New to Canada

Are you new to Canada? Interested in starting your own business? Attend the Immigrant Business Expo for all your small business needs. This one-day exhibition will include workshops and small business clinics to assist new immigrant and refugee business owners. Organized by staff at the New Canadians website and TV show in collaboration with a number of organizations, including Toronto Public Library, this event aims to assist new immigrants in navigating the sometimes complex requirements of operating a small business in Canada. This free event is happening next Saturday, October 22 at Metro Hall.  

There are other ways that the library can assist you with your small business needs:

Small Business Month

Did you know October is Small Business Month? Take part in our free programs and seminars on everything you'll need to run your small business. Ask expert library staff at our branches to help you find what you need. We have books on everything including marketing plans, human resources and more and we also have online databases and e-magazines you can access 24/7 from the library's website. Your library card also gives you free access to the latest and most popular business e-magazines, and to online business databases full of articles, videos, financial reports, competitive analyses and more.

Entrepreneur in Residence 

You can get free small business help from the library’s new Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Sima Gandhi. Sima was raised in an entrepreneurial family and started her career in the family business of manufacturing commercial lighting. She has a varied background in private sector startups, spanning several industries including manufacturing, education and construction. Find out about Sima’s upcoming programs or apply to meet with Sima one-on-one to discuss your business plan or idea. Submission details are on the website. 

Library Collections

The library's collections of business books, databases and more can be found by searching through our catalogue. Here's a recent list of books to help you start and run your small business. There are also great business books in our collection; here are a few examples:

You can also email us at [email protected] if you'd like to be added to our small business enewsletter mailing list.

Visit Toronto Public Library for all your small business needs, and be sure to check out the FREE Immigrant Business Expo next Saturday, October 22 at Metro Hall.  We look forward to seeing you there!