DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair
Plan, launch & grow your business at our fair, October 20, 2021, 4–6 pm
Held annually in Surrey, BC, during Small Business Month, the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair, presented by TD Bank, supports diverse entrepreneurs get the knowledge and tools they need to plan, launch and grow their own business in Canada. Our 2019 event was a great success with nearly 300 attendees, 30+ exhibitors, five inspirational speakers and the presentation of our Immigrant Entrepreneur Grants.
With COVID-19 safety measures in mind, our free event is back for 2021, featuring keynote speaker Vikram Vij, celebrated restaurateur and a former Dragon from Dragons’ Den.
Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Time: 4–6 pm
Cost: Free
Where: Online via Zoom. (Some in-person options by invitation only at Surrey City Hall.)
Who can attend: Any member of the public or DIVERSEcity client interested in entrepreneurship or starting a small business in BC.
What to expect:
Welcome by DIVERSEcity Immigrant Entrepreneur Program’s Garrison Duke
Presentations and business tips by presenting sponsor TD, and other sponsors and supporters
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Vikram Vij, restaurateur and TV personality formerly of Dragons’ Den
Topic: What it takes to be an immigrant entrepreneur in Canada
Biography: Vikram Vij opened Vij’s restaurant in Vancouver in 1994, with Meeru Dhalwala joining him soon after to collaborate on a menu that would change the landscape of Indian cuisine in Canada. Using traditional Indian methods, spices and culinary influences, and pairing them with sustainable, local produce from British Columbia, they created one of the best-known and most beloved Indian restaurants in North America. Vikram’s first solo restaurant, My Shanti, opened in South Surrey in 2014. With cookbooks and TV appearances, Vikram is known as a celebrity chef and entrepreneur, even appearing as a Dragon on Dragons’ Den.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Sam Mod, CEO, FreshWorks
Topic: The two things I wish I had known as a new entrepreneur
Biography: Tech entrepreneur Sam Mod speaks passionately on topics relating to diversity, inclusion, technology, entrepreneurship, grit, leadership and humility. As a CEO, Sam led FreshWorks Studio to the Top Agile Application Development studio in Canada. The team grew from two employees in 2016 to 85 by October 2021 (and growing). He and his company have been recognized with several awards and honours including 2019 RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant and Top Entrepreneur; 2019 BC Business 30 Under 30; Small Business BC “Best Immigrant Entrepreneur” award in 2018; and more. He is an immigrant to Canada and moved to Victoria in 2013.
+ Immigrant Entrepreneur Showcase and Immigrant Entrepreneur Grant Awards Presentation
Registration: Register for the free event via Eventbrite using the button below. You will receive a Zoom link in advance of the event. To learn more, contact selfemployment@dcrs.ca.
What you’ll find at the fair
- Inspiring speakers and success stories
- Information from organizations who offer self-employment and small business information and resources
- Virtual business showcase of local immigrant entrepreneurs
- Advice to help you get started on your entrepreneurial journey
- Presentation of Immigrant Entrepreneur Grant Awards
- Networking opportunities and door prizes!
How will the fair help me?
- Explore business ideas
- Learn from other entrepreneurs
- Get information on the basics of starting a business
- Learn about financing options for your business
- Get help on writing a business plan
- Get tips on marketing your business
- And much more …
2021
PRESENTING SPONSOR
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Be a sponsor or exhibitor
Newcomers face countless barriers to employment, and the pandemic hasn’t helped. It’s no surprise then that many newcomers turn to self-employment and entrepreneurship after arrival, with higher rates than Canadian-born people. Statistics show that 10.8 per cent of self-employment Canadians are immigrants, versus 7.5 per cent who are born in Canada.
It’s, in fact, a global trend. A study by Global Entrepreneurship Monitor found that immigrants were more likely to start businesses than native-born populations in most of the 69 countries surveyed. Why is this the case? Immigrants have the education, skills and risk tolerance to succeed as entrepreneurs. However, they lack information on the local context of doing business.
That’s why new immigrant entrepreneurs need additional support to plan, launch and grow their business. The DIVERSEcity
Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is a great starting point for newcomers and other diverse community members.
Want to connect with these immigrant entrepreneurs? Join the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur and Small Business Fair 2021 as a diamond sponsor, grant sponsor or sponsor.
Download Sponsorship Package 2021
Contact us to learn more! Email selfemployment@dcrs.ca.