Our Stories

Easy Street Diner co-owner Kelly-Jo Beck explains how they cater to folks with dietary challenges, and the importance of 'finding your people' as a small business owner.

In 2023, Fantanesh applied to CUA’s Community Investment Grant Program with the goal of delivering a health and self-care program to BIPOC and other marginalized communities.

With Burning Flame Candle Company's custom and private labels, you can use scents to both shape your atmosphere and define your brand.

In 2022, Halifax Surf School received $4,500 from CUA's Community Investment Grant Program to increase available cold-water rental inventory and expand their rental season.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his university experience, CUA member Noah saw an opportunity to pursue an entrepreneurship venture of his own with Oakhill Outdoor.

For over 20 years, business owner and franchisee Mike Donald has been serving happiness to others with Dairy Queen's frozen treats. Having CUA by his side has made a big difference.

Since moving to Nova Scotia from Lebanon in 1985, Jake Tohme has owned mutiple businesses throughout the HRM, from pizza shops to his current floral shop.

In 2022, Breaking Circus received a $7,500 grant to integrate a 'mât chinois' into their interactive and immersive circus experiences.

With help from CUA's Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, Sam was able to open Kids Physio, a physiotherapy clinic that's just for kids.

Since launching in 2020, the objective of Blk Women in Excellence has been to educate, encourage and inspire Black women entrepreneurs.

For local spin studio Just Cycle, breaking down barriers and making spin inclusive to all is the key to their success.

Through CUA's Community Investment Grant Program the Garden Club formed, meeting weekly to grow vegetables and connect.

2022 Community Investment Grant recipient Hive to Home hopes to change consumer waste habits with beeswax wraps, a reusable alternative to single-use items like plastic wrap.

Discover how the New Scotland Brewing partnership formed and their experience banking with CUA as small business.

South Shore Sexual Health received a $5,000 Community Investment Grant from CUA in 2021. See how CUA has impacted the Centre's TransFORMATION Closet program.

By banking with CUA, Rebecca was able to focus on her beautiful designs and growing her business, Paper Chain Stationery.

John Drisdelle of Century Computer has been working with computers since they've been big enough to fill a room. CUA has been with him every step of the way.

When she was starting the Floatation Centre, Lindsay was looking for a banking partner that believed in her vision. 

With a small business loan from CUA, Paul was able to grow his detailing business and gain recognition around the world.

Liz Ingram-Chambers revived Le Bistro in 2011. Working with CUA, she secured financing to purchase kitchen equipment and open on schedule.

Combining his passion for scuba diving with his knowledge of business, Jason Weickert has found success for Torpedo Rays through developing personal connections. 

Dennis and Melissa Mbeba have found success together in their business and in their life as a family.

Abady Alzahrani started dancing in his early 20s. That soon led him to follow his passion for dance and open House of Eights Dance Studio in 2019.

Terrilee Bulger has worked in the book industry since she was 15. She now owns Nimbus Publishing, the largest English-language publisher and book distributor east of Toronto. 

With a shared purpose and values, North Brewing knew CUA would help foster and grow that community and be more than a financial partner.

For over 20 years, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort has been many Nova Scotian families' favourite campground.

MacKenzie Atlantic transformed from one man and his machine, to one of the largest manufacturing & CNC machine shops in Atlantic Canada.

After operating Evergreen Electric for five years, electricians Justin and Scott were ready to grow their business.

Even though they knew they had a winning idea, Seagull Cabinets had a hard time convincing the big banks. CUA saw their vision.

Dan has built a company that is gaining momentum and winning awards. But building a growing company requires leaning on partners like CUA.

With help from CUA, Darrell was able to start a business that helped him spend more time with family and happily serve ice cream.

Hana Nelson observed consumers having trouble finding access to fresh, sustainable seafood. With help from CUA, she did something about it.

Ambroise moved to Halifax over 40 years ago and dreamed of owning a home by the time he turned 50. With CUA, he achieved that dream.

"We just needed a bank account and a debit machine, but we kept hearing 'no' until we went to CUA. CUA stepped up when we needed them."

Over 30 years ago, a business was born from a passion to serve the community. Today, Craig Walker proudly carries on his family legacy.

It didn’t take long before Emma and Marc said goodbye to roommates, packed up their belongings and moved to an apartment on a mission.

Paul and Blessing and their three sons moved to Canada and set their sights on finding a place to call home.  CUA found a way to say ‘yes’.

Twenty two years ago, Lawrence had a vision of starting an armored car service with two guys and a truck. CUA’s been there since the start.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Annex Branch, Evan tells us about the value of team work and his passion for the local music scene.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Jaiden tells us about his love of economics and finance, snowboarding and providing exceptional service to members.

