DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair

Did you know that immigrants are more likely to be entrepreneurs or self-employed than the Canadian-born population? According to Statistics Canada, 10.8% of immigrants are self-employed compared to 7.5%. Newcomers and other diverse communities face many barriers in the labour market, so it’s no surprise then that they turn to starting a small business. Our upcoming, fourth annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair on October 23, 2019, is a great resource for newcomers and other diverse community members to plan, launch and grow their business. Free admission! We invite you and your clients, classes and groups to attend our free event. It’s a great field trip for a LINC class, settlement or youth group! Held during Small Business Month, here’s what you can expect at the fair: • Tradeshow of exhibitors with small business resources and information • Keynote presentation by business coach and author Harry Narang on the Future of Entrepreneurship • Success story by local immigrant entrepreneur Janaka Rathnayaka of Clayton Glass • One-on-one business consultation and advice for attendees • New business showcase and marketplace • Networking opportunities, refreshments, door prizes • Presentation of our Immigrant Grant Awards • Plus, we’re thrilled to have the “Clear Communicator” Catherine Steele as our emcee and the following three mini workshop presenters: 1. 10 Tips to Keep You on Time, on Task and on the Path to Success Business and leadership coach Karen Southall Watts 2. How to run a collective social enterprise business Michael Yue of Vancouver Community College (VCC) 3. A Nation of Entrepreneurs: The Changing Face of Canadian Entrepreneurship Tricia Chio of BDC (Diamond Sponsor)