Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA)

Through their Immigrant Business Development Services (IBDS), MISA offers immigrants who are potential entrepreneurs the information, contacts, and confidence they need to become established in the business community.

Summary

The program covers:

• Business information and networking
• Taxation
• Labour standards
• Legal aspects of doing business in Nova Scotia
• Exporting and importing
• Other topics are offered based on client needs

The IBDS has three main components:

Individual Information and Referal

• basic information
• referrals clients to business organizations
• referrals to individuals who can offer more detailed information and /or support for specific business plans.2. Business Information Seminars

Business Information Seminars

• Twelve to three hour seminars over one month to cover basic business topics for newcomers
• Presented by professionals and local business people
• Topics such as: overview of the local economy, taxation, business law, hiring employees, business culture

Networking Opportunities

• Meetings with other immigrants entrepreneurs
• Receptions and special events with members of the larger business community
• Information about groups and events in the community, networking

MISA is a community organization that welcomes newcomers and recognizes their essential role in Canada. The organization assists newcomers to participate fully in Canadian life by providing special services for them. In addition to the Immigrant Entrepreneur Orientation Program (IEOP), MISA's programs are designed to help newcomers:

• Get settled and get to know the community
• Find other relevant and appropriate services
• Manage crisis situations
• Find language, professional development and other kinds of training
• Prepare for the job market
• Deal with government and other organizations

MISA also provides:

• Public education about different cultures and issues that affect newcomers
• Training and awareness on issues of family violence and culture shock
• Volunteer opportunities to assist newcomers in their efforts to settle and adapt
• Membership opportunities to promote the role of immigrants and effect policy change

For additional information, please contact MISA or visit their Internet site at: Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association

• Immigrating to Nova Scotia Info-Guide

Nova Scotia Contact(s):
Nabiha Atallah
Immigrant Entrepreneur Orientation Program (IEOP)
Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association
Suite 201
7105 Chebucto Road,
Chebucto Place
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3L 4W8
Telephone: (902) 423-3607 Ext. 237
Fax: (902) 423-3154
E-mail: natallah@misa.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.misa.ns.ca