startGBC Mentors & Advisors

Foodpreneur Lab

We help Food entrepreneurs launch and grow their food ideas and businesses. We provide expert advice from how to start your Food business, growing it and every aspect in between. We know food. 25 yrs as an Entrepreneur in the Hospitality & Food industry makes me an expert in Food Entrepreneur Management and the challenges related to running a small business. Let us help you grow and think outside of the box!

“Everyone has a dream, an idea, and a vision inside them. Don’t quit before you even get started, Don’t let fear kill a vision. Don’t take no for an answer. Don’t let anyone else define your greatness. Don’t let your dreams die on the vine. Pay little attention to what everyone else is doing; run your own race” – Janice Bartley

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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MyWineCanada.com

Jackie McLachlan is the Founder and President of MyWineCanada.com, Canada’s first national online wine marketplace. Launched in 2014, My Wine Canada connects consumers with wineries across the country by enabling shoppers to buy wine from multiple wineries in one seamless transaction, with delivery right to their door. Customers can make single orders from the site or join the popular wine club, where they receive different curated packages of wine and tasting notes each month. Check out MyWineCanada.com for new wine releases, reviews, and special deals.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Stout Irish Pub and Lous Cifer Brew Work

With a passion for and a history in business, hospitality and craft beer, it was a natural evolution to open up my first restaurant. I had a five-year plan to get prepared for our first pub, Stout Irish. Upon opening, we hit our sales and profit targets every year. By the end of year 2, we were already starting to plan the opening of Louis Cifer Brew Works. Within 2 years, we hit that target. Our experience and dedicated planning are what have continued to make our businesses successful and sustainable in this competitive marketplace.
25 years in the Restaurant and Hospitality Business.
8 years owning, operating and managing Stout Irish Pub.
3.5 years owning, operating and managing Louis Cifer Brew Works.
Ontario Craft Beer Association awards on numerous beers that we produce.
Honours diploma in Business Marketing.
2 years as president of American Marketing Awards Chapter for Toronto.
Regular Business Program, Hospitality and Tourism and Entrepreneur Program lecturer at George Brown College and Ryerson University.
Opening management team member for the original Bier Markt on the Esplanade, Jack Astors downtown, The Keg on Yonge and Eglinton
Numerous personal beer awards and regional competition with Oland Brewery.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Digital Main Street

As the senior manager in charge of leading Digital Main Street, Darryl has extensive experience working within Public Private partnerships developing outcome-based programming focused on technology adoption and community building/planning backed by the adoption of data analysis. Digital Main Street (a program created by the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas) exists to help promote and create healthier, sustainable and economically thriving main street communities and Business Improvement Areas by supporting main street business growth with the adoption of digital tools and technologies. In over three (3) years of operation, Digital Main Street has been able to help and engage almost 400 communities and 15,000+ main street businesses.

“Do what others won’t do, until you can do what others can’t do” – Darryl Julott

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Between The Lines Animations

I run a video marketing agency which specializes in taking complex information and simplifying it in a way that is engaging, entertaining, and easy to understand.

I can help students with lead generation, sales, and positioning their product in the market. Most importantly, I can help develop mindset and productivity skills.

“Get your idea to market as fast as possible so you can get feedback, and then take that feedback and make your offering better.” – Jeffrey Marr

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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LEVEL 12

Dan Perdue is the President of LEVEL 12, a successful entrepreneur and a leading expert in developing high-performing people. His strategies in management consulting, training, and coaching have been successfully utilized by clients such as Google, Facebook, Pepsico, Nestle, The Home Depot and a 2018 Winter Olympian. He is trained and certified in Neuro Associative Conditioning (NAC), which is the science of success conditioning and one of the most powerful strategies for conditioning your mind and emotions to behave in ways that will consistently lead you in the direction of your goals. Dan’s approach is to challenge you…physically, mentally and emotionally, while giving you LEVEL 12 strategies & the ongoing support needed to succeed.

