When one business grows, it creates a ripple effect—boosting local hiring, inspiring other entrepreneurs, and reinvesting into the community.
Entrepreneurship has always demanded courage—starting a business means betting on yourself. But as any seasoned entrepreneur will tell you, the real power comes when we bet on each other—and on our community.
At the Scarborough Business Association (SBA), we’ve seen this firsthand: the most resilient, innovative, and impactful businesses are the ones rooted in community and committed to collaboration. In a city as diverse and fast-moving as Toronto, no business thrives in isolation. When we work together with purpose, we’re not just building companies—we’re strengthening the fabric of Scarborough.
This year, the SBA is doubling down on the fundamentals: connection, visibility, and shared opportunity. Our goal is simple—to create the conditions for local businesses and community partners to succeed, not just as individuals, but as a collective. Because when one business grows, it creates a ripple effect—boosting local hiring, inspiring other entrepreneurs, and reinvesting into the community. One success story becomes many.
We’re putting this into action in several ways:
First, we’re strengthening ties between small businesses and key community anchors. Our relationships with institutions like Centennial College, the Toronto Zoo, and the University of Toronto Scarborough—specifically through our work with the Sam Ibrahim Centre for Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership—are more than symbolic. These partnerships are foundational to Scarborough’s identity. They help bridge sectors, build awareness, and foster a culture of collaboration that benefits everyone, from students and startups to established enterprises.
Second, we’re creating spaces where collaboration is expected—not optional. Our recent After Five networking event, hosted in partnership with the Toronto Pan Am Centre and the Scarborough Shooting Stars, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for an evening of connection and purpose. The Toronto Pan Am Centre is one of our newest partners and a powerful venue for creating meaningful dialogue. It’s in gatherings like these where business cards turn into contracts, ideas gain traction, and partnerships take root—often sparking initiatives that continue to grow long after the event ends.
Third, we’re promoting entrepreneurship through visibility. After every major event, we capture key takeaways and outcomes—highlighting results, acknowledging contributors, and showcasing momentum. These summaries help ensure that the value of participation doesn’t end when the event does. We’re also building our presence on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to spotlight local businesses, celebrate wins, and keep Scarborough’s business community front and center.
Fourth, we’re ensuring small business has a voice in shaping Scarborough’s future. With major development in the Golden Mile underway, we are building a relationship with Choice Properties and see significant opportunities for collaboration—particularly in connecting startups and entrepreneurs to new spaces and services. One thoughtful decision today creates opportunity for many tomorrow.
And we’re building capacity from the inside out. We’re excited to welcome Jesse Asido, founder of Scarborough Spots, to our Board of Directors. Jesse brings bold energy, community credibility, and a deep love for Scarborough’s growth. His voice will be a powerful addition as we plan for an even more dynamic lineup of fall events, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
To every entrepreneur in Scarborough: your vision matters. But your voice is even more powerful when it joins with others. Whether you’re a solo founder, a family-run shop, or a scaling startup, we invite you to connect with us. Attend an event. Share your story. Bring your ideas.
Because when entrepreneurship and community move forward together, the impact is unstoppable—and the SBA is here to help lead that charge.
Ryan Somer is President of the Scarborough Business Association.
