The Export Strategy Lab: Women's Edition with ONSIDE

NOTE: The workshops provided by Invest Nova Scotia are primarily available to businesses based in Nova Scotia. If your company is located outside of Nova Scotia and you wish to participate, you may be added to a waitlist for future opportunities. Priority will be given to Nova Scotia-based businesses.

Event Description

The Export Strategy Lab is a one-day intensive workshop series designed to empower diverse-owned businesses across Nova Scotia to step confidently into exporting - beyond the province and onto the global stage. The event is organized by Invest Nova Scotia and features dedicated editions for each diverse business category.

The Export Strategy Lab: Women's Edition with ONSIDE is hosted by Invest Nova Scotia, in collaboration with ONSIDE. This edition creates a dynamic forum for 30 women-led scalable businesses (1 person per company) to assess their export potential, learn from international trade experts, become certified as diverse suppliers to increase their competitiveness, and create a concrete action plan for moving beyond Nova Scotia and going global.

Rooted in the belief that diverse founders bring unique perspectives and solutions to different markets, the Export Strategy Lab is designed to meet participants where they are, whether they are exploring exports for the first time or ready to accelerate existing momentum. The day is structured to maximize peer connection, expert learning, and practical strategy development in a supportive environment.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a women-owned (more than 51% ownership) Nova Scotia registered business in good standing (current registration on the Registry of Joint Stock Companies)
• Have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia
• Have a product/service with the potential to be sold outside of Nova Scotia
• Have most of its workforce currently residing in Nova Scotia (some exceptions may apply where it can be demonstrated that the economic benefit can be accrued to Nova Scotia)
• Be post-revenue
• Willing to commit the necessary time and resources to both the workshop and the post-workshop process

Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (AST)
Location: Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre (Room: SH212), Saint Mary’s University
Cost: Free

Register