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Atlantic Canada is home to a rich tapestry of newcomers. Learn how one entrepreneur brought her dreams — and cultural heritage — to market.
Atlantic Canada is known for its scenic natural beauty. But among its deeply indented coastlines and rugged rockscapes, a diverse tapestry of cultures embodies the entrepreneurial resilience of the region. For Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur Motunrayo Ige, it’s the perfect place to bring her dreams to market.
Ige’s story is not just her own; it mirrors the aspirations of other newcomers who call Atlantic Canada home. Working with RBC and several community-led organizations, newcomers in the region can access resources to support their business endeavours.
From personal client to business owner
Like many in her native country, Ige comes from a family of entrepreneurs. At ten years old, she watched her father operate his bakery in their home country of Nigeria. With his encouragement, she started her own business and was quickly successful — igniting her passion for entrepreneurship.
In 2019, Ige immigrated to Nova Scotia with her family. While re-establishing her life in Canada, she considered opening an account with several banks, but RBC’s supportive customer service won her over.
Shortly thereafter, Ige applied for a Black Business Entrepreneur loan to kickstart her journey as a small business owner in Canada. The loan is part of RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program, which helps black entrepreneurs like Ige grow their businesses with support, advice and resources tailored to their needs.
While many business owners can attest to the isolation of entrepreneurship, Ige had an ally in Liston Bailey, RBC’s Business Relationship Manager, who is also Nigerian-Canadian. The shared experience of navigating a new community bonded the two and instilled a level of trust. “Mr. Bailey was very supportive throughout the journey,” Ige says. “He went above and beyond by connecting me with organizations that were helpful to my business.”
As a testament of her cultural heritage, Ige launched Iyalode Africa Wholesale Market this past February 2024, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with Mr. Bailey there to help cut the opening ribbon.
RBC Business Account Manager Liston Bailey (far right), with Motunrayo Ige (second from right), cutting the ribbon at opening day for Iyalode Africa Wholesale Market
Recalling the experience, Bailey says he understands the importance of information sharing. “I like to be a connector, educating clients on how to seamlessly integrate into the Canadian culture.”
Motunrayo Ige’s journey from Nigeria to Atlantic Canada exemplifies how newcomers like Ige help to enrich and contribute to the vibrancy of Atlantic Canada’s cultural and economic landscape.
RBC Business Account Manager Liston Bailey speaking at opening day for Iyalode Africa Wholesale Market
Purposeful collaborations
RBC’s commitment to newcomer success extends beyond individual relationships — to strategic collaborations dedicated to newcomer integration and empowerment. The RBC Foundation collaborates with organizations like Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), PRUDE Inc. (Pride of Race, Unity, Dignity through Education), Sharing Our Cultures, and the Association of New Canadians (ANC) that help newcomers with skill development, mentorship and networking.
“ISANS’ partnership with RBC through the Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund has contributed to the successful career advancement and integration of immigrant professionals in the Atlantic region,” says Olive Ozoemena, Program Director at ISANS. By offering additional volunteering and mentorship programs, RBC’s support impacts the lives of over 15,000 newcomers annually.
Jackson Enoh, Executive Director of PRUDE Inc., underscores the importance of such collaborations. “Newcomers are transitioning to a new country, where they may lack deep family ties and minimal social capital.” He says newcomers often struggle with the realities of culture shock, uncomfortable living conditions, and finding a job. But by educating newcomers on the nuances of the Canadian job market and encouraging them to fill critical skills gaps, Enoh says PRUDE, Inc. empowers newcomers to overcome barriers to inclusion and thrive in their new environment.
Cheque presentation event in January 2024. Pictured: Greg Sloan, RBC Regional Vice President, Western New Brunswick, Christine Eruokwu, Newcomer Women Leadership Program Coordinator, PRUDE Inc., Karen Hachey, former Branch Manager, RBC Bank (Rtd.), Jackson Enoh, Executive Director, PRUDE Inc. Photo credit: PRUDE Inc.
Shaping communities through new opportunities
Arriving in the Atlantic Region as a refugee, Mohamed Shammakh, now a Peer Facilitator with ANC, reflects on how ANC’s arts program helped him find ways to serve his new community. “The impact of the My Journey of Hope program on my life cannot be overstated,” Shammakh says. “It provided me with valuable tools for resilience and ignited a sense of purpose in me.”
Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sharing Our Cultures, said her organization supports the economic revitalization of Atlantic Canada by equipping newcomers with skills needed to support the labour market. “By improving those skills, they’re better prepared to contribute to the economy by obtaining employment, feeling a sense of belonging and settling in the province.”
Anamika Purni and Sahil Khaneja facilitate an RBC session on banking with newcomer youth. Photo credit: Sharing Our Cultures
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