“Being an entrepreneur is more than just starting a business, it’s a mindset, a passion, and a sense of purpose that drives you!” – Dan Perdue

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Artscape Daniels Launchpad

Accomplished Technical Engineer and Project Manager specializing in Business Design, Marketing Development, and Solutions Delivery. A Multipotentialite and Entrepreneurship enthusiast with a genuine thirst for emerging technology trends, products that drive a strong vision and creative projects that serve community building.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Innovator Lab, Food Venture Program, Digital Learning Coach

Sima Gandhi is an Innovation Consultant, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Investor,
Experienced entrepreneur working with start-ups, innovators and educators. Strong facilitation skills mixed with a passion for the subordination of teaching to learning, design thinking and experiential education.

Sima has many years of experience and is passionate about advancing knowledge and discussion in a number of subjects that include; Diversity & Inclusion, eLearning, Business Model Canvas, Business plans, Branding & Marketing, Copyright & Trademarks, Go-to-Market Strategies, Pitch Deck Development, e-Commerce, User Experience, Social Media Marketing, Start-Ups and Negotiation.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Scottish Development International

J-C has 20 years of international business development, strategic planning and sales leadership in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada and has worked with a number of international brands, including Coca-Cola, Proctor & Gamble and Kellogg's. He has worked with a number of smaller Canadian, US and UK companies and agencies on internationalisation.

J-C has worked across a number of sectors, including renewable energy, media, entertainment and technology space, and established his own consultancy business in 2008. He currently works for the Scottish Government helping small and medium-sized Scottish food and drink companies to export to the US and Canada.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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13AM GAMES

Alex is CEO and Creative Director of 13AM Games, one of Toronto’s top independent video game studios. Alex specializes in business development, project management, pitching, and startup strategy.

“A business is made of people. If you and your team aren’t happy and healthy, how can you expect your business to be?” – Alex Rushdy

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Lozard Group

Sofiane is a serial entrepreneur. He managed three fintech companies and was a partner in an investment bank and partner in 2 VC funds. He managed 2 exits and is also a business angel in the tech sectors with investments made in different countries. Sofiane is a mentor in several incubators, iBoost (Ryerson), Mentor in BMZ (Joint venture between Ryerson and St Michael Hospital), Advisor at Holt Accelerator (Fintech accelerator in Montreal), Mentor in StartGBC (Geroge Brown). During his career, he has raised nearly $200 million. Sofiane has the experience of creating and developing entrepreneurial projects with 0 budget until the realization of several millions of revenue and is also a TEDx Speaker.

“Work hard, prepare to fail, and focus on your customers. The journey is much more important than the destination.” – Sofiane Belgadi

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Ignite Capital Foundation

I am an entrepreneur who specialized in marketing communications (founder of APEX PR) but has a special interest in operations, particularly in business services. I have mentored several startups and entrepreneurs to help them with operational challenges, including HR, financial business models and profitability.

“Focus on your strengths and build a strong internal and external team around you to mitigate your weaknesses. No one is good at everything.” –Pat McNamara

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

Koop Technologies, Inc.

Jim Duan is a Co-Founder and the Head of Operations of a fast-growing technology startup, Koop Technologies, focusing on providing insurance technology solutions for autonomous vehicles and robotics use cases. At Koop Technologies, Jim serves as the jack of all trades for the startup and is in charge of daily business operations. Prior to confounding Koop Technologies, Jim had years of experience in the commodity trading industry, where he was responsible for the operations of supplying natural resources needed across the globe.

“Going from zero to one is a greater achievement for a startup than leaping from one to 100. To go from one to zero is to bring a product out of existence and prove the product market fit when you usually have very few resources on hand.” – Jim Duan

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor

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Speak on your Feet

Raif is ex-military and has been an entrepreneur since his teens. He currently works with individuals, small companies and Fortune 500 companies to improve communication, teamwork and networking skills through the holistic approach of applied improvisation.

