Entrepreneurship in action! Business incubator helps emerging entrepreneurs plan, launch and grow their ideas
British Columbia leads Canada in small business, with small enterprises making up 98% of all businesses in the province, boosting the province’s GDP and economy. And the diversity of entrepreneurs is expansive, with women, immigrant, youth, BIPOC and other emerging entrepreneurs taking the entrepreneurial leap.
Yet the business landscape can be a tough place for them to navigate, and a great idea doesn’t mean automatic success. That’s where empowering entrepreneurship programs, like the Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator by DIVERSEcity and supported by TD Bank, come in.
The Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator is a free, 24+ week self-employment training program, networking hub and business incubation platform rolled into one.
“With a constrained employment market and high cost of living, it’s not surprising to see so many British Columbians want to turn to self-employment, whether it’s their full-time gig or a side hustle to make extra income,” said Florence Kao, Manager of DIVERSEcity’s Business Incubator. “We are proudly supporting emerging, local entrepreneurs, particularly those from equity-deserving populations, to put their entrepreneurship ideas into action.”
And we’re so grateful to TD Bank for supporting our ability to continue doing so. Together, we’re here to provide these entrepreneurs with the guidance, mentorship and business planning basics to start up their businesses with success.”
TD Bank came on as the program partner in 2024, as well as previous years, and has renewed its support with additional funding of $425,000 for the next two years. We gathered on July 22, 2026, to celebrate with a cheque presentation with TD representatives Amyn Jessa, District Vice President; Sarbjit K. Johal, Area Manager, Small Business; Natasha Srisky, Branch Manager; and Jyoti Banga, Manager, Community Engagement.
With TD’s renewal of support, applications to join the program are open!
“DIVERSEcity and TD have had a long history with supporting entrepreneurship and small business growth,” says Vandna Joshi, Director, Language, Employment & Social Entrepreneurship. “Thank you to TD for renewing your commitment for another two years; we couldn’t support these incredibly creative, brave and diverse British Columbians without your help.”
Helping emerging entrepreneurs in BC start their business
Since 2024, the program has supported 106 emerging entrepreneurs with 71 businesses launched. Further, 87 have indicated they have improved their entrepreneurial skills and 77 have improved their confidence and self-efficacy. The predominant business ideas revolve around retail trade (15%) and food services (13%), while others delve into finance, insurance, health care, social assistance, and professional, scientific and technical services.
Participants Asiya and Zahra, founders of Our Village, have used the tools learned in the program to create a growing, healing community and retail business for mothers. They share: “The DIVERSEcity Business Incubator program has been such an amazing experience for Our Village. Getting the chance to present at events like the Dragons’ Den–style competition really boosted our confidence in pitching our business and gave us valuable feedback from both peers and experts. The weekly classes have been so practical and helpful, guiding us through everything from marketing and financial planning to making sure our business is sustainable in the long run.”
Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is coming up during Small Business Week
Program participants will also get an opportunity to showcase their businesses and take part in a business pitch competition at the 10th annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair on October 22, 2026, in Surrey, BC, presented by TD Bank. Learn more about the entrepreneur fair here.
“Supporting entrepreneurs to succeed means a more resilient small business sector, helping to build a stronger province and Canada for everyone,” adds Vandna Joshi.
Learn more about the Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator here.