How do we build networks and community to help others?

As we continue the celebration of International Women Day (#IWD2021) throughout this week, I believe it is so important for us to remember to #choosetochallenge the norms to build great businesses for our families (i.e our grandmother, our mothers, our girls); as well as contribute to the economy and build our communities in our neck of the woods.  Let us build back a better Canada.  Let us build back our communities during pandemic times and give hope for the future. 

I believe it is important to explore the lens of female entrepreneurs at every stage of their business.  I love taking a deep dive into their career journeys and the work they are doing to support entrepreneurs. 

Last year, I was thrilled to interview Dwania Peele who wears a multitude of hats including Entrepreneur, Chemist and Executive Director of Canadian Small Business Women living in Toronto, Canada. She is lover of entrepreneurship, volunteering and networking. Dwania strives to inspire aspiring and current entrepreneurs in Canada. A Chemist and Political Science by training and education, but an entrepreneur at heart, Dwania has started 2 successful businesses since 2008. In 2013, Canadian Small Business Women began serving as a platform for aspiring and current small business women of Canada. As an immigrant herself, Dwania continues to champions the success of immigrant entrepreneurs and this is clearly reflected in her book: “The Power Within: Inspiring Stories of Female Immigrant Entrepreneurs.”

In this episode we talked about Dwania’s big career pivots and her Canadian Side Hustle Business; how she built a huge network for women entrepreneurs; lessons learned as well as her personal priorities in life and what drives her to continue to help others.

Question: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Some great golden nuggets from Dwania: 

1. Find the good in any situation;
2. Build connections early;
3. Seek out the experts and get advice on  the specic topics you need in small doses to build your knowledge gap;
4. Surround yourself with like minded entrepreneurs and tap into their expertise; and
5. Find a way to be creative during this time because you are going to win.

These are some super golden nuggets for you to take with you and apply as you wish as long as it resonates with you in your career journey. The Canadian Side Hustle Business Podcast with Producer and Host Irenia Roussel,  was designed for you to give you the inspiration and tactical advice you need to succeed in business. There will be no sugar coating on the hard steps.   You will  need to hear this to help you  stay in the long game. Believe me when I say : “you need to have staying power to be successful in business today.”

Every week, we will bring you some key tactical business insights to help you grow and scale your Canadian Side Hustle Business. Feel free to send in a direct message with your feedback here. Your feedback is important to us because this is how we can make this even more relevant as we build this platform for you!