Halifax, Canada – The Global Entrepreneurship Network is excited to announce the opening of a new Startup Huddle chapter in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to support the growth of the local startup community while crowdsourcing advice and support for its entrepreneurs. Halifax joins a global network of more than 60 Startup Huddle chapters worldwide and will host its first event on October 30th.
In addition to providing direct support to entrepreneurs, the Startup Huddle program addresses a critical element of success for all entrepreneurial ecosystems – connectivity. According to GEN research, startup communities with higher levels of local connectedness translate to an increased number of startups, and founders with high levels of connectivity grow their revenue twice as fast as those with lower levels.
“We envision Startup Huddle creating real, long-term value by actively nurturing a culture of transparent, peer-to-peer support in Halifax. The program puts founders at the centre, providing a dedicated space for them to be open about their biggest challenges and inviting the community to problem-solve alongside them. This isn't about one-way feedback from ‘experts’; it's about a collaborative cycle where a diverse community of founders, mentors, and investors works together to solve real-world problems.
Every month, by putting a spotlight on a racialized or underrepresented founder and their biggest challenge, we're not just showcasing a business—we're demonstrating that vulnerability is a strength. This builds trust and bridges the gap between founders and the resources they need.
The result is a cycle of shared learning: presenting founders gain constructive feedback and invaluable insights, while attendees learn from authentic, real-world startup journeys. By celebrating diverse voices, we are not only ensuring that innovation in Halifax reflects the diversity of the people who live here, but also democratizing access to the networks and knowledge that are essential for growth. This is how we build a stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive ecosystem for everyone,” says local organizer Katerina Msafari.
At each Startup Huddle event, local founders give six-minute presentations outlining challenges facing their companies. Each presentation is followed by a 20-minute conversation with an audience of peers, mentors, educators, and advisers who provide constructive criticism focused on finding solutions and increasing founder know-how. With new founders cycling through each gathering, and previous presenters joining the audience to give back, the community continues to expand while connections deepen.
“For the first year of Startup Huddle Halifax, our dream is for the program to become more than just a monthly event; we want it to be a catalyst for a more inclusive and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem. We will measure our success not just by attendance, but by the tangible progress of the founders who present—from refining their business models and securing their first customers to strengthening their networks and attracting new opportunities.
We envision a community where underrepresented founders feel seen, supported, and empowered to build. Our ultimate goal is for these entrepreneurs to report not just stronger networks, but a stronger sense of belonging and confidence, proving that when we intentionally create space for everyone, the entire ecosystem thrives. This aligns perfectly with the Global Entrepreneurship Network's mission to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business, and Tribe Network's vision of a world where racialized people are at the forefront of sustainable technology and innovation,” Msafari says.
Startup Huddle Halifax is supported by Tribe Network. To learn more about Startup Huddle Halifax or to join a local event, visit www.startuphuddle.co.
About Startup Huddle
Run by the Global Entrepreneurship Network in partnership with local organizers, Startup Huddle is a program designed to help one entrepreneur at a time while strengthening the local ecosystem. Entrepreneurs discover challenges to the solutions they face through purposeful engagement with a broad array of voices from their local community. Currently, there are local Startup Huddle chapters in more than 50 cities around the world. For more information, visit www.startuphuddle.co.
About Tribe Network
Tribe Network is a community of racialized people pursuing entrepreneurship and innovation in Canada. The organization supports its members by connecting them with the resources, knowledge, and networks needed to turn bold ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses.
About the Global Entrepreneurship Network
The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates projects and programs in 200 countries to make it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business. By fostering deeper cross-border collaboration and initiatives between entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurial support organizations, GEN works to fuel healthier start and scale ecosystems that create more jobs, educate individuals, accelerate innovation, and strengthen economic growth. For more information, visit www.genglobal.org.