SURREY, B.C. - Surrey entrepreneurs get two free chances to connect, learn and show off their work during Small Business Week, with the 10th annual DIVERSEcity Entrepreneur and Small Business Fair on Thursday, October 22, 2026, and the fifth Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Small Business Week runs from October 19 to 25, 2026, and both Surrey events are free.
The DIVERSEcity fair runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, at 15269 104 Ave. It is aimed at small business owners, emerging entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them.
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the event offers a tradeshow, marketplace and networking, with complimentary refreshments. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., welcome speakers are followed by a fireside chat with Emre Ozgur and Andrea Kloegman, the founders of Safe Sweat. The evening closes from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a live business pitch competition, styled on the television show Dragons’ Den, where new entrepreneurs present their ideas in front of an audience.
The fair is tied to DIVERSEcity’s Diverse Entrepreneurs Business Incubator, which supports diverse, grassroots entrepreneurs with one-on-one support and guidance as they navigate the barriers and challenges of being a small business owner in B.C., says Florence Kao, manager of self-employment programs at DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society.
Interest in starting something is widespread. Kao points to a new Ipsos survey finding that nearly one in four people have a side hustle to help with the high cost of living, and many more are considering one. Registration for the fair is free through dcrs.ca/entrepreneurfair.
Two days later, the Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo returns to Surrey City Hall, at 13450 104 Ave, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Now in its fifth edition, the expo is hosted by the Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC in partnership with the Surrey and White Rock Board of Trade. It celebrates Black entrepreneurship, innovation, culture and economic empowerment across British Columbia and beyond.
The family-friendly event gives Black-owned businesses a platform to showcase their products and services, connect with potential customers, build brand visibility and network with entrepreneurs, community leaders and organizations. Attendees can also learn about the programs, resources and services available to support Black-owned businesses, alongside exhibitors, networking opportunities, community organizations and cultural showcases.
Admission to the expo is free and open to the public.
Source: City of Surrey
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