One of Atlantic Canada’s major champions for startups is closing up shop. Halifax-based First Angel Network, the company who trailblazed angel investing in Atlantic Canada, has announced they will cease operations March 31. Co-owned by Brian Lowe and Ross Finlay, the not-for-profit has been supporting early-stage tech startups since 2005, funding first investments of startups like Immunovaccine Technologies and Spring Loaded Technology which have seen great success in recent years.

Emera sells off Maine operations
Emera Inc., the publicly-traded utility company based in Halifax, has announced they are selling their Maine operations. Emera Maine, which services more than 150,000 customers, will be sold off to Enmax Corp, a deal valued at $1.8 billion which is expected to close later this year.

Sekisui to create more P.E.I. jobs
Sekisui Diagnostics, a global diagnostics subsidiary of Sekisui Chemical Co. Ltd., is expanding their operations in the West Royalty Business Park in Charlottetown, P.E.I. The company says they will add 15 to 20 jobs because of the Island expansion of their facility with the aid of government funding, bringing their total employment to 130 people.

Atlantic Canada’s only Scout store closing
The only Scout Shop in Atlantic Canada is shutting down. Situated at 201 Union Street in Saint John, N.B., the Scout Shop, which sells camping and outdoor equipment to support Scouts Canada, will close come July 31. The store is one of seven establishments Scouts Canada has decided to close out of their 14 locations across the country.

The Parlour opens in St. John’s
St. John’s has a new gelato shop near Bannerman Park. The Parlour, which features housemade gelato, fresh coffee and waffles, was opened at 85 Military Road on Wednesday, March 20 by owners Laura Bloomquist and Gary Long. Lineups for gelato were out the door of the establishment through the weekend.

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