Surrey to host entrepreneur fair and Black Business Expo during Small Business Week

Small Business Week runs Oct. 19 to 25 in B.C. The 10th annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, 15269 104 Ave. in Surrey. The free event requires registration at dcrs.ca/entrepreneurfair. It will include a live business-pitch competition and a fireside chat with Safe Sweat founders Emre Ozgur and Andrea Kloegman. The Surrey-based company has appeared on TV’s Dragons’ Den.

Florence Kao, manager of self-employment programs with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, said the Oct. 22 event focuses on DIVERSEcity’s Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator. It aims to provide one-on-one support and guidance to diverse, grassroots entrepreneurs as they navigate the complex barriers and challenges of owning a small business in B.C. Kao said starting a business takes courage, belief in an idea, determination, curiosity and a willingness to ask questions of people who have taken that path.

Kao said the current environment for starting a business in B.C. is tough, citing the trade war and local politics. Still, many British Columbians are pursuing entrepreneurship with a side hustle or a small business idea they care about. She cited a new Ipsos survey indicating nearly one in four people have a side hustle to help with the high cost of living, with many more considering one.

Entrepreneurs come from diverse backgrounds, Kao said, with Gen Z leading the way. Newcomers, women and other diverse groups are also consistently growing demographics in entrepreneurship. But many lack the information and confidence they need to run their businesses, she said.

The fifth Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Surrey City Hall. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. It is hosted by the Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of B.C. in partnership with the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. Attendees can reserve a spot through Eventbrite.

According to a post on the City of Surrey website, the expo aims to give Black-owned businesses a platform to showcase products and services, reach potential customers, build brand visibility and connect with entrepreneurs, community leaders and organizations. Attendees can also learn about programs, resources and services available to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.