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.
Please check back in Spring 2026 for the next session of the Entrepreneur in Residence.
Past Residents
Dihan Chandra
Dihan Chandra is an entrepreneur, mentor, and community builder committed to helping newcomers establish their side hustles into sustainable businesses. With over 15 years of experience launching and scaling ventures he understands the challenges of navigating regulations, securing funding, and adapting to a new market. As a former Product Manager at IBM, he integrates automation and AI to help entrepreneurs streamline operations, reduce costs, and maximize efficiency. He has helped entrepreneurs build like-minded communities through local partnerships, ensuring they not only grow their businesses but also find support, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose in Toronto’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
Olivia Glauberzon
Olivia Glauberzon is a passionate entrepreneur, journalist, and mom who successfully grew her venture AFTER9, a thoughtfully designed athleisure line for moms, into a thriving six-figure business sold online and in boutiques across Canada and the U.S. She successfully raised more than $250K in capital after appearing on Dragons’ Den, which helped her scale her vision. With four years of entrepreneurial experience and more than 15 years in journalism and corporate communications, Olivia is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of founders, helping them pitch, grow, and scale with confidence.
Lucrezia Spagnolo
Spagnolo is the Founder and CEO of VESTA Social Innovation Technologies, a groundbreaking social enterprise dedicated to addressing gender-based violence through innovative digital solutions. Prior to VESTA, Lucrezia also spent over 15 years as a leader in the international payments industry. Her expertise, combined with her lived experience and dedication to systemic change makes her an invaluable resource for Toronto’s entrepreneurial community.
Shevonne Chin
Chin is a pioneering Canadian entrepreneur and the country’s first woman swarm drone pilot, known for redefining live entertainment and advertising through cutting-edge aerial experiences. As CEO of Flik FX, she has earned multiple awards for her bold leadership and innovation, bringing fireworks, pyrotechnics and drone artistry together to captivate audiences around the world. A licensed drone pilot and triple-certified in fireworks and pyrotechnics, she has broken barriers as a Black woman in aerospace. Beyond her business success she is a passionate advocate for diversity, mentorship, and community empowerment.
Hafsa Taher
Taher is a seasoned entrepreneur, business coach and founder of two successful Canadian businesses, including Hafsa Creates Gifts, which sold handmade products globally. As an active instructor for Newcomer Entrepreneurship Hub at Toronto Metropolitan University and Head Coach for Hafsa Taher Coaching, she has guided over 200 entrepreneurs to transform their business ideas into reality and grew her social media presence to 56,000 organic engaged followers. Hafsa's coaching approach helps newcomers overcome cultural barriers, develop effective marketing strategies and build resilient businesses that thrive in the Canadian marketplace.
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:
