Newcomers bring strong financial motivation, entrepreneurial drive, and a deep desire to contribute to Canada’s economic future. Yet many face an information gap when adapting to Canada’s financial system — a gap TD is dedicated to bridging. A survey conducted by TD showed that 64% of South Asian newcomers are interested in starting a business, surpassing the general population. Yet, despite this entrepreneurial ambition, most report feeling underinformed about the financial products available to support business owners.
With November marking Financial Literacy Month, TD has led a powerful and timely conversation on newcomer entrepreneurship. Themed with “Navigating Entrepreneurship in Canada”, the event was hosted in collaboration with Y Media Group and BHive on November 20th, 2025, in Brampton, providing an insightful and inspirational discussion on financial literacy, access to resources, and the real challenges and opportunities that shape the newcomer entrepreneurial journey.
The event reflects the TD’s long-standing commitment to leading conversations on entrepreneurship for immigrants, a vital economic driver for Canada. By empowering newcomers with the knowledge and resources they need, TD not only supports individual success but also fosters the flourishing of Canadian small businesses.
Moderated by Yudhvir Jaswal, Group Editor & CEO of Y Media, the panel discussion featured Farheen Kanji, Area Manager of TD Small Business Banking, and Vikram Khurana, CEO of BHive. Together, they highlighted the opportunities, challenges, and financial pathways available to newcomers aspiring to build and grow successful businesses in Canada. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Brampton’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
TD: A Community of Newcomers, A Network of Opportunities
Farheen Kanji shared her own journey–from immigrating to Canada at a young age to building an impactful leadership career at TD. Her story resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom are navigating similar transitions.
She emphasized that Brampton has become one of Canada’s most vibrant hubs for newcomer entrepreneurship, with TD being the first financial stop for many new Canadians who are looking to establish roots, build credit, and access small business resources through tools like the TD New to Canada Learning Centre.
Farheen also underscored that getting advice is crucial for newcomers, especially those considering entrepreneurship. She encouraged speaking with a TD Small Business Account Manager who can provide banking advice and connect them with networks, community resources, and local entrepreneurial centres, places filled with seminars, tools, and support designed to help new business owners get started with confidence.
Key Insights on Newcomer Challenges
Farheen also highlighted findings from a recent TD survey1 on newcomers’ entrepreneurship, showing that 64% of South Asian newcomers are interested in starting a business; however:
- 62% of newcomers say they are not well informed about the financial products available to support business owners
- 48% are looking for information on how to finance a business
To bridge this knowledge gap, Farheen advised talking to their TD Small Business Banking Specialist or Account Manager, who can provide support based on newcomers’ needs, including:
- Business planning
- Cash-flow management
- Understanding financing options, e.g. TD’s Business Accelerator Loan Program, Canada Small Business Financing Program
Farheen emphasized that all advisory consultations are free, making TD a highly accessible partner for entrepreneurs at all stages.
BHive: Mentorship, Networks & Real-World Guidance
As the driving force behind the event, TD brought together Y Media and BHive to create a well-rounded support experience that combined financial expertise, community support, and entrepreneurial mentorship.
Vikram Khurana, CEO, BHive, also reflected on his own entrepreneurial path and how the BHive ecosystem was built to address gaps that many newcomer entrepreneurs face – particularly around mentorship, customer acquisition, financial readiness, and access to early-stage support.
“At BHive, we focus on ensuring entrepreneurs have the right environment, the right guidance, and the right connections,” he emphasized. “Success comes from clarity, resilience, and a strong support network.”
Navigating Uncertainty: Lessons in Resilience
Yudhvir Jaswal shared Y Media’s own journey during COVID-19 – how the organization adapted and expanded through daily live broadcasts, multilingual updates, and multimedia storytelling.
Similarly, Farheen highlighted how TD accelerated its digital transformation to better serve clients remotely, making banking more accessible during and after the pandemic.
Financial Literacy Month: A Timely Conversation
The discussion took place during Financial Literacy Month, reinforcing the importance of understanding budgeting, saving, investing, and financing as core pillars of business success.
“Financial literacy is understanding your business inside and out,” said Farheen. “When you know your numbers, you know your future.” She added that TD supports newcomers by helping them understand what lenders look for, how cash flow supports financing decisions, and why separating personal and business finances sets the foundation for stability.
Building a Stronger Entrepreneurial Future in Brampton
The event concluded with a lively networking session, where attendees connected directly with TD Small Business Account Managers, BHive leaders, and other entrepreneurs. Many participants expressed appreciation for TD’s leadership in bringing together community partners to deliver practical, relevant guidance.
Events like this continue to strengthen Brampton’s position as one of Canada’s most dynamic centres for innovation, entrepreneurship, and newcomer success.
1 About the TD Survey: Edelman Data & Intelligence conducted an online quantitative survey on behalf of TD among 1,021 newcomers to Canada who arrived within the past 10 years. The survey, available in both English and French, was conducted between January 31 and February 10, 2025, with respondents who were members of the Angus Reid Forum panel. The sample included 510 individuals who arrived in the past 0–5 years and 511 who arrived in the past 6–10 years. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Additionally, Edelman Data & Intelligence conducted a separate online quantitative survey on behalf of TD among a nationally representative sample of 1,507 Canadians. This survey, also available in both English and French, was conducted between March 31 and April 2, 2025, with respondents who were members of the Angus Reid Forum panel. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The Angus Reid Forum is Canada’s most well-known and trusted online public opinion community, made up of engaged residents from across the country who regularly participate in surveys on topics that matter to Canadians.
