Entrepreneurs in Residence
Toronto Public Library's Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) supports the library's Small Business programs with free seminars, workshops and consultations. During their eight-week residency, the EIR meets one-on-one with selected applicants to discuss and evaluate their business ideas and plans.
In 2025, the EIR service expanded to offer several new residences who focus on support for specific needs. These focused residencies include Black Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs and Newcomer Entrepreneurs.
Newcomer Entrepreneur in Residence
Lily Akagbosu
Lily Akagbosu is a Product Manager and entrepreneur with a Master’s degree in Digital Product Management from Queen’s University. She has shaped and delivered products at organizations including IBM, Shopify, and the Bank of Montreal. Beyond her product work, she has built hands-on business experience through startup ventures, commerce, and consulting. Over the years, Lily has actively engaged in Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through the University of Toronto’s Black Founders Network, Venture for Canada, ventureLAB, and NEXT Canada. She supports entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners from idea through launch and growth, and delivers talks on leadership and innovation.
Lily’s residency takes place at the Deer Park branch from March 23 to May 16, 2026.
One-on-one consultations
Booking consultations with Lily Akagbosu will open on March 16. Bookings can be made through the consultation form.
Entrepreneur in Residence (Focus: Women Entrepreneurs)
Melanie Cruickshank
Melanie Cruickshank is a founder and brand-side operator with over 15 years of experience building, launching, and scaling beauty and personal care brands. As the founder of da lish cosmetics, she led everything from product development and retail strategy to e-commerce growth and national partnerships. Known for her hands-on, no-nonsense approach, Melanie brings a founder’s accountability and a deep understanding of what it takes to build brands that perform in market.
Melanie’s residency takes place at the S. Walter branch from July 6 to August 29, 2026.
One-on-one consultations
Check back for bookings with Melanie.
Entrepreneur in Residence (Focus: Black Entrepreneurs)
Vivian Kaye
Vivian Kaye is a serial entrepreneur and business mentor who bootstrapped KinkyCurlyYaki to seven figures without outside funding. Over 15 years, she has mentored 300+ entrepreneurs, recently facilitating workshops for FoundHers Innovation Labs and Humber College's Entrepreneurship Program.
Featured in The New York Times, Toronto Star, and on CityTV's Cityline, Vivian has partnered with brands including Shopify, Amazon, and American Express Canada. Her direct, practical approach helps early-stage Black entrepreneurs navigate the realities of building sustainable businesses without traditional support systems.
Vivian’s residency takes place at the Mount Dennis branch from July 6 to August 29, 2026.
One-on-one consultations
Please check back for bookings with Vivian.
Entrepreneur in Residence (Focus: Newcomer Entrepreneurs)
Jean Chow
Jean Chow is an energetic educator, seasoned business and career coach, super connector. She serves on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies and is a 2024 Women in Higher Education Fellow with Professors Without Borders.
Her teaching focuses on leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, networking, advanced career management, and intercultural communications, and she has taught newcomer professionals, international students, and adult learners at Toronto Metropolitan University, Seneca Polytechnic, the University of Toronto, and George Brown College. Known as “Ms Biz Wiz,” Jean runs a professional coaching practice, mentors emerging entrepreneurs at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Entrepreneurship, and brings fourteen years of food entrepreneurship experience (1992–2006).
Jean’s residency takes place at the Fort York branch from October 19 to December 12, 2026.
One-on-one consultations
Please check back for bookings with Jean.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Apply to be an Entrepreneur in Residence
Applications are not accepted at this time. Stay tuned for the next opportunity to apply.
Donor Recognition
The Newcomer Entrepreneur in Residence is generously supported by:
Lead Donor:
with support from:
Holdbest Foundation
The Entrepreneur in Residence supporting Black entrepreneurs and the Entrepreneur in Residence supporting Women entrepreneurs is generously supported by:
