Israa Hilles has big plans for co-working space business
Credit to Author: Margaret Jetelina| Date: Mon, 07 Jan 2019 21:09:44 +0000
Montreal newcomer is behind Escritoire, a place for immigrant entrepreneurs and freelancers to connect
Israa Hilles is a young, creative entrepreneur who, after only one year in Montreal, opened her own business and won Canada’s Futurpreneur Award 2018. Of Palestinian origin, Hilles was born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and arrived in Canada in 2015. After travelling to various cities in Canada — Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City, New Brunswick and Halifax — she chose to settle in Montreal. Here in the cosmopolitan city, she has, with a business partner, launched Escritoire, a co-working space where immigrant entrepreneurs, young business owners and freelancers gather to work, connect and share ideas.
Why did you decide to come to Canada?
Canada is a secure, multicultural country that believes in human rights and encourages industrious people with creativity and innovation to achieve their goals. I dreamed for years to have my own business in Canada.
How do you like Montreal?
I love Montreal so much and I found that the Québécoise are so co-operative. When I speak English, they change the conversation from French to English to help me understand the dialogue.
Tell me how you came up with the idea for Escritoire.
In 2014, I graduated from my studies in the U.S. on entrepreneurship and small business development with a focus on building and developing common work spaces. When I came to Canada to start finding work, it was not easy.
After I studied more about immigrant entrepreneurs, I found that when they move from one country to another, they are hesitant about the new environment and enter a spiral of questions. They need help and guidance to enter the Canadian market smoothly. Escritoire Coworking Space is the bridge between entrepreneurs and the new market.
What does “Escritoire” mean?
My partner, who speaks French, chose this name because it means an old small writing desk with drawers and compartments. It suits the historic building where we set up the company in the heart of Montreal — we have combined past and present.
What do you hope to achieve with your company?
For the short term, we want Escritoire to be the benchmark for quality co-working spaces in the greater Montreal area. For the long term, we want to establish a co-working space in other cities in Canada to build networks between other entrepreneurs and freelancers to learn and exchange knowledge.
What’s your advice to other immigrant entrepreneurs?
My advice is to be convinced of your abilities, have a strong knowledge of your project and have belief that you will achieve success. Have perseverance in achieving your goals. Learn from your mistakes, look for information and make an alternative plan if needed. And do not hesitate to ask the help of specialists and mentors.
There will be some pitfalls, but continuing on and having faith in achieving your goals is the secret of success.