Small business pros and diverse entrepreneurs connected at sold-out DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair, supported by TD Bank
Nearly 500 people joined us in exploring the small business tradeshow and artisan marketplace at the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair, October 17, in the sun-filled atrium at Surrey City Hall. It was the biggest turnout this 8th annual event has ever seen!
“For diverse, BIPOC, women and immigrant entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurial journey is appealing, and statistics consistently back this up,” said Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity, in her opening remarks. “BC has more small businesses per capita than any other province, and 98 per cent of all BC businesses are small businesses.”
After the information-filled exhibition, attendees moved into the theatre where Tom Conway, CEO of Small Business BC, led a thought-provoking dialogue with a stellar panel of entrepreneurs! They spoke about their journeys and provided tips on how to succeed in business.
Asha Wheeldon, founder of Kula Foods, talked about the importance of market research for her African food products business. “Going in the community asking questions was an important part of my research,” she said.
Jujhar Singh Mann, founder of Mann and Co Bakeshop and a star of Netflix cooking show Is It Cake?, said, “Authenticity is key.” He explained that it’s crucial to be authentic, especially with sharing your business’ story and collaborating with other businesses. “I really love what I do, I feel excited. And when you share your story, your journey, people appreciate that.”
Rony Thaler, board member of event sponsor La Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB), added, “Storytelling is not going away. It’s the central feature of what every single human being attempts to do. Everyone has a story. So put it on display and stand tall and proud behind it. That’s fundamentally the power you’re seeing on this stage.”
Also on the stage was Sifu Matthias Klenk, owner of martial arts studio Immortal Dragon, a past graduate of DIVERSEcity’s self-employment program. Humbly, he spoke about the challenges of growing your business when you’re so focused on running the day-to-day operations. “I’m one person running it and I teach classes, so my day is basically 12 hours,” he say. “I also have to take care of myself, however. I know that if I’m good, the business is good.”
Tom then asked each panellist to share on top tip of advice for entrepreneurs. Rony said “patience” to a rumble of laughter from the entrepreneurs in the audience. Asha said “build community and focus on the people.”
According to Matthias, “Connect with each other and seek guidance and mentorship.”
Finally, Jujhar added: Take every thing step by step. [Running a business] can be overwhelming and you can get carried away by things that are not that important. I got the fanciest equipment and molds at first — I cared too much about that kind of stuff. Focus on in what’s really important and taking things steps by step.”
DIVERSEcity Business Pitch Competition
After the panel, the event launched into the DIVERSEcity Business Pitch Competition, Dragons’ Den style. Six shortlisted entrepreneurs had four minutes each to present a pitch about their business, to win a financial prize.
And the winners are …
- First place ($2,000 prize): Carbon Wise Consulting (Elisabeth Baudinaud)
- Francophone Business Award ($2,000 prize): Atome Bakery (Alice Couderc)
- Second place ($1,500 prize): Colib Technology (Thibault Bréboin)
- Third place ($1,000 prize): Better Table Solutions (Ben Liegey)
- And two honourable mentions to Fruitasty (Juan Morales, Camilo Benito, Esteban Giraldo, Shin Thant Aung) and Phytoingredients (Rania Fouda)
Thank you to DIVERSEcity sponsors, partners and attendees!
Thank you to all the participants, sponsor TD, award sponsor SDECB, Marketing Sponsor Surrey Board of Trade, Media Sponsor Surrey Now-Leader, featured exhibitors Futurpreneur and Vancouver Community College, and all other exhibitors and attendees!
Learn more about the Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, the DIVERSEcity program that presented the fair, here.