Alexandra McCann

Alexandra (Alex) McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, a community accelerator empowering rural and underrepresented groups through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship (i+IDE) and collective impact. ONSIDE amplifies disruptive ideas and mobilizes collaboration to turn ideas into impact for a more prosperous and entrepreneurial future in Nova Scotia. She is also host of the ONSIDE Podcast, now in its second season.

Prior to this role, Alex was the Chief Operating Officer for Dockside Investco, a Nova Scotia-based portfolio management company. She was also CEO for Baie Run Pet Products, a natural products start-up focused on pet wellness. In addition, Alex has been an Investment Attraction lead for Nova Scotia Business Inc. (NSBI) covering clean tech, ocean tech, life sciences, bioresources, agri-foods, and seafoods. She has also held positions with the Export-Import Bank of the US (Ex-Im Bank) in Asset Management, as well as the Office of Renewable Energy and Environmental Exports, focused on global infrastructure, structured and project finance.

Alex holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS) and a double BA from the University of Virginia in Asian Studies and Anthropology. She is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a member of the board of governors at the University of Kings College. Alex is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Inspirit Foundation—which promotes an inclusive and pluralistic Canada—and is chair of the Finance Impact Investment Committee. She sits on the advisory board for SEATAC, an applied research and innovation centre for the ocean technology sector, and the steering committee for the Black Start-Up Project with the Tribe Network. She is a co-founder of Sun Under the Sea Nutrition, Inc., based in Nova Scotia.

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