Mur déidhinn

About Us

The Gaelic Business Initiative (GBI) is a nonprofit volunteer initiative administered by the GaelsConnect.com Business Association with support from the province of Nova Scotia and the NS Office of Gaelic Affairs. GBI has multiple objectives including:

  • Supporting and growing businesses in their day-to-day operations.
  • Stimulating the use and growth of Gaelic culture, heritage, and language.
  • Providing employment opportunities and careers for Gaelic speakers of all ages.
  • Ensuring the protection and growth of a unique Nova Scotian cultural asset.

Simply put, our goal is to energize and unite businesses to celebrate their Gaelic culture, language, and heritage while helping them to grow.

Am Bradan-Fiosa

The Salmon of Knowledge

Why does our logo contain a salmon? There is a story!

The tale of Fionn Mac Cumhail and the Salmon of Knowledge is a cornerstone of Gaelic mythology, symbolizing wisdom, patience, and destiny. According to legend, a mystical salmon gained all the world’s knowledge by eating acorns that fell into the River Boyne from the mighty Oak Tree. The poet Finnegas spent years trying to catch it, believing it would grant him wisdom. When he finally did, he tasked his young apprentice, Fionn, with cooking it but warned him not to eat any.

While turning the salmon, Fionn burned his thumb on its juices and instinctively put it in his mouth — instantly gaining all the knowledge meant for Finnegas. From that moment on, Fionn could access boundless wisdom. This story reflects Gaels’ deep respect for knowledge and the belief that wisdom is sometimes granted through fate rather than effort alone.

CÀBHA

FAQs

Who is eligible to become a member?

Membership is open to all businesses and organizations interested in promoting and integrating Gaelic language and culture into their operations.

Not at all! You can be anywhere in the world and still be part of the Gaelic Business Initiative—we even have members from outside Canada. That said, project funding is exclusive to Nova Scotia-based members.

Nope! Membership is completely free and everyone is welcome to join.

No! All businesses are welcome. You do not need Gaelic roots to be part of GBI, what matters is that you see the value of Nova Scotia’s Gaelic language, culture, and heritage. If you believe this heritage can enrich your business and community, then GBI is for you.

As a member, you’ll gain access to resources that help integrate Gaelic into your brand, funding and guidance for Gaelic-focused projects, and opportunities to connect with like-minded businesses. Being part of the worldwide Gaelic community also positions your business to attract more customers and enhance both the customer and employee experience.

For the full list of benefits, check out our membership page.

Applying is easy! Just fill out our membership form. We’ll aim to get back to you within 5 business days. That said, timelines can sometimes change, so we’ll keep you updated if it takes a little longer.

As a member, we ask that you follow our brand guidelines when using GBI logos, graphics, or promotional materials. This helps keep the Gaelic Business Initiative brand consistent and recognizable.

You’re also required to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for respectful, professional, and positive engagement with the GBI community. Following these guidelines helps ensure a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members.

Other than that, there are no strict obligations—membership is designed to be supportive and flexible, allowing you to integrate Gaelic culture into your business or organization in a way that works for you.

Project funding is open to businesses and organizations in Nova Scotia. Not-for-profit organizations may apply only in collaboration with a member business. All projects must align with GBI’s mission to strengthen and promote the business community and Gaelic-related enterprise and culture in Nova Scotia.

Members can apply for funding up to a total of $1,500 within a calendar year. In exceptional cases, members who have already received $1,500 may submit another application, but additional funding will only be considered for projects of outstanding merit and impact, and will be subject to available funds.

No problem! Taking on a project isn’t mandatory. If you’re interested but unsure where to start, we can help you brainstorm ideas by email or during a video call. Together, we’ll explore what might be a good fit for your interests and goals.

Don’t see your question listed above? Send us a message through our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you!

Back to top