Inspiring stories from the Immigrant Business Expo Winnipeg, MB – September 6, 2025

From vision to venture: Inspiring stories from the Immigrant Business Expo Winnipeg, MB – September 6, 2025

The South Gym at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus was alive with a palpable sense of ambition and excitement this Saturday, as hundreds of immigrant entrepreneurs and business supporters filled the space for the Immigrant Business Expo Manitoba 2025. Organized by the Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council (MBIEC) in collaboration with New Canadians and RRC Polytech, the event marked a significant milestone in Manitoba’s efforts to empower newcomer entrepreneurs.

From the moment attendees stepped inside, the variety of enterprises on display was striking. Booths ranged from tech start-ups showcasing innovative apps to homegrown culinary ventures serving up flavors from around the globe. One booth featured handmade crafts inspired by African and Indigenous designs, while another promoted eco-friendly cleaning products developed by a newcomer small business. The diversity of offerings illustrated not only entrepreneurial creativity but also the richness of Manitoba’s multicultural business community.

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Throughout the day, workshops and panel discussions tackled the challenges and opportunities facing immigrant entrepreneurs. Topics included accessing startup funding, navigating Canadian regulations, branding in a multicultural market, and leveraging digital marketing tools. Panelists, including successful immigrant business owners and local business mentors, shared stories of struggle and triumph. “When you come to a new country, starting a business can feel impossible,” said panelist and tech entrepreneur Fatima Khan. “Events like this show you’re not alone, and that support exists if you know where to look.”

Equally popular were the Small Business Clinics, where attendees queued up to receive personalized guidance on business plans, legal requirements, and financial management. Many participants described these sessions as eye-opening, with advice tailored specifically to the realities of launching a business as a newcomer in Canada. One attendee, an aspiring café owner, noted, “I walked in with questions, but I’m leaving with a concrete roadmap and contacts I never knew I could access.”

Networking was another major draw. Local business leaders, policymakers, and service organizations mingled with newcomers, exchanging ideas and exploring collaboration opportunities. “Building relationships is as important as building a business,” explained MBIEC director Joanne Desai. “This expo provides both.”

The event also highlighted the broader economic impact of immigrant entrepreneurship in Manitoba. From creating jobs to introducing innovative products and services, newcomers are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the province’s business landscape. Organizers emphasized that supporting immigrant-led businesses is not just a matter of inclusion—it’s a strategy for economic growth.

As the afternoon drew to a close, participants lingered to share contacts, finalize deals, and reflect on the day’s lessons. For many, the Immigrant Business Expo Manitoba 2025 was more than a networking event; it was a celebration of ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of entrepreneurship in the immigrant community.

With record attendance and an enthusiastic response from both participants and organizers, the expo sent a clear message: Manitoba’s immigrant entrepreneurs are ready to innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to the province’s future.

Hosted and organized by the Manitoba Immigrant Employment Council (MBIEC), in collaboration with RRC Polytech, New Canadians (New Horizons Media Inc.), and Regional Connections