In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, one story at a time", Colleen Proudfoot, Manager of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Pictou County Partnership, chats with Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections to talk about the Partnership’s work to build a more prosperous, inclusive future for all who live and work in Pictou County.

Tune in to learn about the Partnership’s collaborative, community-first approach to strengthen the region’s economy through immigration and community integration, business support, empowering community impact organizations and fostering investment readiness.

🍫In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime”, Colleen Proudfoot and Ann MacGregor sit down with Allan Keefe, founder of Chapel Cove Chocolate in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia. His start as a chocolatier began with a franchise in Vancouver, but after relocating to PictouCounty, Allan launched his own independent chocolate business—producing ethically sourced, small-batch chocolate right here in Pictou County.

Tune in to hear how Chapel Cove Chocolate navigates globalcocoa supply challenges, embraces fair trade, and finds success through buy local initiatives like Nova Scotia Loyal and Taste of Nova Scotia. Plus, learn how their small size means they can offer custom creations, from weddingfavours to limited-edition products!

🛍️ You can find Chapel Cove Chocolate at retailers in Pictou County and Nova Scotia—or shop directly at their location in Little Harbour, the New Glasgow Farmers Market and onlineat chapelcovechocolate.ca.

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime", Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections is joined by Colleen Proudfoot, Manager of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Pictou County Partnership.

They discuss the Partnership’s Newcomer Business Navigation Program, which helps newcomers launch, grow, or purchase a business in Pictou County. Through one-on-one support, workshops, and connections to partner organizations, the program supports newcomers in sharing their talents and building meaningful opportunities—for themselves and the community—helping to create a more prosperous Pictou County.

The Newcomer Business Navigation Program is made possible through the support of the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Listen now to learn more!

On this episode of "Growing Pictou County, one story at a time", brought to you by the Pictou County Partnership, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections and Mary Ellen Makhlouf from the Partnership are joined by Andy Thompson, Municipal Councillor for District 11, to talk about the recently announced daycare in Plymouth.

The province announced $3.1 million in infrastructure funding to support the renovation and expansion of the Plymouth Community Centre, creating 58 new early learning spaces, including 16 spaces for infants.

If you would like to learn more about the Pictou County Partnership’s Community Impact work through The Sobey Foundation Community Prosperity Compass+ Program, visit the Partnership’s website, pictoucountypartnership.com.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM.

In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, one story at at a time”, Colleen Proudfoot and Ann MacGregor chat with Tim Loat and Elisa Dalla-Giustina, the owners of Express Yourself Café in Trenton.

Operating out of a refurbished caboose, the café offerings include coffee, specialty drinks, sandwiches, baked goods, and their popular breakfast wraps—all with a strong focus on local ingredients and suppliers.

Originally from Ontario, Elisa and Tim were drawn to Pictou County for its affordability, welcoming communities, and small-town charm. They talk about what’s in store for their summer season including the Trenton Station Sunday markets, upcoming evening markets and NFB short film screenings.

This episode showcases the entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to grow Pictou County—one story (and one cup of coffee) at a time.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, one story at a time, we’re joined by Sarah Santos, Community Connections Coordinator at the Pictou County Partnership.

Sarah shares a warm invitation for newcomers to get involved in Pictou County Connected: Your New Community Awaits — a new initiative designed to help you explore your surroundings, connect with services, and meet friendly faces along the way.

📍Pick up your passport at the Partnership office in New Glasgow

🌐 Or learn more at pictoucountycommunityconnections.com

Tune in and take your first step toward feeling more at home in Pictou County.

This week’s guest is Rachel Francis, owner of Mobility Health & Fitness. Before launching Mobility Health & Fitness, Rachel ran a business offering nutrition coaching and health foods. Over time, her focus shifted toward injury prevention, movement, and inclusive fitness—leading to the creation of a space centered on mobility, wellness, and accessibility.

From boot camps and rooftop yoga to health coaching, her business has become a welcoming space for women of all ages and abilities in Pictou County.

Tune in to learn more about the wide range of programs offered by Mobility Health & Fitness.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

This week on "Growing Pictou County", Maddie Kennedy from the Pictou County Partnership and Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections talk with Amanda Simmons, from Pictou County Pride about what’s in store for Pride Festival and why Pride is more than a celebration — it’s also advocacy, education, and the effort to create lasting change.

🌈 Pictou County Pride Festival runs from June 16–22, and features events for all ages and identities — including the Pride in Business event on June 17, and Pride on the Waterfront on June 20.

To register for Pride in Business, visit https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pride-in-business-a-day-of-workshops-for-2slgbtqi-entrepreneurs-tickets-1367473382699

🎧 Tune in to hear how Pride is making a difference in Pictou County.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections is joined by Victoria Curtis, the Immigration Readiness Support Coordinator at the Pictou County Partnership.

The focus of their conversation is the launch of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)—a new Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) initiative designed to help rural communities across Canada address labour shortages that cannot be filled locally by attracting and retaining skilled newcomers for permanent residency.

As the only Atlantic Canadian community selected to deliverthe pilot, Pictou County will focus on empowering employers to meet their unique labour needs. Through this program, we aim to strengthen our workforce, foster economic prosperity, and ensure that newcomers feel supported as they build their lives in Pictou County.

Tune in to learn more!

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we are joined by Moataz Ibrahim—a mechanical engineer and the founder of Clear Path Engineering. After relocating to Pictou County for an engineering role, Moataz found not only a welcoming community but also a strong network of support that helped him turn a side hustle into a growing business.

Through Clear Path Engineering, Moataz helps creators, startups, and dreamers turn their physical product ideas intoreality—right here in Pictou County. He shares how local programs like the Pictou County Partnership’s Side Hustle Program and resources at Ignite Atlantic played a key role in getting his business off the ground.

Moataz also opens up about overcoming self-doubt, embracing innovation (including the use of AI), and why Pictou County proved to be the perfect place to start something new. Whether you’re full of ideas or just looking for inspiration, this episode is full of encouragement and insight.