“Begin mastery over fear by first shaking hands with failure.” – Raif Douthwaite

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Sapling Financial Consultants

Sapling Financial Consultants is a consultancy specializing in financial modelling and data analysis services for start-up companies. We work closely with entrepreneurs to create robust models tailored to their needs and to help them make decisions with clarity and confidence after carefully considering all possible benefits and costs.

“Start a business if you’re passionate about a product or service and would be willing to work at it for free. Chances are, you’ll be doing it for free for a couple of years.” – Rob Hong

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Ground Up Constructing

Ryan is a dynamic entrepreneur who turned his passion into a business by creating a brand that has garnered respect within the industry.

Ground Up Constructing is a full-service contracting firm that provides an innovative and professional approach to planning, designing and building residential or commercial spaces across the Greater Toronto Area. From bathrooms, basements, and kitchens to full home renovations, Ground Up Constructing is there to help. The team of experts at Ground Up Constructing has completed hundreds of projects ranging from home to commercial renovations. Their diverse portfolio of projects and years of experience is strengthened by a solid reputation for quality workmanship, reliability, and competitive pricing. Ryan and his team are equipped and prepared to transform any space.

Mentorship is emerging as one of the most critical elements in workforce development in the trades and technical sector. Ryan can provide practical instruction through clear and collaborative communication and allowing the learner to take the lead in goal setting for their learning.

“I would strongly recommend working for a company to learn all the subtleties of operating a business, this way, one can learn and earn while developing the critical skills needed to run a company.” – Ryan Bornstein

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor./b>

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Unika Swimwear

• Founding a business
• Building a brand from the ground up
• Where to invest in your business
• Leveraging your network into net worth
• Applying for grants
• Media exposure
• Importance of perfecting your craft
• How to start a brand with limited funding

“Find something you want to do, perfect it – then be the best at it. ” – Betsy Campos

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Ideation Labs

Dipika Mallya is the founder of Ideation Labs, a non-profit initiative to bring design thinking mindsets and tools to educational institutions, corporations, and community organizations. She can provide facilitated workshops and mentoring sessions to help early-stage startups conduct customer research, develop marketing strategies and solve design challenges.

“We must design for the way people behave, not for how we would wish them to behave.” Donald A. Norman, Living with Complexity

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Navigator

Prior to joining Navigator, Eli was the CEO and Partner of a national marketing research and consulting firm that served as the official pollster for numerous public office candidates and holders, including the Mayor of Toronto and the Premier of Ontario. Moreover, he served as the firm’s strategic lead on all corporate-consumer-related projects, where he brought to bear his expertise across a wide array of techniques, including conjoints, segmentations, mystery shopping, positioning and messaging testing, path-to-purchase and key drivers analysis.

Eli has also held a range of senior positions with Fortune 500 organizations in healthcare and durable goods, as well as within tier-one consulting firms where he managed clients in retail, alcohol and CPG.

Eli is a frequent contributor to numerous print, radio and TV media across Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree from York University and a post-graduate certificate from Seneca@York, as well as completed the prestigious Schulich School of Business / YEDI business incubator program. Eli is an advisory committee member at the School of Management at George Brown College and is a part-time professor at the College.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

ADC Finance

Andres Iracheta is a Multicultural finance expert with extensive experience in Strategic Planning, Organizational Leadership and Operational Execution. Having worked internationally for top-tier companies such as PwC and Schindler.

“Start forecasting your cash flow since day 1!” - Andres Iracheta

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Inbound Marketeers Inc.

Results-driven Digital Marketing & Sales specialist with 5+ years of experience and success in overachieving sales targets. Strong experience in program effectiveness and ROI measurement. Accomplished in building robust pipelines and expanding accounts. Effective in marketing both tangible and intangible products and services. Experienced in business research, demand generation, management, and persuasive professional with solid experience managing all levels of large-scale projects, including budgeting and administration.

Skills:

• Inbound / Outbound marketing
• SaaS software HubSpot, Salesforce, Prezi
• Heat mapping software
• Revenue generation strategies
• Advanced MS Office Suite, Prezi, VWO. Google Analytics/AdWords
• Business development
• Conversion Rate Optimization
• A/B Testing & Data analysis, SEO, SEM, Google Analytics
• Project Management
• Risk management processes and analysis

“Everyone is Busy. Marketing is NOT Easy.” – Madhur Tyagi

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

Clausehound Inc.

