Immigrant Entrepreneur Program
Immigrant Entrepreneur Program
Small business information, resources and workshops for newcomers
Whether you want to explore small business ideas or become self-employed, we’re here to guide your entrepreneurial journey in Canada. Our free Immigrant Entrepreneur Program, funded by TD Bank, is a self-employment training program, networking and support system, and business incubation platform rolled into one. We are ready to help you take your idea to startup to launch in the following three phases.
1. One-to-One Support
Get personalized, ongoing support from our self-employment specialists. We help newcomers explore business ideas, do market research and competitor analysis, write a business plan, register their business, understand financial loan options, learn about marketing, sales and operational plans, and much more.
2. Business Plan Writing Circle
In our eight-week Business Plan Writing Circle, you will be able to :
- Explore business ideas, and define your products or services
- Identify your target customers, do market research and competitor analysis
- Learn the basics of a business plan and develop marketing, sales, operational and financial plans, including cash flow projections
- Learn about business structures and the business registration process
- Meet other immigrant entrepreneurs
- Receive a Certificate of Completion after completing the eight sessions
Held on Saturdays, 10 am –1 pm, there are the eight weekly Business Plan Writing Circle themes:
| Week 1 | Explore your business idea using the Business Model Canvas |
| Week 2 | Define your products or services |
| Week 3 | Define your target customers and what you are offering them |
| Week 4 | Learn about market research, focus groups and competitor analysis |
| Week 5 | Understand the basics of a business plan |
| Week 6 | Start a marketing and sales plan |
| Week 7 | Develop operational and financial plans, including cash flow projections |
| Week 8 | Learn about business structures and the business registration process |
3. Business Startup Bootcamp
Once you’re ready to put your business planning into action, you can take part in our Business Startup Bootcamp. Held on Saturdays, 10 am –1 pm via Zoom, June 26 to August 28, 2021, you will be able to:
- Present your business pitch “Dragons’ Den” style to a panel of experts
- Start creating business operation processes, such as product development, branding, marketing, sales, customer service, production, logistics and accounting procedures
- Start selling at local marketplaces or online, with our ongoing support
Eligibility
Preference is given to permanent residents and naturalized citizens. Language support in English, Mandarin, Arabic and Korean.
Register
To learn more and register for the Immigrant Entrepreneur Program and Business Plan Writing Circle, call 604-547-1662 or email selfemployment@dcrs.ca.