Jhocelin Gilbert, known as “La Paila Canada,” began her entrepreneurial journey at just 12 years old — selling ice cream from her home, then moving on to jewelry, custom stickers, a homework help room, and eventually managing her own educational center for ten years. When she arrived in Canada, she brought jewelry to sell but quickly realized it was not the right product for the local market and she lacked the right contacts.
Starting a business in a new country is an adventure that requires courage, especially when facing an entirely unfamiliar culture. If you are taking this brave step, know that you are not alone — many immigrant entrepreneurs face similar challenges, and for each one there is a way forward.
One of the first challenges is simply knowing what you want to do, how to start, and understanding the local business environment. Commercial norms, procedures, and practices differ greatly from country to country, so it is essential to research the local market, know your competitors, and stay informed about regulations — from licenses to labor and tax laws.
Cultural differences are another major challenge. Customer expectations in Canada can be very different from those in Latin American countries. Jhocelin shares that she originally wanted to sell accessories in Canada, but quickly learned that Canadian tastes differ significantly from Latin preferences. Take the time to understand the local culture and preferences before launching your product or service, and carefully identify your target customer.
The lack of a professional network can also slow down immigrant entrepreneurs. When we arrive, we know no one, so we must actively build visibility. Participating in local networking events, trade fairs, and business associations is essential. Making friends across different communities not only broadens your cultural knowledge but also builds connections with potential clients and referrals. LinkedIn has been a particularly valuable tool for Jhocelin.
Finally, Canada offers a wealth of resources that many immigrants are unaware of. Across the country’s provinces, various organizations offer services to entrepreneurs — including business plan support, market studies, guidance on opening a company, and even loans. Start searching for these organizations in your province right away.
Although entrepreneurship as an immigrant presents many challenges, every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. With determination, research, and the right support, you can transform these challenges into opportunities and build a successful business in your new country.