“As a lawyer and serial entrepreneur, I have been mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs with legal services for 15 years. I’m able to provide legal advice on all matters related to startups – from general advice to incorporation, share structuring, corporate finance, borrowing, share vesting, raising money, and many other startup and small business needs – all the way to managing shareholder or customer disputes, and winding down/dissolving or selling a business.

I also have a long history of entrepreneur training program delivery. Myself, together with the lawyers at our firm, Cobalt Lawyers, have been training entrepreneurs for the past five years with tools and training programs that were launched from our firm under the brands Clausehound.com and DealPrep.co (which are each, themselves, fast-growing startups with their own executive teams, launched by the lawyers of our firm and from within the Toronto startup ecosystem).

I’m passionate about the “entrepreneur and innovation journey” and on providing entrepreneur support from a legal and mentorship perspective.”

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Toronto Cider Festival Inc.

Chris was the Co-Founder and an Executive Director at the Toronto Cider Festival. responsible for business and partnership development, strategic planning, and operational execution. Having started his hospitality career as an immigrant and a humble dishwasher eager to grow, Chris’ appetite for having an impact on the world has led him to experience a meteoric rise in his ability to contribute to areas that matter most to him. This has led him to collaborate with some of the world’s most prolific events, such as TIFF, the Pan Am Games and the Commonwealth Games, all while continuing his entrepreneurial endeavours. As a family man, adventurer and world traveller, Chris’ commitment to living a life of purpose and contribution are seen through his leadership and influence in the Toronto Cider Festival.

Chris’ desire to uplift the communities that he is involved in can be best seen in his commitment to empowering future generations. This has been shown through his philanthropic endeavours, various mentorship and speaking engagements, the Event Management George Brown College Scholarship he established, and the countless of students, volunteers and interns he has welcomed under his leadership.

Chris continues to provide support and guidance for anyone who seeks his counsel on how to overcome obstacles, build on ideas, and bring value to the world. As a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality, events and tourism sector, Chris is a beacon of light for anyone who seeks to be empowered in their journey.

“There is no greater purpose in life than to live a life of meaning and contribution. When you align your purpose with service, your business becomes an incredible vehicle to deliver that which you want to have. Lead with the heart, and execute with the mind is the recipe for success” – Chris Palivan

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

stellar experiences

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Boundless Bars

Hi! I’m Karen. I am the founder of Boundless Bars As a Certified Red Seal Chef and Nutrition Manager with the CSNM (Canadian Society of Nutrition Management), I’ve honed my culinary, product development, and clinical nutrition skills over the past 15 years at reputable establishments across the Greater Toronto Area. I’m passionate about all things health, and my goal is to facilitate the combination of food, nutrition & ancestral wisdom for people’s total life optimization.

I am also comfortable speaking and consulting on various topics, especially entrepreneurship, with a focus on a growth mindset and implementing tangible strategies to help you reach whatever it is success means to you. “

“The greatest gift you can give to your community is to live up to your full potential. You’ll often find it in entrepreneurship.” – Karen Barbalat

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Speak On Your Feet

Eloïse Ashworth is a Marine Scientist (Ph.D.) and the co-founder of Speak On Your Feet, a powerful workshop that provides practical, personalized coaching to build effective communication skills. After conquering her own fear of public speaking, she now helps professionals become confident and engaging communicators through the medium of applied improvisation.

“Have fun in the moment to become the best version of yourself!” –Eloïse Ashworth

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Flow Ventures

Bryan Watson is a Partner at Flow Ventures, a boutique firm that has provided value-added SR&ED services to hundreds of companies across Canada for over a decade and has also invested in several companies.

He has been called an institution within the Canadian growth company and innovation ecosystems for over 15 years, having advised and supported investors, all levels of government, NGOs, and companies at all stages of growth – from conception to successful exit.

