BY ALYSSA MAHADEO
For many, the start of a new year signifies unlimited potential. A fresh start, a new perspective, and the promise of new and exciting opportunities. How will you make this year different?
In recent times, more and more people are leaving their 9 to 5 jobs, and opting to take the more scenic route of entrepreneurship. Rather than working as an employee, an entrepreneur runs a small business and assumes all the risk and reward of a given business venture, idea, or goods or services offered for sale. Running your own business takes a lot of hard work and dedication. There is no time to sit back and relax, as everyday becomes a constant hustle.
Whether you’ve graduated from high school, or gone on to pursue a degree, there are no qualifications to be an entrepreneur. All you need is a business plan and finances to get started and bring a new idea to fruition.
For the past two years, the Toronto Caribbean has been host to one of the biggest events of the year connecting business owners with the community to provide exposure for their brand and services, while also providing the knowledge for continued success. In April 2016, the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper hosted the second annual Toronto Caribbean Business Expo, which included 75 small business vendors, 11 guest speakers and 2 very entertaining performances by the Tropicana Queens and WUSHU Project. Over 700 people were in attendance and media coverage included Rogers TV and The Asian Television Network.
The Toronto Caribbean Business Expo and Conference was organized to provide the Caribbean community a much-needed platform to present themselves to the public in a professionally organized business environment. They have allowed for over 135 vendors to exhibit at their event, creating a productive and engaging atmosphere where business owners could meet potential clients, and network with other entrepreneurs, while also enjoying a day filled with informational business advice and captivating island entertainment. In addition to the collection of vendors, renowned business professionals and entrepreneurs from within the community graced the stage speaking on business related topics, personal development, and what you need to know about how to brand yourself for success.
This year we have decided to try something a little different, rebranding the Expo to a Business Social, hoping to raise the bar and cater to the new and younger generation of business owners in a professional and educational forum. We are proud to create an event that is not exclusive only to the Caribbean community, but open to the public and everyone interested is invited and warmly welcome to attend.
This year our Business Social will be catering to the Millennial Generation, young people either in high school, headed into University or College or just plain and simple have no clue what’s next for them. After conducting focus groups with a panel of individuals that fall in and around the age of Millennials we have discovered that this generation is looking for answers based on questions they feel have been left unanswered during fundamental years of in school education pertaining to small business operation. Our focus feedback informed us that these individuals are looking for information, techniques and services teaching them to become their own brand, how to use their own creative personalities to start a passion project and get paid to do something they love. This year’s Social theme is STICK TO YOUR VISION and we have organized a line up of speakers to attend and share their stories with our audience. Each speaker address will complement our theme delivering knowledge to get people excited about materializing their new ideas and get the ball rolling on their own plans for the future.
This is an event that you won’t want to miss. On May 7th, 2017, the Toronto Caribbean Business Social will continue to lay the foundation for a professional platform where businesses can connect face to face with our community, as well as gain valuable knowledge to influence both personal and business growth for success. This year The Toronto Caribbean Business Social VIP Attendees will get exclusive access to this year’s speakers that include fun and relatable personalities with interesting and inspiring personal experiences in the pursuit of their dreams, and innovations in the world of business. At the 2017 Toronto Caribbean Business Social VIP attendees will hear from Canadian Hip-Hop Queen and Music Pioneer Michie Mee, Rapper, Record Producer, and Actor Maestro Fresh-Wes whose outstanding achievements have dubbed him Godfather of Canadian hip hop, Retail Magician and Founder and Owner of T by Daniel, Daniel Lewis, Best Selling Author Nelly James, Branding Specialist and TV and Radio Personality Priya Ali and much more!
International Comedians and Entrepreneurs Marc Trinidad and Jay Martin will host the Toronto Caribbean Business Social and perform with live musical entertainment by International R&B Sensation Carlos Morgan, local artist Chelsea Stewart, with music services provided by DJ Kevin.
General Admission to the Social is free, where you will gain access to browse the marketplace of vendors, network and gain possible leads as well as sample some of the tastiest cuisine from the Caribbean with a selection of food vendors providing their unique Caribbean inspired food creations. Various booths will be hosting service demonstrations, as well as entry into various prizes and giveaways.
VIP Admission is limited, and guests who purchase a VIP ticket will be granted access to the line-up of speakers and entertainment and performances throughout the day. VIP guest will also receive a Swag Bag, Catered Caribbean Buffet Style Lunch, Exclusive networking opportunities with other VIP attendees and speakers as well as entry into various giveaways including an Exclusive Personal Coaching Package with a Year’s worth of Advertising in the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper (Total package valued at over $5,000). VIP Tickets are currently on sale at an early bird price at $40, and prices will increase as the event draws near.
This year’s social on May 7th invites the men and women of today who were born to stand out and aren’t afraid to try new things to find their purpose and use their talents and skills and knowledge to make an impact in society. If you are someone searching for a new type of business knowledge, experience something remarkable that leaves an impression and inspires productivity. This event is Community oriented with citizens interested in inspiring change, uplifting the community and erasing social stigmas. These like-minded individuals are people interested in new innovative ideas, with unique and seamless solutions to make the business experience and enjoyable and prolific endeavor.
The Toronto Caribbean Business Social is invested in change and has invited community leaders and successful business owners to share their experience and practices with others to inspire a new generation of promising opportunity. If you are interested in discovering a new perspective, working on personal development, and hoping to do great things in the future this is the event for you!
The Toronto Caribbean Business Social will be held on Sunday May 7th, 2017 inside the Pearson Toronto Convention Center 2638 Steeles Ave East, in Brampton. For tickets please log onto eventbrite.ca/torontocaribbeanbusinesssocial or for information on marketplace vendor booths call 647-722- 6298. Tickets are going fast! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to hear from the best of the best! If you are a young business owner or entrepreneur come out and discover all of the ways to take your passion and make it your paycheck!
