The Halifax Partnership economic development organization has announced a collaboration with BoomersPlus to offer online consulting services to entrepreneurs struggling to navigate the pandemic.

BoomersPlus matches retired professionals who are at least 50 years old with companies that want to hire “boomers” for consulting or leadership roles.

The Virtual Advisor Program will allow founders to seek advice from experienced business people via a virtual platform. Participants will communicate according to a mutually agreed-upon schedule and set of parameters.

It is being rolled out under the umbrella of the Halifax Partnership’s existing SmartBusiness networking and advice initiative, which allows companies to seek advice on topics such as technology commercialization, and research and development.

The Halifax Partnership is also expanding its Connector program—which matches recent post-secondary graduates and skilled immigrants with business leaders for mentorship—to address labour shortages in the agriculture, fish processing and logistics sectors.

“Halifax Partnership has connected with over 750 businesses impacted by COVID-19, and we are helping companies navigate and access the many government programs and private sector resources available to help them with cashflow, staff reductions and other major challenges,” said president and CEO Wendy Luther in a statement.

Virtual Advisor and Connector participants are pre-screened by the Partnership. Prospective virtual advisor participants can apply here, and job-seekers and employers can enrol in the Connector program here.