Bryan is also the Managing Director of CleanTech North, Chief Instigator of StartupDrinksTO and sits as a member of several growth-oriented companies' Boards. Previously, he has served as Executive Director of the National Angel Capital Organization, the National Angel Organization-Ontario, and CEO Fusion as well as President of EP Enterprises Inc. and Board Director of Precarn Incorporated.

Bryan completed his Masters in Management, Economics and International Relations at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, on the only full Chevening Scholarship awarded in Canada and has been honoured to be selected as a Tanenbaum Fellow and one of 7 finalists for the 2015 BDC Mentorship Award.

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Gift Baskets Overseas

Director of digital marketing and strategy for an international eCommerce brand, Natasha is a digital marketing enthusiast and digital personal branding consultant that helps brands and individuals grow their online presence and visibility and achieve business goals.

“Your digital strategy these days equals your business strategy. There is no such thing as a preferred channel of communication. You should be where your customers are. ” – Natasha Kvitka

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Bereskin & Parr

Mentorship, including education and guidance with respect to Intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyright, designs, new media and website-related issues.

“Intellectual Property (IP) is typically a startup’s most important asset, so it is important to have an IP strategy when you create your business plan.” – Tony Orsi/p>

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Paul Rowan Creative

Portfolio review, Entrepreneurship, Design Management, Branding, Design Career counselling.

“In disruptive times, there are great opportunities.” – Paul Rowan

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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GDG Cloud Toronto

Technology Space:
Key Skills:

• Ram brings more than 12 Years of Techno-Functional experience in different business domains and technologies.
• Bridging the gap between Business units and technical teams from a 360-degree perspective. Business Objective over departmental priorities.
• Process Improvement Consultant – Assessing the Current state of business and streamlining cross-functional department objectives for operational efficiency.
• Training the trainer experience on both process and technology.

Professional Associations:

• Founder and Organizer of GDG Cloud Toronto – An Official chapter of Google.
• Alumni Mentor of Computer Technology Course at George Brown College.

Ram’s Education Background:

• Certified Blockchain Professional from York University.
• Strategic Leadership Certificate from Schulich University.
• Honours – Post-Graduate in Information systems Business Analysis at George Brown.
• Honours – Bachelor of Engineering in Information Technology.
• IIBA Certified in Business Analysis

Leadership & Professional Achievements:

• Walk the Talk Leadership Award at Ontario Trillium Foundation.
• One of the First Recipients of the Michael Cooke Leadership Award.
• Excellence in Research and Innovation Badge Award – Research and Innovation from GBC.
• Dean’s Certificate of Recognition – Dean, Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies
• IBM Mainframe Technology Specialization Topper

“Technology for everyone.” – Ramkumar Arunamoorthy

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Green and Spiegel LLP

As Senior Manager – Business Immigration & Development, I believe the support I can provide is on Canadian immigration and on international business development.

“Instead of spending time & energy on how to spend less, spend time & energy on how to earn more” – Eren Sari

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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JDC

Marisol is a seasoned fundraising professional that has worked with more than 60 nonprofits and social enterprises to develop and implement fundraising and sustainability plans. She is passionate about social entrepreneurship and working with organizations to explore ways for them to grow their impact and become sustainable.

“Be patient!” – Marisol Fornoni

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Digital Marketing & Brand Marketing

Raka is a Brand Marketing and Digital Marketing professional with over three years of work experience in a global setup. Her career started in brand marketing with Sanofi, a French multinational pharmaceutical, successfully managing three high-profile insulin brands. The role entailed designing and executing marketing and advertising campaigns, sales team management, content marketing and liaising with multiple international organizations like AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists), EASD (European Association for the Study of Diabetes) etc. She also represented Sanofi Bangladesh at an international congress in Sanofi’s headquarters in Paris, France.

She worked for startGBC in digital marketing and, among other things, consulted on creating digital and social media marketing strategies for GBC entrepreneurs.