As the Branch Administrator at our Annex Branch, Mary tells us about growing up in New Brunswick, spending time with family, and the importance of an emergency fund for life’s surprises.

As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Tharushi tells us about the importance of saving and investing, thinking outside the box and her shoe collection.

As the Branch Manager at our Wyse Road Branch, Sanket shares his professional experience in marketing and banking, walks us through a regular workday, and shares his love of cooking.

As a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, Collin shares the importance of building trust in relationships with members, his love for cooking, and his passion for the outdoors.

As a Financial Advisor at our South Park Street Branch, Ross shares his lifelong interest in financial literacy, advice he thinks every member should follow as well as his love of golf.

As a Small Business Advisor with the Commercial Team, Jordan tells us about the best part of his job at CUA, which is helping members reach their goals, as well as his love of music, including playing and teaching drums.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Pleasant Street Branch, Kelly tells us about playing “bank teller” as a child, her love of thrifting and the importance of a good relationship with your financial institution.

As the Branch Manager at our Cole Harbour Branch, Jacquie tells us about her Colorado upbringing, her volunteer work, as well as what drew her to join the CUA team.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Lynn tells us about her various roles at CUA over nearly 22 years, as well as her favourite pastimes and hobbies.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Spryfield Branch, Natashia shares her favourite piece of financial advice, as well as what she loves about her role at CUA: member interactions and opportunities to volunteer with the rest of the Spryfield team!

In this month’s staff profile, Branch Administrator Lori Buhlman tells us about her various roles at CUA and her passion for photography.

In this month’s staff profile, Financial Services Representative Sally Williams shares details about her community work and financial advice that everyone should follow.

In this month’s staff profile, Michelle tells us about her extensive career in the financial sector, and what she loves about her role as a Financial Services Representative at CUA.

In this staff profile, Angela tells us about her role as a Small Business Advisor and her love of song writing.

As a Financial Services Representative at our Tantallon Branch, Kelly tells us about her Illinois roots and her love of chasing waterfalls. Learn more about Kelly and her role at CUA.

As a Financial Advisor at our Civic Branch, Danny tells us about his work in the local music scene, his love for Italian cooking, and how he strives to help others improve their financial literacy.

As a Financial Service Representative at CUA’s Spryfield Branch, Eryn shares with us how she joined CUA for the company culture and her passion for photography.

With an extensive background in the financial sector, Laura Doane joined the CUA team seven years ago. As a Financial Advisor, she shares with us the highlights of her role, her financial advice and her community work.

As a Financial Services Representative in our Customer Contact Centre, Brett strives to support members by problem solving.

Adam recently joined CUA as the South Park Street Branch Manager. Learn about him in this month's staff profile.

Over the course of her career at CUA, Rose, a Financial Advisor at our Wyse Road Branch, has always prioritized developing a strong rapport with her clients.

With an extensive career in the banking industry, Bob uses his experience and expertise to support CUA’s Commercial team.

Derya joined the CUA team in 2021. With over 22 years in banking, Derya is experienced in wealth management, accounting, and branch management. She is currently the Branch Manager of the Tantallon location.

Carol celebrated seven years with CUA in 2021. She is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative.

Matthew joined CUA in 2021 as the Branch Manager of our Spryfield location. With over six years of experience in the financial industry, Matthew is a skilled leader with a passion for bettering his community. 

Tracy joined the CUA team in 1996 and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative at our Wyse Road Branch.

Johanna is the Branch Manager for both the South Park Street and Wyse Road branches. With decades of experience in leading others, she brings her passion for helping her team reach their full potential.

Russell joined the CUA team nearly 35 years ago and is currently in the role of Financial Services Representative in the Customer Contact Centre.

Brad joined the CUA team in 2018. He is currently in the role of Commercial Account Manager where you can find him helping our members.

Doe joined the CUA team in 2020. She is a Small Business Advisor who loves helping individuals achieve financial well-being.

Ella has been a member of the CUA team for over 29 years. She is an Account Manager who loves helping individuals meet their financial goals. 

Shawna has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years and is passionate about helping people. You can find her at our Annex Branch working as a Financial Advisor.

Caroline has devoted more than 35 years to the financial industry. You can find her at the Cole Harbour branch, helping her team and her customers achieve their financial goals.

Scott joined the CUA team in 2012 and is CUA’s Vice President, Member Services. Scott provides leadership to all eight branches, the CUA Commercial Centre, Customer Contact Centre, and CUA’s wealth management portfolio.

With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions from Toronto to Halifax, he brings his passion for helping others reach their financial goals to the office everyday.

With decades of experience in the financial sector spanning banking institutions of all sizes she has dedicated her career to helping others make their financial goals a reality.