Every month, 70 people in Nova Scotia search online for “how to start a business.” This number represents more than just a late night search—it symbolizes the hopes, dreams, and potential of individuals who believe they might have what it takes to create something special. Initially, this statistic evoked a sense of optimism in me. Our entrepreneurial spirit is alive in our province.
But when I paused and thought about it, these 70 searches are just that—searches. They capture a fleeting moment of curiosity, ambition, or perhaps a dream. What they don’t capture is the follow-through, the action required to transform an idea into reality. And this is where the story becomes less optimistic.
The path from a Google search to a successful business is fraught with challenges, especially here in Nova Scotia.
The First Hurdle: Navigating the Administrative Maze
The first major challenge these aspiring entrepreneurs face is the administrative and legal process of starting a business. Unfortunately, instead of a clear, simple roadmap, they find a counterintuitive system. The complexity and bureaucracy can be discouraging. Many get lost in the maze of forms, regulations, and legal jargon, never making it past this initial step.
The Cultural Barrier: Sharing the Dream
For those who push through the administrative hurdles, the next challenge is sharing their idea with others. This act, which requires vulnerability and courage, is terrifying for many. In Nova Scotia, this fear is amplified by a cultural reality: it’s often easier to criticize the entrepreneurial spirit than to support it. Here, we have a long way to go in creating a culture that uplifts and encourages new ideas. Data from Statistics Canada confirms this, showing that Nova Scotia has the lowest ratio of entrepreneurs to population in the country. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a reflection of the environment in which these 70 dreamers must operate.
The Final Challenge: Taking Action
Even if they navigate the administrative process and muster the courage to share their idea, the hardest part remains: taking action. Out of those 70 searches each month, how many will actually turn into businesses? Sadly, the answer is likely very few if any. The combination of administrative barriers and cultural resistance proves too much for many.
Where Do We Start?
So, how do we help more people in Nova Scotia turn their dreams into reality? My first thoughts went to the usual suspects: access to capital, mentorship, and a solid workforce. But upon deeper reflection, it became clear that many potential businesses die long before they even need those resources. They die at the hands of culture and administration.
If we want to foster entrepreneurship in Nova Scotia, we need to start with the basics. We need to simplify the administrative process, making it more intuitive and accessible. And just as importantly, we need to cultivate a culture that celebrates and supports entrepreneurs, rather than one that stifles them.
Nova Scotia has the potential to be a hub of innovation and creativity. But to get there, we need to ensure that those 70 searches each month aren’t just moments of fleeting hope—they’re the beginnings of something real and lasting.
Jason Davis
Founder
Ralli Marketing