Raka is a business graduate from IBA, University of Dhaka. She is also a George Brown College graduate with a post-graduate diploma in Digital Media Marketing. With a passion for marketing, she can help you with

• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Brand Marketing
• Strategic Communication

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Amelia Eats

Amy Symington, MSc. is a nutrition professor, research associate and plant-based chef at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. She runs the culinary nutrition programming at Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto, a not-for-profit organization for those touched by cancer and does recipe development and food writing for various publications in Toronto. Amy believes in the evidence-based health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets and is the recent author of The Long Table Cookbook: Plant-based recipes for optimal health.

“Never underestimate the power of good nutritious food, a strong moral compass, the ability to listen, sincerity and good old fashioned hard work. These are the building blocks for a successful entrepreneur.” – Amy Symington

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Salesguru Global & Jrop

Connect with me to learn more about what I have to offer in the areas of:

• B2B Sales Operations & Leadership
• Driving Business and Revenue Growth
• Pipeline Analytics
• Client Retention & Satisfaction
• Communication & Correspondence
• Sales Pitches & Presentations
• Cross-Selling & Upselling
• Team Collaboration
• Leadership & Mentoring
• Sales & Client Management
• Performance Assessment
• Software Sales

“The critical ingredient of being a real entrepreneur is less talking and more doing. It’s as simple as that. So many people have “genius” ideas, but there are a few who decide to do something about them now. Enjoy the process and ignore shortcuts for success. Do that TODAY. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a talker.” – Navid Momeni

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor. 

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Vertical CPA

Ali Ladha is a finance professional with over 12 years of experience working in capital markets and financial advisory at some of Canada’s largest financial institutions and professional services firms. After a long and successful career in the corporate world, Ali decided to launch his own accounting and advisory firm and that’s how Vertical CPA was born.

To connect: Send an email at startGBC@georgebrown.ca & mention the name of the advisor.

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Omegon North Technologies Inc.

From start-ups to Fortune Turkey 500 businesses, Oganalp “O.G.” Canatan has worked with over 80 international companies around the world in the last fifteen years as a marketing consultant and visual designer specializing in the medical, construction, entertainment, and technology fields. O.G. has orchestrated design ideologies and marketing campaigns, and he streamlined efficient and productive management systems as a user experience enthusiast.

Near to O.G.’s marketing and financial management work with Omegon North Technologies Inc. as a partner, he gives marketing consultancy to other companies, as well as working as the lead tutor of George Brown College’s Tutoring and Learning Centre, handling the centre’s promotional operations, additional administrative work, conducting tutor training and onboarding for all campus locations.

O.G. is a professional composer and singer with numerous worldwide releases and a creative fiction author with several published books. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting & information systems from Bilkent University, as well as a diploma in business and an upcoming UX Design certificate from George Brown College.

O.G. can offer mentorship for start-ups on what to look out for, from needs assessment to business plans, how to strategize marketing and message, KPI prioritization, market research, investor presentation deck planning, budgeting, branding, team management, and simplifying operations to make sense of everything.

“It is not what you do, but why should others care that matters in marketing.” – Oganalp Canatan

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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George Brown College, Research & Innovation

Jillian has worked for over 13 years in print, advertising and publishing, as well as emerging sectors like film, graphic design, and digital and social media. She has worked on both sides of the branding coin and believes that a strong brand is a practical brand, supported by the right files, images and materials. She currently handles media production, media relations and marketing materials for the office of Research & Innovation. She helps startGBC empower themselves when working with service providers and vendors.

“Your brand is the first experience most people will have with your company, and some of that reaction is unconscious and out of your control. But there are steps you can take to empower, enrich and protect your brand from day one–not only with your customers but with vendors, professionals and the public at large. It’s your story to tell, you just need the right tools.” – Jillian Butler

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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Partnerships & Growth Specialist, Pocketed

Pocketed is a powerful grant-matching platform designed to do all the heavy lifting for you. Our grant platform is completely free to use (unlike the other grant guys).

To connect: Send an email to startGBC@georgebrown.ca and mention the name of the advisor.

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