Prior to welcoming the opportunity at BBI, he previously held roles at the Halifax Regional Municipality, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, and also served on the Fusion Halifax Board as the Director of Entrepreneurship.
A serial entrepreneur, Matthew also has an extensive background in leadership, Human Resources, change management, and strategic planning. He was born in Cape Breton, moving to Halifax to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Dalhousie University, followed by a Master’s degree in Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from the Sobey School of Business. He is back as Interim CEO.Ī Certified Project Manager who believes in a ‘people-first’ approach to business, Matthew James Martel is the Chief Operating Officer at the Black Business Initiative (BBI). Rustum understands and champions the importance of employing entrepreneurial participation in community economic development strategies. He is an able and innovative administrator with significant expertise in strategic planning, business and entrepreneurial development and corporate governance. As the first and founding CEO of the Black Business Initiative (BBI) for 17 years, Rustum’s vision, tireless efforts, dogged determination and persistence has made the BBI a well-respected organization and a leader in developing an entrepreneurial culture that is helping to drive the economic vibrancy in Nova Scotia. Having successfully owned and managed various franchises in the food industry for a number of years, Rustum switched gears and took his years of experience and acquired competencies to oversee an organization whose main purpose is to develop and enhance Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia. Rustum Southwell has a true entrepreneurial mind, business acumen, passion and spirit to drive a successful business.