I showed up to the Black Swan Conference not just to attend, but to listen, contribute, and connect and left with renewed certainty about the difference places like the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre make in real people’s lives. Let this be a reminder that support exists, and it’s closer than you think. The WRSBC continues to be a place where entrepreneurs find real mentorship, practical guidance, and people who genuinely care.
It was a pleasure meeting Minister Rechie Valdez, who was truly the right person in the room. Her work advancing small-business support and gender equity gave real meaning to the idea that the right room can change your business.
Huge appreciation to Ismail Mohamed and ThruTalent Training Corp. for creating space for honest conversations, learning, and connection. The conference was a powerful reminder that clarity often comes from the right conversations, at the right moment, and why community matters so deeply, especially for minority entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty.
Grateful for insights from Hon. Rechie Valdez, Karen Redman, Natasha Usher, Councillor Paul Singh, Jeyas Balaskanthan and Professor Trevor Charles.
Key takeaways:
🗣️ Advocate boldly: “If your mouth is closed, your business is closed.”
💡 A healthy dose of delusion can be essential.
🌱 Through adversity comes opportunity, and cheerleaders matter.
🤝 Mentorship and programs like those at the WRSBC are critical.
Bottom line: showing up matters and you deserve to be in the room 💫 Let this be your reminder: support exists. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to grow, the right resources can make all the difference:
🔗 Local support (Region of Waterloo): https://www.wrsbc.ca
🔗 Federal programs & funding: https://lnkd.in/ewt6nK-b
