Business Voice

Start small, dream big 

Published: February 2, 2025

Contributors: Emily Bednarz and Allie Vahramian

Meet Starfish Painters, Small Business of the Year at the ISANS Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards 

Last October, the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) celebrated the fifth Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards. The Halifax Chamber of Commerce was proud to support the Awards as a category partner for Small Business of the Year. We hope you enjoy getting to know Starfish Painters, who took home the 2024 Small Business of the Year award. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners! 


Ibrahim Al Ali is the Owner of Starfish Painting, a home painting and renovation company based out of Chester, Nova Scotia.  

Al Ali is driven by a passion for transforming spaces and ensuring customer satisfaction. “Starfish Painters was founded with a vision to deliver high-quality painting and carpentry services while ensuring professionalism and reliability,” he says. “The business was born out of a passion for transforming homes and buildings into spaces that feel fresh and vibrant. It started small but quickly grew due to a strong focus on customer satisfaction, attention to detail, and a commitment to using quality products.” 

Founded in 2019, the business has grown to expand the South Shore area and HRM. “Chester and Lunenburg are vibrant and growing communities with charming homes and businesses in need of professional care and restoration,” Al Ali adds. “Starfish Painters saw an opportunity to offer services tailored to this area’s historic and coastal properties, helping homeowners preserve their buildings while adding beauty and value.” 

While Al Ali’s journey has been rewarding, he recalls that integrating into the community posed challenges when the business first opened. “All of our competitors have been there for at least 15 years, and we were new immigrants,” he says. “Starting a business as an immigrant entrepreneur came with challenges like understanding local regulations, building a trusted client base, and adapting to a new culture.”  

Al Ali overcame these initial barriers through hard work, determination, and building connections. “By learning from mentors, networking, and delivering consistent results, Starfish Painters gained trust and respect within the local market because we do what we agreed to do and we show up on time and we keep our promises,” he says. 

His hard work culminated in his recent win at the ISANS Annual Immigrant Entrepreneurship Awards. “Winning the ISANS Small Business Award is a huge milestone for Starfish Painters,” says Al Ali. “It validates the hard work and dedication poured into the business and highlights its positive impact within the community. The recognition boosts credibility, opens new opportunities, and serves as motivation to continue delivering exceptional service to clients across Nova Scotia.” 

Al Ali has some wisdom to share if you’re a newcomer to Nova Scotia looking to start a business. “My advice to newcomers is to start small but dream big,” he says. “Understand the local market, build strong connections, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Organizations like ISANS offer valuable resources for immigrant entrepreneurs. Stay committed, deliver quality, and focus on customer relationships—success will follow.”  

Learn more about ISANS at:

isans.ca

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