VIBE AND VEGAS SHOW: RUSTUM SOUTHWELL – PRESIDENT OF THE BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE

Rustum Southwell is a passionate leader and tireless advocate for economic diversity and capacity building. Originally from the Island of St. Kitts in the British West Indies, Rustum Southwell has called Nova Scotia home for over 30 years. As one of the first Black franchise operators in Nova Scotia, Rustum understands and appreciates the entrepreneurial landscape in Nova Scotia.Rustum is a recognized and respected leader in the business community with strong connections in the public and private sectors. As the Black Business Initiative’s ; (BBI) CEO, he is accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for the management and leadership, strategic planning, and implementation of a loan program, development fund, consulting arm, business summit, and training department.The Black Business Initiative (BBI) is a Province-wide business development initiative committed to fostering the growth of businesses owned by members of the Nova Scotia Black Community. The BBI places priority on educating Black business owners in the operation of their business – from marketing to budgeting to securing funding.The BBI is committed to growing the Black presence in a diverse range of business sectors including high-tech, manufacturing, tourism, and the cultural sector. If you would like to find out more information about the Black Business Initiative, please go to their website at http://www.bbi.ns.ca/index.html.If you would like to contact Mr. Southwell directly:Phone: (902) 426-8948 Toll Free:1-888-664-9333 Email: southwell.rustum@bbi.ns.caWe had the opportunity to speak and share with Mr. Southwell via the telephone. He talks about various subjects such as how he adjusted moving in 1972 from St. Kitts to Nova Scotia, how the BBI started, success stories of Black entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia to providing advice to those Black men are interested in starting their own business. Enjoy!!Feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a voice mail at 1-866-280-9385(toll free).God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith,Vibe and Vegasinfo@blackcanadianman.comhttp://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas