Jessica Leycegui and Alejandro Saldivar ran a successful furniture business in Mexico for 15 years but decided to relocate with their two children and four long-term employees to start a cabinet-making business in Langford in July 2023.
They checked out the capital region in person a year before moving here. That visit convinced them their children, now ages nine and 14 years old, would have more opportunities and the family would be living in a safe area.
“We were very happy in Mexico but this adventure is totally new,” Saldivar said with a smile.
Playa Woodworks Ltd. manufactures kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities in a variety of materials. They work with designers to create custom products, cutting them to order on a new CNC machine imported from the United States.
The couple is enthusiastic about the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s new program tailored to newcomer entrepreneurs. It has introduced them to a key contact who will be assisting them in networking.
So far, seven newcomer entrepreneurs have signed up for the New to Canada program and the chamber is hoping that more will join. The program was officially launched Tuesday at a downtown event attended by about 40 people.
“We know that newcomers are vital for the future of our region and the best way we can help build good business and great community is by connecting new entrepreneurs with our welcoming business community,” said Chamber CEO Bruce Williams.
“Fresh ideas add vibrancy and create resilience and having the support of established organizations ensures a smoother path to success for everyone.”
The Chamber was not that diverse in the past and is working to change, he said. “We’ve made these strides because it is the right thing to do for everybody involved.”
“By welcoming newcomer business owners into Greater Victoria we will all benefit from a diverse, inclusive and resilient business community.”
The new program has started with an initial fund of $20,000. Four supporters each contributed $5,000 and the Chamber aims to increase support.
Sponsors are Western Design and Build, the Victoria Airport Authority, Air Canada and the Victoria Foundation.
“As air connectivity drives business, Air Canada is supporting the growth of small businesses in Greater Victoria and connecting them globally across our expansive network,” Air Canada spokesman Serge Corbeil said.
The Chamber is providing comprehensive support to help newcomers develop their businesses with two-year memberships in the organization, along with other community engagement opportunities.
Newcomers are referred to the Chamber by the Intercultural Association of Greater Victoria and by the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society.
Shourav Mahbub, co-owner of VPBC Consulting in downtown Victoria, is another newcomer business person, who also volunteers with several non-profit organizations.
He runs a consulting firm for newcomers and others new to business by offering a wide range of supports and services such as marketing, branding, website development, bookkeeping and hiring. The company has three employees, is in the midst of hiring two more and has partnered with some local firms.
“I was always very passionate about starting something innovative to help others,” said Mahbub. “I wanted to contribute to the Canadian economy and to the community as well.”
Mahbub who completed a master’s degree at Royal Roads University in international communications, had earlier earned a master’s degree in journalism in India. He worked in Dhaka, Bangladesh but safety concerns related to corruption prompted him to leave the country for Canada, a place he values for its freedom of speech.
