Darlene

Darlene

Halifax
Contact Darlene

About Me - Short Overview

Darlene Duggan can join your team on a short-term or long-term basis to support business development, project management and growth initiatives in multiple business sectors. She adapts her role to fit your specific project needs whether you require hands-on execution, or additional capacity. Darlene brings practical execution experience, a strong international network, and a clear focus on measurable growth outcomes for Canadian and global organizations. She works with established companies, SMEs, industry associations, universities, and government organizations that need experienced support to move projects forward, solve challenges, enter new markets, work with funding institutions and/or build export-ready companies. In addition to project support, Darlene designs and delivers training and growth programs that strengthen internal capabilities, enabling teams to sell, partner, and operate confidently in new markets. Clients choose Darlene because she is practical, well-connected, and results-driven. She provides clear, realistic advice, sets achievable timelines, and stays engaged until momentum is established—delivering stronger strategies, smarter market entry, and sustainable growth.

Key Career Highlights - Actions, Results

Worked with over 300 brands in wholesale, retail and licensing for a large promotional products. Successfully growing the company's brand.positioning.
Developed the energy sector file in Atlantic Canada for the Trade Commissioner Services.
Helped over 100 SMEs develop their business plans for internal and external growth, enter new markets and secure funding.
Helped Canadian and international companies export to new markets with mentoring and making the right connections, include Belize companies to Europe, Canadian companies expanding to Atlanta, Florida, LA, Boston and New York.
Successful launched companies and strategic partnership for Canadian companies.
NGEN - Canada manufacturing supercluster, project monitor and applications reviewer,

What size(s) of businesses / organizations do you have experience with?

  • Start-ups
  • Small (<100 employees)
  • Medium (101-499 employees)
  • Large (500+ employees)

List the names of companies/organizations you have worked for and/or consulted for, regardless of size:

BCL Entertainment, Maritime Life Assurance, Farmers Dairy, Environment Canada, Trade Commissioner Service, Commonwealth Secretariat, Community Business Development Corporation, Atlantic Trade Winds, Halifax Partnership.

Credentials - Degrees, Accreditations, Qualifications

Bachelor of Public Relations - Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS Graduated with Cooperative Education Distinction Certificate International Trade - George Brown College of Applied Arts &Technology, Toronto, ON Certified Explorer Quotient Trainer (one of 13 in Canada) - Destination Canada Canadian Professional Sales Association - Professional Selling Certificate Durham College – Business Specialization (ongoing) Industry Canada Trade Policy workshop Industry Canada International Trade Professional Development Workshop FITT – Forum for International Trade Training Canadian Securities Course - Nova Scotia Community College Personal Financial Planning, Certified Financial Planner - Nova Scotia Community College Wealth Management, Certified Financial Planner - Nova Scotia Community College

What perspectives along the value chain do you have insights on, whether direct or indirect (stakeholder engagement), as an expert?

  • Raw material production
  • Primary processing
  • Manufacturing
  • Wholesaling / Logistics / Transportation
  • Retailing
  • Government / Public Service
  • NGO / Charity
  • Consumer groups
  • Other

Testimonials

I worked with Darlene on two projects, one a consultant to help me with my business plan and the second as a matchmaker (sales appointments). Both occasions were great experiences. Darlene was professional and efficient with her work. The quality of her work is great and goes beyond what is required to get the job done. She really does put in the work to advocate for us and connected us with some great accounts to support growth of our business. I will recommend her to anyone looking to work with her. She’s a great resource to have. Simply Go Natural Cosmetics
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