Entrepreneur fair, Black Business Expo in Surrey for Small Business Week
Published 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Events in Surrey celebrate Small Business Week, Oct. 19-25, 2026.
The fifth edition of Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo happens Saturday, Oct. 24 at Surrey City Hall. Admission is free and open to the public, noon to 4 p.m.
Two days earlier (Thursday, Oct. 22), the 10th annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur & Small Business Fair is held at Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel from 3 to 7 p.m., at 15269 104 Ave., Surrey.
Focused on DIVERSEcity’s Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, the Oct. 22 event is about “supporting diverse, grassroots entrepreneurs with one-on-one support and guidance as they navigate the complex barriers and challenges of being a small business owner in BC,” said Florence Kao, manager of self-employment programs with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society.
“Starting a small business is a brave path that’s not for the faint of heart. It takes belief in one’s idea, determination, curiosity and the willingness to ask questions from those who have walked the path before them,” Kao added.
The business fair in Guildford will include a live business-pitch competition and a “fireside chat” with Emre Ozgur and Andrea Kloegman, founders of Safe Sweat, a Surrey-based company that appeared on TV’s Dragons’ Den. Register for the free event on dcrs.ca/entrepreneurfair.
Kao says it’s a tough environment to start up a business in B.C. right now, with the trade war and local politics, but many British Columbians are still entering the entrepreneurial space “with a side hustle or small business idea they’re passionate about. Nearly one in four have a side hustle to help with the high cost of living and many more are considering it, according to a new Ipsos survey.
“And they are diverse, with Gen Z leading the way,” Kao added. “Newcomers, women and other diverse groups are also consistently rising demographics in entrepreneurship. But many don’t have the right information and confidence they need about running their business.”
On Oct. 24, Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo is hosted by Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC in partnership with Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. Reserve a spot on eventbrite.ca.
The expo aims to provide “an exciting platform for Black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, build brand visibility, and network with entrepreneurs, community leaders, and organizations,” says a post on surrey.ca. “Attendees will also learn about programs, resources, and services available to support Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.”