Best in the Biz

College of the North Atlantic
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Learn tips and tricks for business success from successful entrepreneurs.  Best in the Biz highlights the entrepreneurial achievements of College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students and alumni. Host Ian MacDonald, CNA Business Development Officer Entrepreneurship, chats with successful entrepreneurs about their ventures, entrepreneurial skills, and what it takes to run a business.  Have a topic or question you’d like addressed? Contact Ian at cna.nl.ca/entrepreneurship

  1. Apr 1

    Season 6, Episode 5 - Charlie White & Jeffrey Young

    What does it mean to grow business while protecting the land and strengthening community? In this special episode, we sit down with Charlie White, Western Vice Chief of Qalipu First Nation, and Jeffrey Young, President and CEO of the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation. Charlie shares his perspective on sustainability and resource protection drawing from lived experience and deep connection to the land. Jeffrey offers insight into building community-driven social enterprises, including the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation’s new childcare and community hub, and the realities of creating long-term sustainability beyond grants and government funding.   Want to learn more? Follow Qalipu First Nations and the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation on social media to explore initiatives and upcoming programs.

    Season 6, Episode 5 - Charlie White & Jeffrey Young

  2. Mar 18

    Season 6, Episode 4 - Allison Muise & Byron Alexander

    Innovation and passion are at the center stage in this episode featuring Allison Muise of Triple Point Resources and Byron Alexander of Newfoundland Naturalist. Allison breaks down how an energy storage project in Western Newfoundland is helping make renewable energy more reliable. Byron shares his journey from decades in health and wellness to launching a land-based learning initiative. He discusses the vast potential for eco-tourism in Bay St. George region and shares his number one rule for entrepreneurs: follow your passion.  To know more about these projects, please follow Triple Point Resources and Newfoundland Naturalist

    Season 6, Episode 4 - Allison Muise & Byron Alexander

  3. Mar 4

    Season 6, Episode 3 - Kosuke Toba & Ciel Murray

    Youth empowerment takes the spotlight in this episode featuring Kosuke Toba of Money Moose and Ciel Murray of the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation. Kosuke shares how he’s making financial literacy accessible and engaging for K–12 students through fast-paced workshops, real-life budgeting scenarios, and a children’s book designed to spark generational change. Ciel introduces Youth Ventures, a free program supporting Indigenous youth ages 12 to 29 with business ideas, mentorship, and even “business-in-a-box” kits to help young entrepreneurs get started.   Want to learn more? Check out Money Moose on Amazon and visit YouthVenturesNL.com to explore free support for young entrepreneurs.

    Season 6, Episode 3 - Kosuke Toba & Ciel Murray

  4. Feb 18

    Season 6, Episode 2 - Reisha Knott & Ray Brake

    Careers don’t always follow a straight line and that’s where the learning happens. In this episode, we hear from Reisha Knott of Qalipu Holdings and Ray Brake of Digital Advertising Solutions. Reisha reflects on her journey as a CNA alumna who transitioned from finance to marketing and shares honest advice about discovering your strengths through real-world experience. Ray discusses the self-belief necessary to thrive. He highlights the wealth of local funding resources and explains why skepticism from others is often the best motivation to succeed. Tune in for a masterclass on networking, community giving, and professional pivoting. Find out more about Digital Advertising Solutions at digitaladvertisingsolutions.ca

    Season 6, Episode 2 - Reisha Knott & Ray Brake

  5. Feb 4

    Season 6, Episode 1 - Jonah Rowsell & Rob Thomas

    Community, collaboration, and a shared vision for business growth. This episode features Jonah Rowsell of Qalipu Business Network and Rob Thomas of Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures. From supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs with business planning and partnerships to building tourism experiences rooted in culture, place, and sustainability, these conversations highlight the power of working together. Tune in to hear practical advice for aspiring business owners. Want to learn more or get involved? Visit the Qalipu Business Network and Everoutdoor Adventures

    Season 6, Episode 1 - Jonah Rowsell & Rob Thomas

  6. 11/26/2025

    Season 5, Episode 6 - Adam Rowe, SubC Imaging

    Join us for a deep dive with Adam Rowe of SubC Imaging! Discover how this Newfoundland-based company, co-founded by two CNA grads, has innovated to become a leader in underwater imaging for marine research, offshore energy, and defense across 30+ countries. Adam shares insights on building a tech business from the ground up, navigating international markets, and the vital role of community support.

    Season 5, Episode 6 - Adam Rowe, SubC Imaging

  7. 11/12/2025

    Season 5, Episode 5 - Kayla Stride, Miawpukek First Nation

    Kayla Stride of Miawpukek First Nation never planned on becoming a ceramic artist. After being waitlisted for flight school, she enrolled in Visual Arts and discovered pottery. In her words, the clay chose her. Since then, her journey has wound between full-time teaching, performing with the all-nations drum group Eastern Owl, and building her business Red Fire Ceramics. In this episode, Kayla reflects on embracing unexpected turns, making space for art on her own terms, and discovering new ways to create by drawing on available tools and supportive communities.

    Season 5, Episode 5 - Kayla Stride, Miawpukek First Nation

  8. 10/29/2025

    Season 5, Episode 4 - Josh Taylor, TxtSquad

    Josh Taylor’s business, TxtSquad, simplifies communication for clients. He says making services more accessible can be a game-changer. Josh also shares why pacing growth matters in long-term markets and how strong relationships can open doors that speed alone cannot. Along the way, hear about TxtSquad co-founder Tim Bonnell, a CNA alum and recent winner of CNA’s Alumni Acclaim Award for Innovation. Tune in for practical insights on designing solutions that put people first.

    Season 5, Episode 4 - Josh Taylor, TxtSquad
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Trailers

About

Learn tips and tricks for business success from successful entrepreneurs.  Best in the Biz highlights the entrepreneurial achievements of College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students and alumni. Host Ian MacDonald, CNA Business Development Officer Entrepreneurship, chats with successful entrepreneurs about their ventures, entrepreneurial skills, and what it takes to run a business.  Have a topic or question you’d like addressed? Contact Ian at cna.nl.ca/entrepreneurship

Information

  • Creator
    College of the North Atlantic
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Best in the Biz