The Toronto Business Development Center (TBDC) honoured their entrepreneurs at their inaugural Essence of Entrepreneurship Awards at the pristine Granite Club in Toronto. The TBDC is a leading business incubator and has been recognized locally and internationally. They are very helpful towards those who are thinking of starting a business or making their business grow. Their innovative ideas and speakers were very inspiring, making a night full of applause and pushing those who feel like taking a new step forward. As an entrepreneur, this event was surreal. Speeches were given by keynote speakers Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley and admired community leader Ms. Louise Russo. Emcee for the evening was Ms. Suhana Meharchand.

“From innovation, to community impact, to unyielding perseverance, the first-ever TBDC Awards Gala celebrates TBDC Graduate business owners who embody the ‘Essence of Entrepreneurship’. The Award winners and finalists are people who’ve not only built a successful business from the ground up, but also show a drive, spirit and determination that encourages us all to aim higher, do better and give back to the community.”  I sat with the three finalists for Excellence in Youth Entrepreneurship which included: Jacqueline Sava, Soak Wash , Libby Lund-Peterson, Downtown Kids Academy , and Jason van Tassel, MouthMedia. Another winner of the night and personal colleague of mine, Chris Carder from ThinData won the award for Excellence in Innovation. It was an honour sitting with these wonderful people and hearing all of their different, inspiring stories.

“The evening was not just about celebrating the triumphs of these deserving TBDC Graduates; it was about breaking down barriers for entrepreneurs with a disability by supporting the creation of TBDC’s New Opportunities Incubator – the first incubator of its kind in North America dedicated to helping people with disabilities start their own business.”

Bottom line: the event left everyone touched, moved, and inspired to break down their own barriers. It was an incredible event not only for entrepreneurs, but also for anyone who needed to hear some inspiring and moving words. Thanks to everyone who came out.