The Diversity Marketplace

A free online business directory for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual plus reflects the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify (2SLGBTQA+), and/or people with a Disability(ies) Entrepreneurs who live in Nova Scotia and are 50 per cent (or more) female-owned.

Mission Statement for The Diversity Marketplace

The Diversity Marketplace is a free website where Female led diverse entrepreneurs can showcase their products and services. Our goal is to amplify underrepresented voices and businesses, and champion equal opportunities for all. The Diversity Marketplace provides a space where conscious consumers can shop the true tapestry of Nova Scotia and paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive community and future.

We recognize that many entrepreneurs disproportionately do not have the same visibility. We would like to help close that gap. We also know that people want to be supportive but don’t always know how.

The Diversity Marketplace provides a place where people can speak with their wallets, and they can shop with intention. The trend in conscious consumerism means shoppers deliberately make purchasing decisions that will have a positive social, economic, and environmental impact.

This purposeful purchasing is a growing shift. It is a next step - to not only think about the issue but provides a way that most are able to action. Just like our giving circle the Diversity Marketplace recognizes the fact that many individuals acting together can collectively lead to a larger impact.

Are you an entrepreneur who wants to be a part of the Marketplace? Click here to apply!

The Back Story

The idea of The Diversity Marketplace came from one gal’s quest for to be a more conscious consumer.

Wanting to make her dollars have a social impact, she collected names and online information about makers and creatives that were underrepresented. When a one stop online marketplace could not be found she decided to create a platform that would easily showcase the businesses and products of marginalized groups.

To launch phase three, we are starting a 100 Vendors in 100 Days Challenge. We’re asking you to forward our information to all the women-led businesses you know in Nova Scotia.

FAQ

The Diversity Marketplace, a groundbreaking initiative by 100+ Women Who Care Halifax, dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and championing equal opportunities, is thrilled to announce the launch of its "100 Vendors in 100 Days" challenge.
With this exciting endeavor, the Diversity Marketplace aims to showcase the exceptional products and services of female-led diverse entrepreneurs while fostering a brighter, more inclusive community and future.
The Diversity Marketplace Ambassadors help us spread the word in diverse communities.
We are seeking dedicated individuals who are connected to the BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and Disabled communities.
These Ambassadors can effectively communicate the importance of supporting businesses from marginalized communities and fostering inclusivity, as well as encourage and help new vendors to register.

Want to be an Ambassador? Contact Colette Robicheau today.
We lead with action and intention. You have the business or side hustle. We give you a space to thrive and grow.
This website is a free online business directory for female entrepreneurs who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or people living with a Disability(ies) who live in Nova Scotia.
The Diversity Marketplace is not and never will be monetized. As a vendor, you give us the information that allows us to support you. Information includes your website, socials and other ways for consumers to get to know you and what you have to offer. All you have to do is submit your business contact information here and we will handle the rest! We recommend you keep it up to date for best results.
The application needs business info to promote you. Not personal info. We ask you to provide a website, picture and a short description. If you need a bit of assistance, we can help you pull it together.
If you identify as a female entrepreneur and BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or people living with a Disability(ies) who live in Nova Scotia you qualify. Our current categories for businesses are: Fashion, Food & Beverage, Beauty, Jewelry & Accessories, Visual Artists, Books, Handcrafts & Home Décor, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Health & Fitness, Business and Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, and Travel & Tourism.
If you don’t see a category that fits what you do, feel free to contact us and let us know! We are happy to accommodate your unique business!
No. We trust applicants to accurately self-identify when they fill out the form. We do collect demographic information as part of the application process but that is for internal review to ensure we are reaching as many diverse communities as possible.
Your business is listed on our website with a link to your social media or website. We promote our vendors on the 100 Women Who Care Halifax social networks, and at our Members Only Charitable Giving Meetings. We also work to share learning & networking opportunities such as bringing vendors to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce Wonder Woman conference. As the Diversity Marketplace grows, we hope to continue to increase the opportunities for our vendors.
As a vendor you will measure our success by seeing an increase in your business and profile in the community.
We hope that your experience will help us grow and expand the number of women lead businesses that benefit from the Diversity Marketplace.