Business incubator helps immigrant entrepreneurs thrive in BC

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:33:03 +0000

Staff at DIverse Tailors event on Aug, 29, 2024

British Columbia is Canada’s hotspot for self-employment, and immigrants, BIPOC individuals, and women are leading the charge into entrepreneurship. Helping these diverse business owners succeed is DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society’s Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, a program powered by a $425,000 grant from TD Bank for the next two years.

Launched on August 29 with a cheque presentation, the incubator is designed to break down the barriers that often hold back immigrant and minority entrepreneurs. “We’re committed to empowering diverse entrepreneurs by giving them the tools to turn their skills into successful businesses,” said Vandna Joshi, Director of Social Entrepreneurship at DIVERSEcity.

The incubator offers a unique mix of resources: from business plan writing circles and startup bootcamps to one-on-one mentorship and peer support. It’s a comprehensive roadmap for anyone looking to launch a business in a competitive market. And it’s already proven to be a game-changer—earning a 2020 CANIE Award for Enterprise Support (BC Region) from the Innovators and Entrepreneurs Foundation.

Charn Sangh, Senior Manager of Small Business Banking at TD Bank, emphasized why this kind of support is crucial: “We believe financial inclusion is key to helping people fully participate in society. That’s why we’re proud to back a program that’s helping immigrant and BIPOC entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality.”

Leading the incubator is Florence Kao, a passionate advocate for immigrant entrepreneurs. As a Taiwanese immigrant herself, Kao knows the challenges newcomers face when starting a business in Canada. “Starting a business in a new country is a bold move,” Kao said. “We’re here to help these entrepreneurs with guidance, mentorship, and solid business planning, so they don’t have to face it alone.”

One of the program’s success stories is Wingie Yam, co-founder of Power of Passion (P.O.P.) Snack Mixes. Her diverse snack line, inspired by the cultures of its immigrant founders, is steadily gaining traction thanks to the incubator. “As a new immigrant, it’s tough to know where to start. This program taught me everything from defining my business goals to creating operational and financial plans,” Yam shared.

Sewing a path to success

Jacqueline Mutigerwa (first from right) is a participant of the Diverse Tailors program

A standout initiative within the incubator is The Diverse Tailors, a special cohort of refugee tailors and seamstresses from Africa. Participants like Elysee Nsengiyumva and Jacqueline Mutigerwa are using their skills to create vibrant tote bags, aprons, and other products made from upcycled street festival banners.

“These tailors are turning their sewing expertise into something that not only brings them joy but also provides income and independence,” Kao said. In late August, DIVERSEcity hosted a sales event to raise money for sewing machines for each tailor. Two machines have already been purchased, with more funds being raised.

Their eco-friendly products can now be purchased online at immipreneur-network.square.site/diverse-tailors, helping these entrepreneurs continue their journey toward self-employment and financial stability.

With initiatives like the Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, DIVERSEcity is playing a vital role in fostering economic opportunities for immigrant and BIPOC entrepreneurs in BC, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in the competitive world of business.

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