The Power of Refugees: Building Businesses, Building Canada

On September 30, Jumpstart Refugee Talent partnered with the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) to host a transformative session for refugee entrepreneurs. This webinar, the second in a three-part series this year designed to support refugee entrepreneurs and small business owners on their business journeys, focused on one of the most critical steps in launching a business in Canada: understanding how to register and structure your business.   

However, this was more than just a technical workshop. It was a celebration of resilience, inclusion, and the power of diverse entrepreneurship to shape a stronger, more equitable economy. 

Why Supplier Diversity Matters 

“At CAMSC, supplier diversity is not just a program. It is a commitment to empowering Canadian businesses to create inclusive supply chains. By fostering diversity among suppliers, we are building a stronger, more equitable economy for everyone.”
— Danai Makore 

Danai Makore introduced CAMSC and explained how supplier diversity empowers Canadian businesses by building an inclusive supply chain. CAMSC’s certification program helps diverse entrepreneurs gain visibility, credibility, and access to new markets. 

Key Benefits of CAMSC Certification 

• Invitations to inclusive networking events. 

• Exposure to 180+ major corporate buyers. 

• Access to trade missions, capacity-building programs, and partnerships like the Canada Black Chamber of Commerce. 

• Special opportunities such as the Tent Program, which provides free certification for refugee-owned businesses supported by TD. 

 

Getting Registration Right 

With over 20 years of experience advising private businesses, Denise Robertson, Partner at Mills & Mills LLP and Chair of the firm’s Business Law Group explained why registering your business is a crucial first step. She also offered her expert advice on the pros and cons of various business structures. Denise brings nearly two decades of experience advising private businesses on registration, compliance, and growth. 

Why Registration Matters 

• Ensures tax compliance and unlocks possible tax benefits. 

• Opens doors to funding, grants, and banking services. 

• Protects personal assets by giving your business legal recognition. 

• Builds credibility and a professional image. 

• Enables growth opportunities such as hiring, accessing credits, and government programs. 

Business Structures: Pros and Cons 

Sole Proprietorship & Partnerships 

• Simple and inexpensive to start. 

• Tax simplicity and minimal compliance. 

• Downsides: Unlimited personal liability, limited funding opportunities, and no continuity. 

Incorporated Business 

• A separate legal entity that protects personal assets. 

• Offers potential tax advantages and perpetual existence. 

• Builds credibility and makes scaling or selling easier. 

• Downsides: Higher costs, stricter compliance, and dual taxation. 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid  

• Mixing personal and business finances. 

• Choosing the wrong business structure. 

• Missing filings or deadlines. 

• Poor record-keeping. 

 

Tax & Accounting Essentials 

With a focus on empowerment through knowledge, Shawn Bush, Principal at SB Advisors Inc. and a Canadian and U.S. Tax Accountant, brought clarity and confidence to the financial and compliance aspects of registration. With over a decade of cross-border tax experience, Shawn specializes in guiding business owners through Canadian and U.S. tax systems, compliance, and strategic planning. His insights transformed a complex topic into an accessible and empowering conversation, helping refugees navigate the business registration process with confidence.  

Key Steps After Registering 

• Banking – Keep personal and business accounts separate. 

• Bookkeeping – Set up a general ledger, chart of accounts, and bookkeeping system. 

• CRA Accounts – Register for HST, payroll, and other required accounts. 

• Annual Compliance – File income tax returns, HST, payroll obligations, and T-slips on time.

Practical Advice 

• Plan ahead and refine your approach as your business grows. 

• Seek advice from trusted professionals before making structural decisions. 

• Stay diligent with compliance to avoid penalties. 

 

Key Takeaways 

The CAMSC x Jumpstart event made clear that understanding business registration is essential for long-term success. From choosing the right structure to keeping on top of tax obligations, registration provides the foundation for credibility, protection, and growth. 

By combining CAMSC’s certification opportunities with practical legal and tax guidance, entrepreneurs gained both the “why” and the “how” of building stronger, more sustainable businesses. 

Refugees as Builders of the Future 

At Jumpstart, we believe that refugees are not just survivors. They are builders, innovators, and leaders. This event was a testament to that belief. With the right support, knowledge, and access, refugee entrepreneurs can, and will, reshape Canada’s economic landscape. 

We are proud to stand alongside CAMSC in this mission, and we look forward to continuing to unlock opportunities for those who bring courage, creativity, and drive to everything they do. 

We look forward to our third, and final, webinar in this series with CAMSC , coming up on October 29th! Registration is open here: Marketing 101: Building a Strong Brand for Your Business