A Bit About Me

Just like any other immigrant newcomer, I came to Canada with dreams and ambitions thinking that my journey is going to be easy, but I underestimated the challenges. As soon as I landed in BC, I started working towards integrating my values while defining my work and life goals. I worked with many settlement organizations including WeBC, S.U.C.C.E.S.S, ISS of BC, MOSAIC, and YWCA to help me integrate with the Canadian employment workforce and the entrepreneurship landscape.

This became tougher when the pandemic hit. In addition to starting a new business in a new country with rules that I knew little about, I faced other challenges of not being able to meet people face to face, not being able to evaluate spaces physically, constraints in talking to potential customers, doing market research, and eventually figuring out how will I reach my final paying customer. If I did not have the support of the various organizations mentioned above, I would have been completely lost.

I decided to start my business in a highly regulated market of food. I had to figure out the entire process of getting approvals from the health authorities getting my packaging, labeling, production, pricing, logistics, distribution, and sales in place with limited capital.

I cannot imagine how much tougher this journey would have been if I didn’t have WeBC to call and ask a question, or if I didn’t have ISS of BC to introduce me to resources that helped me get started.

Now, as a Business Advisor with WeBC, I work with startup and growth entrepreneurs to help them navigate challenges in their business. I have also updated my knowledge in the import-export space so I can help entrepreneurs expand markets or streamline their cost of goods sold (COGS).

I understand the challenges of being a newcomer immigrant to Canada because I have been one myself!

I couldn’t get a credit card before depositing money against it first. I couldn’t buy a car without my husband’s signature. I understand the problems that women of colour, or minority-represented groups face while starting or growing their business, accessing capital, or even other resources through their entrepreneur journey.

An immigrant entrepreneur may have more questions, be more hesitant to ask or feel apprehensive about starting their business for the fear of doing something wrong—or maybe because they want to do everything right. Whatever your situation or your story is, contact me for a complimentary business advisory session, or just call me to chat so I can see how WeBC can help you on your entrepreneurship journey.

Sincerely,

Archana Samtani Singhania
Book a chat with me
archana@we-bc.ca