Starting a business in a new country isn't easy. Immigrant entrepreneurs often struggle to access financing, navigate local business practices and build social connections.
Enterprise Bridge is working to change that. The business development program, led by TMU'S Global Migration Institute, supports newcomer entrepreneurs through nine months of training, mentorship and guidance.
Celebrating the first cohort
On June 9, the Global Migration Institute hosted the Enterprise Bridge Community Connections event to celebrate its first graduating cohort of 28 entrepreneurs.
The event brought together business owners, mentors, community partners and researchers. Attendees took part in an impact panel, networking sessions and a marketplace featuring newcomer-led businesses in food, retail, consulting and essential services.
The event also tapped into excitement building around the FIFA World Cup , which is drawing global attention to Toronto and other North American host cities.
"It is more important than ever to point toward opportunities for newcomer entrepreneurs seeking to turn ideas into thriving businesses," says Anil Dhakal, TMU research fellow.
For participant Shatvahi Ramesh, founder of Thethani and Co - a mobile tea and snacks stall - the program was a turning point.
"Being here, surrounded by all these dreamers and doers, was my wow, I can do it' moment," she says."Having a one-on-one conversation with my mentor, and seeing someone else believe in my idea, was the push I didn't know I needed."
A global model, with a local focus
Enterprise Bridge is delivered through a partnership between TMU's Global Migration Institute and the University of Notre Dame's Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI) - a model that operates in over 60 cities.
"The Toronto program is unique within the network for its dedicated focus on immigrant entrepreneurs, reflecting both Canada's immigration landscape and TMU's expertise in migration research."
Support for the UPBI as it expanded into additional communities through local institutions such as Enterprise Bridge came from The Coca-Cola Company, as part of its commitment to economic empowerment, and inspired by the FIFA World Cup 26 .
Building a business in a new country
For many participants, the program's biggest impact went beyond business basics - it helped them build confidence.
Mentor and entrepreneur Levicel Calang, founder of All Women Entrepreneurship Circuit (AWEC), says real mentorship goes deeper than advice.
"You're not just sharing technical advice. You share a piece of your life, your experience and your story," she said. "My advice to young entrepreneurs is find your community and keep showing up."
Co-founder of Oh Snack It, Aanchal Rawal, says her experience as an immigrant gave her a new perspective on what she's capable of.
"If I could pack up my life in a 23-kilogram suitcase and move across the world by myself, I can do anything I want to do," she said. "And if you can navigate a whole new world that was never yours to know, you can do this too."
Creating lasting connections
UPBI founder Michael Morris and TMU Research Fellow Anil Dhakal discussed the strong potential in adapting the model to support newcomer communities in Canada.
Organizers say the goal of Community Connections was to build something that outlasts the nine months.
"What we wanted to create was more than a business program," said Marshia Akbar, Director of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab. "We wanted to create a community where entrepreneurs could learn from one another, support one another and grow together."
