a powerful solution to enhance natural beauty without the need for surgery or downtime. We use our medical technology in conjunction with medical skincare cosmeceuticals, which have been designed to give you fast results in areas such as acne, hyper-pigmentation and anti-ageing. 

What brings customers back to you? 

“What brings customers back to me is the trust and connection I build with them. My clients know they can count on the quality of my services and the results I deliver, but more than that, it’s the bond we create. It’s not just about beauty on the outside it’s about how they feel on the inside. That emotional connection and genuine care are what keep my clients returning time and again.”  

The Flag Shop Nova Scotia 

Located at the convenient central location at 115 Main Street, Dartmouth, The Flag Shop Nova Scotia is the leading flag and banner store in Atlantic Canada providing the best products and services to all our customers. Having in-house production enables us to provide “Made-in NS” products and meet our customers’ deadlines!  

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner? 

“We have had many proud accomplishments over our 32 years of business! During those years, we have provided employment to craftspeople, students, and immigrants, recognizing their abilities and the unique challenges they may face. We survived a pandemic and the closure of the franchisor head office. We have been able to adjust to changes in the industry and continue our successful growth.”    

The Wine Spa 

Relaxation meets indulgence in the most delightful way at Halifax’s only social spa experience. Offering manicures, pedicures, makeup and hair services, paired with wine and unforgettable times, the Wine Spa is the perfect place to celebrate birthdays and weddings or host a corporate event. Come enjoy The Wine Spa experience! 

What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting a small business? 

“Small business ownership is undeniably hard work—but it’s deeply rewarding when you’re passionate about what you do. Choose an enterprise that energizes you. That joy will sustain you through challenges, fuel innovation, and inspire the level of service that turns customers into loyal guests.” 

Tidal Wave Consulting 

Having guided 15 years of business transformation across industries, I pull from agile strategies, process optimization, change management, and psychological insights to drive tangible growth and achieve strategic value. My passion lies in helping teams not just survive change but thrive in it. Let’s explore your organization’s path forward. 

What is your proudest achievement as a business owner?  

“My proudest achievement as a business owner is earning a reputation as a trusted advisor across diverse industries and situations. I’ve built long-term relationships rooted in trust, consistency, and genuine partnership. Clients rely on my ability to bring a strong strategic lens—seeing the forest for the trees—while also providing practical, tailored support. This balance allows me to guide them through complex challenges with clarity and confidence.”