ConnexionWorks

🚨 Weather Update 🚨

Due to the current weather conditions, tonight’s MVP class will be held online. Participants will receive the access details directly.

Stay safe and warm, and we’ll see you virtually! 💻❄️

✨ Yesterday, our team had the honour of attending the SPARK Awards, organized by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Heather Acker, who was recognized with the Laurie Flood Leadership in Mentoring Award 🏆 for her outstanding commitment to mentorship and community leadership.

Although Heather couldn’t be there in person, the ConnexionWorks team was honoured to be present to represent her and celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Her heartfelt message was beautifully shared with the room by Matt White, reminding everyone that mentorship is about showing up, listening, and believing in people even when they struggle to believe in themselves.

We are deeply grateful for the honour of this award and for the reminder of how powerful mentorship can be. Heather’s words reflected not only her values, but also the impact of those she has mentored and the mentors who shaped her journey.

A big congratulations as well to all of the other nominees and award recipients recognized yesterday 👏✨ Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of young people and in our community truly deserve to be celebrated.

Congratulations, Heather. Your leadership, generosity, and dedication continue to inspire us and so many others in our community. 💛✨

✨ to our Winter Gathering last Friday! ❄️🧡

Still thinking about how fun this night was. Huge thank-you to everyone who came out, spent time with us, caught up with friends, made new connections, and helped create such a great vibe. It honestly wouldn’t have been the same without you all.

Shoutout to CelebrateTogethernb for the beautiful balloon décor🎈 — it made the space feel extra festive and cozy. And of course, we have to give some love to Sufra Cuisine - A Halal Menu for the amazing food 🍽️🔥… seriously so good. Add in tons of prizes 🎁, and plenty of laughs, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect winter night.

These gatherings are all about coming together, relaxing, and just enjoying the community we’re building — and this one really delivered. Feeling very grateful for everyone who showed up and celebrated with us. 💛

📢 Business Essentials Workshops - Taxes for Businesses📢

📅 Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location: ConnexionWorks – 400 Main Street, Suite 2080

We’re excited to welcome Mike Ernest as our guest speaker for this session on Taxes for Businesses (CRA). This workshop will cover key topics such as tax obligations, filing requirements, deductions, and credits, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners stay compliant and confident when it comes to their business taxes.

🔗 Register here: https://share.hsforms.com/159htMs4FRk6nV69nF4hmKgcaql3

📖 Keep building your business with practical knowledge and expert guidance.

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ConnexionWorks had the pleasure of attending the Black History Month Flag Raising Ceremony, officially marking the start of Black History Month 2026 and honouring 30 years of Black History Month in Canada. ✊🏾🖤

Held at Saint John City Hall, the ceremony was a powerful moment of reflection and celebration, recognizing Black excellence across generations, from nation builders who paved the way to the visionaries shaping the future. 🌍✨ It was an inspiring opportunity to come together as a community to honour the contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black communities across Canada.

A heartfelt thank you to PRUDE Inc. for the invitation and for their continued leadership in creating meaningful spaces for recognition, dialogue, and celebration. 🙌🏾 We are grateful to have been part of this important moment and proud to stand alongside community leaders and organizations in celebrating Black history, culture, and impact. 📚✨

🚀 Step Into Success: Business Plan Writing Workshop

Our new cohort is starting soon. This 4-session workshop will guide you through understanding and completing a strong, funding-ready business plan. Whether you’re refining an idea or building from scratch, you’ll get practical guidance to move forward with confidence.

📅 February 5 to February 26
⏰ Every Thursday | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

👉 Register here: https://share.hsforms.com/1_DKxGwepRVCTVFDneylWJgcaql3

Because good ideas deserve solid plans.

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We are incredibly proud to celebrate our very own Heather Acker, who has been honoured with the Laurie Flood Leadership Award as part of the 2026 SPARK Awards, presented by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John 🌟

This recognition celebrates Heather’s outstanding leadership, passion for entrepreneurship, and deep commitment to building stronger connections within our community. Her work continues to create spaces where people, ideas, and businesses can grow, reflecting the true spirit of mentorship, collaboration, and impact.

Congratulations to Heather and to all the inspiring 2026 SPARK Award recipients who dedicate their time, talent, and heart to helping young people believe in their potential.

Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John on Thursday, February 5, 2026, for the SPARK: Celebrate Mentoring Luncheon, at the Delta Hotel in Saint John, NB.

🔗 Learn more: https://saintjohn.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-saint-john/celebrate-mentoring-luncheon/

✨ We were thrilled to host the “Funding Basics for Entrepreneurs” session yesterday at ConnexionWorks, organized by the amazing Kayla & Co. 🙌

The event featured an insightful panel of experts who shared practical guidance and real-world experience with our local entrepreneurs:

💼 Phil Nowlan – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
🌱 Elizabeth Murphy – Bloom Funding
🏙️ Craig Wilkins – Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency
🤝 Anthony Ekweaga – Black Business Initiative

Participants gained valuable insights into funding opportunities, business supports, and how to navigate resources available across New Brunswick. It was inspiring to see entrepreneurs at all stages asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and exploring next steps for their ventures.

A big thank-you to Kayla Johnson and her teammate for bringing together such a knowledgeable panel and creating a space where entrepreneurs could truly learn, engage, and grow.

Initiatives like this strengthen our local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and ConnexionWorks is proud to support them by providing space, connections, and access to the right resources. 🚀

🚀 Are you a young entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level?

Join the Knowledge, Process, and Impact (KPI) Program – a 9-week journey designed to equip you with the tools, strategies, and support you need to run a successful and sustainable business.

💡 Learn from industry experts
🤝 Connect with like-minded peers
📈 Get guidance from experienced mentors

📅 Next cohort runs from February 3 to March 25
🕓 Every Tuesday | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business with confidence!
👉 Register now: https://share.hsforms.com/18VuI7T0wSNC3a1sjqcccxgcaql3

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Business Essentials Workshop: Business Structures Set-Up (Part 1)

Build a strong foundation for your business from day one 🧱 In Part 1 of this two-part workshop series, you’ll learn how to choose the right business structure, understand your financial responsibilities, and set up essential accounting practices to keep your finances organized and your business on track 📊

Part 2 will focus on CRA requirements and what you need to stay compliant 🧾

🗓 February 2, 2025 | 6:00–9:00 PM
🔗 Register: https://share.hsforms.com/159htMs4FRk6nV69nF4hmKgcaql3

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❄️ Event Update – StartUp Huddle Postponed

Due to today’s snowstorm and for everyone’s safety, our StartUp Huddle scheduled for this evening has been postponed.

We’re excited to bring the community back together soon to share ideas, challenges, and insights in a supportive space for entrepreneurs.

Please stay tuned for the new date and updates coming soon!

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