DIVERSEcity

10/19/2026

It's ! And we can't wait for the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair this Thursday, October 22, 2026, 3-7 pm at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel.

We are excited to hear more about one particular small business — Safe Sweat from ! DIVERSEcity Board Chair Jason Wong (and a entrepreneur himself!) will be interviewing Safe Sweat founders Emre Ozgur and Andrea Kloegman in an onstage Fireside Chat.

We'll talk about their previous appearance on TV's Dragons' Den and their unique business idea that allows people to get fit with luxury, safety and privacy. Their gymgoers can work out the way they like, listen to the music they want and wear what they want! (Women, wear the gym shorts!) Safe Sweat is a space for anyone who wants to get fit on their own terms.

Come listen to Emre's and Andrea's entrepreneurial journey!

Learn more and register for the FREE event here:
https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/diverse-entrepreneurs/diversecity-entrepreneur-and-small-business-fair/

Safe Sweat
Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade
TD SDECB Burnaby Board of Trade

10/16/2026

BC's Francophone community is a powerhouse of entrepreneurship! And La Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) works hard to create a prosperous economic future for Francophones in the province.

SDECB has also been a strong supporter of the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair for many years! We are so grateful to welcome you back as a platinum sponsor of our fair next week and can't wait to present the Francophone Business Awards during out Business Pitch Competition with you.

Come learn about SDECB during our tradeshow on Thursday, October 22, 3 pm, at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel!

Learn more and register here: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/diverse-entrepreneurs/diversecity-entrepreneur-and-small-business-fair/

10/16/2026

Last year, DIVERSEcity's Board Secretary/Treasurer Sonia Parmar was a recipient at the Surrey Now-Leader Community Leader Awards in the Volunteer category.

The awards, presented by Surrey's local newspaper, aim to recognize community leaders who are actively and selflessly give of their time to help others and to make Surrey a better place to live, play and work.

Know someone who fits the bill? They are seeking nominations in these categories: Coach, Teacher, Emergency Services, Environmental Champion , Youth Volunteer, Community Builder, Volunteer, Above and Beyond and Leader of the Year.

The deadline, October 18, is fast approaching! We're helping spread the word. Nominate here today:

Check it out now!

10/16/2026

Today, October 16, is World Food Day, a UN international awareness day highlighting food insecurity and innovation happening globally to combat hunger.

Closer to home in BC, the Infinite Wave Foundation is making emergent and meaningful strides in food security work in Metro Vancouver and . That’s why was the recipient of the Food Justice Advocate Award at our DIVERSEcity Awards of Impact in September.

Through their Meals Movement program providing meals to families and unhoused individuals and new controlled-environment agriculture initiatives, this emerging charitable organization is making an impact for British Columbians.

"When we think about food justice, we talk about much more than just food. We talk about dignity," said co-founder Jaimie Edwards. "We have seen how something as simple as a meal can restore dignity, connection and hope."

Thank you to Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society for sponsoring the Food Justice Advocate Award.

Read our full story here: https://www.dcrs.ca/celebrating-food-justice-advocate-award-recipient-infinite-wave-foundation-on-world-food-day/

10/14/2026

Hey entrepreneurs! It's Dean from DIVERSEcity here, inviting you to our 10th annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair!

Come learn how to plan, launch and grow you business on Thursday, October 22, 3-7 pm at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel.

Join us for a dynamic tradeshow and marketplace, with inspiring speakers including a fireside chat with the founders of Safe Sweat! Plus, a live Business Pitch Competition, Dragons' Den style.

Learn more and register here: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/diverse-entrepreneurs/diversecity-entrepreneur-and-small-business-fair/

Let's celebrate entrepreneurship in action! Everyone is welcome to this free event!

10/14/2026

TD Bank has been a longtime supporter of DIVERSEcity's programs, specifically our Diverse Entrepreneur Business Incubator and Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair, now in its 10th year.

As presenting sponsor of our fair coming up next week, we couldn't be more grateful for TD Ready Commitment's support and commitment to emerging entrepreneurs and the local small business community!

Come learn about TD's services during our tradeshow on Thursday, October 22, 3-5 pm, at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel!

Learn more and register here: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/diverse-entrepreneurs/diversecity-entrepreneur-and-small-business-fair/
TD

10/14/2026

The next cohort of DIVERSEcity’s Future Leaders Youth Employment Program begins October 19, and recruitment is still open!

Are you ready to take the next step toward your career goals?

Future Leaders supports youth in building the skills and confidence they need to prepare for employment and work toward their future career goals. Through six weeks of interactive workshops and personalized support, participants can explore career options, develop workplace skills and connect with employers and industry professionals.

Eligible participants may also receive a living allowance while attending the program, a completion bonus and potential tuition or training support to help them continue working toward their goals.

Whether you’re exploring what comes next or already have a career in mind, Future Leaders can help you build a pathway forward.

Learn more about the program through our website: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/youth-employment-programs/future-leaders-program/

Apply today: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qJvdGGXJREWdYnexuUrni7-xB3q8fAJAqQ9W3a2wpHxUREg1QVNaNzNEVEtLWFRCSDROTkFYOVExTiQlQCN0PWcu

10/14/2026

Yes, and ... We are thrilled to have improv queen Ingrid Broussillon as the emcee at the DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair on Thursday, October 22.

Founder of the WoW Culture and Griottes Polyglottes, Ingrid brings an electric energy to any stage or platform she graces. ⚡️⚡️⚡️

A graduate of our Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, Ingrid will ensure our Entrepreneur Fair is a dynamic event not to miss!

Are you an entrepreneur or would-be entrepreneur? Join us! Everyone is welcome.

Learn more and register here: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/diverse-entrepreneurs/diversecity-entrepreneur-and-small-business-fair/



https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-broussillon/

10/11/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at DIVERSEcity! 🍂

Please note that DIVERSEcity offices will be closed on Monday, October 12 for the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 13.

We hope you have a restful long weekend and get to enjoy time with friends, family and loved ones.

10/10/2026

Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day, the last day of Mental Illness Awareness Week in Canada. It’s an opportunity to be reminded that we need to keep raising awareness of mental health issues — about one million British Columbians experience mental illness annually — and advance efforts to increase much-needed mental health support.

At a time when mental health needs are becoming increasingly complex, particularly for children and youth, we at DIVERSEcity, know that access to mental health counselling is a critical part of building stronger, healthier communities. But for many people in our community, cost, wait times, and language and cultural barriers can make seeking mental health support feel out of reach.

“Organizations like DIVERSEcity are on the front lines, listening to community members, identifying emerging needs and adapting services to respond to those needs,” says Faiza Attiqullah, Manager, Mental Health & Wellbeing, DIVERSEcity.

Through our Mental Health and Substance Use Programs, we are proud to support individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and to reduce barriers that can prevent people from accessing mental health and wellness services. We provide counselling services in seven different languages.

“For many diverse families, being able to communicate in their first language can be the difference between reaching out for help and remaining silent; between feeling misunderstood and feeling heard; and between simply receiving a service and truly feeling supported," adds Faiza.

At DIVERSEcity, we are grateful to the individuals, families, funders and community partners who place their trust in us. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access mental health support in a language and environment where they feel understood, respected and valued.

For more information about DIVERSEcity’s services, see here: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/mental-health-and-substance-use-services/

In case of a crisis, call or text 9-8-8 for free, confidential crisis support.