In this special episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we highlight Stories Across Generations, a collaborative art project led by Creative Pictou County with support from the Pictou County Partnership, and funded by Arts Nova Scotia.

The project connected local artists, newcomers, and community elders through storytelling and creativity, resulting in a moving collection of artworks showcased in two exhibitions that welcomed over 200 attendees.

Join host Sarah Santos in conversation with Carissa Ainslie, Executive Director of Creative Pictou County, as they reflect on the project’s impact and legacy. You’ll also hear from several artists, storytellers, and newcomers who share what this experience meant to them — in their own words.

Explore the full project and see photos of the artwork at: creativepictoucounty.com

This week, Colleen Proudfoot (Pictou County Partnership) and Ann MacGregor (Nova Scotia Works Career Connections) welcome Layla Rahmeh, Executive Director of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.

Layla shares how the Chamber supports local businessesthrough advocacy, member benefits, and networking—and gives us a preview of the Business Achievement Awards happening October 22, 2025 at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou.

We also discuss the importance of small businesses,collaboration among local economic development organizations, and upcoming Small Business Week visits to local businesses from the Chamber, Pictou County Partnership, and IGNITE.

🎟️ Tickets for the Business Achievement Awards are available (while supplies last) at: decostecentre.ca
🌐Learn more about the Chamber: pictoucountychamber.com

Episodes originally air Thursdays on 98.9 XFM.

As part of Welcoming Week 2025 and its theme, Stories We Share, we reconnect with Abdalazeez Alabbas, who first arrived in Canada with his family in 2021. In our 2022 blog post, we shared his journey of coming to Pictou County, starting work as a Continuing Care Assistant, and working toward becoming a registered nurse.

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, Abdalazeez reflects on his family’s settlement journey, shares some of the special moments they’ve experienced, and highlights how the warm welcome they received from day one made all the difference in building their new life here.

In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, one story at atime”, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections speaks with Maddie Kennedy, Program Coordinator for 2SLGBTQI+ Business Support at the Pictou County Partnership.

Maddie shares program highlights to date and shares detailsabout the upcoming Pride in Business Workshops and networking event happening on September 25, 2025 in collaboration with IGNITE and Pictou County Pride.

Tune in to hear how inclusive business supports are empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening our community.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

Register or learn more about the Pride in Business workshops and networking event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pride-in-business-workshops-for-2slgbtqi-entrepreneurs-tickets-1630976447459?aff=oddtdtcreator

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.

In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time”, we sit down with sisters and entrepreneurs Emily Hutchinson and Pamela Godin, the owners of Endless Love Wedding Rentals & Consignment in Stellarton, NS.

From a spontaneous idea to opening a boutique offering wedding, prom and formal wear on consignment, Emily and Pamela share their story of building a business that blends sustainability and affordability.

They talk about their mobile bar service, Clink Pop Up Bar, forming partnerships with other local vendors, the entrepreneurial spirit in their family, and the joys (and occasional chaos) of being both parents and business owners.

Listen now to learn more about their business!

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we’re joined by Melanie Dash, Recreation and Active Living Coordinator for the Town of Westville. Originally from the South Shore of the province, Melanie shares how her own experience as a newcomer within the province inspires her work today.

She’s leading the upcoming Welcome to Westville event—an exciting opportunity for newcomers to meet neighbours, get involved, and discover what makes Westville a great place to live. Tune in for local insights, tips for newcomers, and a heartfelt invitation to this community celebration!

Visit pictoucountypartnership.com to learn more about how we’re supporting newcomers in Pictou County.

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time", Cathy Munro of Bramble Hill Farm shares exciting news - the fresh microgreens part of her business is now owned by Tracy and David Hutchings, owners of Go West Homestead in Merigomish.

Originally from Ontario, they now call Pictou County homeand are carrying forward a mission of food security and community resilience in Pictou County through year-round greenhouse farming.

Rooted in agriculture, this episode highlights howsuccession planning can drive growth, spark innovation, and create opportunity—at any stage of a business. If you're passionate about local food systems, rural entrepreneurship, or the impact of mentorship, this conversation is for you.

Episodes originally air on 98.9XFM on Thursdays.

Reunion Alert!

This week on “Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time”, Wade Tibbo of the Pictou County Partnership and Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections welcome a familiar voice — Gene Mills, Ann’s former morning show co-host.

Gene shares how he turned his love for trivia, music, andmaking memories from a side hustle into Foxy Entertainment –a full-time business.

From tech-powered trivia nights to his custom-built “magic mirror” photo booth, Gene is all about innovation with a local twist.

🎧 From DJing weddings to New to the Crew trivia events with Healthy Pictou County, Gene’s keeping Pictou Countyentertained — one event at a time.

Listen now for a fun and inspiring conversation!

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 Allesondra Roddick and Matthew Webb of My Grandfather’s Farm who are continuing a family tradition as the take the farm into its next generation of operation.

They share how they blend tradition with innovation—combining time-tested practices like crop rotation with modern methods such as environmentally friendly fertilizer sprays.

They share details of their plans for the upcoming season, and how the Pictou County Partnership's ELEVATE Program is helping them grow their business with purpose.

Listen now to learn more!

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

In this episode, we’re joined by Aaron Fanning, MentorAbility Facilitator with Nova Scotia Works Career Connections, to explore how mentorship can unlock new opportunities for people experiencing disabilities.

Aaron shares the impact of the MentorAbility program acrossPictou, Antigonish, and Guysborough counties—connecting job seekers with disabilities to inclusive, short-term mentorship experiences that build networks, confidence, and pathways to employment. Aaron shares why inclusivehiring matters and how businesses of all sizes can get involved.

Listen now to learn more!