From Immigrants to Entrepreneurs: Charting New Trails

Here I stand on a breathtaking beach with soft golden sand and stunning views, where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean Sea on the island of Rhodes, Greece.

As I take in this paradise, I can’t help but think of my parents, who uprooted our family of five and left this idyllic place 60 years ago to emigrate to Canada.

After World War II, many Europeans fled their homelands due to widespread devastation, economic hardship, political upheaval, and the desire for a better future. These immigrants, played a crucial role in driving the economies of their new countries, filling labor market gaps, starting businesses, creating jobs, and stimulating growth.

By increasing the population, immigrants contributed to job creation as businesses expanded to meet the needs of a growing customer base. Many brought specialized skills that enhanced the workforce. They paid taxes that funded public services, infrastructure, and social programs, further benefiting society. The demand for housing created by immigrants also stimulated the real estate market, leading to construction activities and job creation.

Immigrant families often prioritized education, resulting in higher enrollment rates in schools and universities, enhancing the skill level of the overall workforce and driving long-term economic growth.

Reflecting on their journey, I’m struck by the parallels between early European immigration and entrepreneurship.

Economic Opportunity and Entrepreneurship:

Many immigrants, including the Dutch, Germans, Italians, Portuguese, Greeks, and others who fled Europe after World War II, shared common experiences that closely align with the spirit of entrepreneurship.

The promise of stability and upward mobility was a driving force behind migration, much like entrepreneurship today.

Immigrants brought with them values of hard work, determination, and self-reliance—traits essential for both survival and entrepreneurial success. These values were passed down through generations.

This was certainly true for both me and my wife. Together, we launched several businesses, from food service and home decor to sports collectibles, jewelry, and business consultancy.

These newcomers often settled in tight-knit communities, providing mutual support and resources that became vital for launching businesses. The resilience needed to adapt to a new country—overcoming language barriers, discrimination, and cultural differences—parallels the challenges faced by entrepreneurs today.

Many of these migrants, facing limited job opportunities, identified and filled niche markets, creating successful businesses that catered to their communities. They often used specialized skills from their home countries to start businesses, such as Italian cuisine, Greek diners, tailoring, or clothing stores.

My father, a trained Italian pastry chef, quickly found work in the bakery department of a popular department store, making breads, cakes, and donuts. Little did we know that his cakes and donuts were not only served in the store's diner but also delivered to restaurants and diners across London, earning him the nickname 'Donut King.'

Family Businesses and Economic Contribution:

Family businesses were central to newcomer success, providing economic stability and preserving cultural traditions. My wife’s family, for example, operated several successful family-style restaurants, becoming renowned for their made-from-scratch homemade menu, including soups and fish and chips.

They sought autonomy and control over their destinies, which entrepreneurship provided. Their businesses created jobs, introduced new products and services, and enriched the economic and cultural fabric of their new country.

Immigrants also played a key role in the urbanization and development of neighborhoods, contributing to the expansion of vibrant regions within our cities.

The Legacy of Immigrants and Entrepreneurship:

These parallels between early European immigrants and entrepreneurship highlight how shared experiences—hardship, cultural values, community support, and vision—fostered a strong entrepreneurial spirit. These newcomers not only contributed to the economic development of their new countries but laid the foundation for a diverse, dynamic business landscape.

Fast forward 60 years, and the trend remains strong. According to the London Economic Development Corporation, a recent report from the London-Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership, using Statistics Canada data, shows that my city, London, Ontario, has the highest proportion of immigrant entrepreneurs among all major cities in the province. Immigrants are driving entrepreneurship here, with more self-made business owners than anywhere else in Ontario.

"Create your foundational plan, navigate obstacles, and keep taking action. Trust your vision, set your goals, and don’t quit. Keep moving forward."

Recently, I had the pleasure of presenting to a group of newcomers on the importance of business vision, mission, and goal setting as part of the New Start Business Program at the London Small Business Centre.

To aspiring entrepreneurs, I say: Like the immigrants before you, your journey may be uncertain, but stay the course. Create your foundational plan, navigate obstacles, and keep taking action. Trust your vision, set your goals, and don’t quit.

Just as our parents and countless others once risked everything to set sail into the unknown, you too are charting new territories in business. Keep moving forward.

About The Author

Ioannis John Anagnostou is the owner of businessMD.

businessMD is an expert small business solutions firm offering tailored business coaching and advisory, high-spec and bespoke business plans, and effective solutions to meet the current needs and future goals of micropreneurs and small business operators in Canada. By doing so, we increase the likelihood of achieving success and financial well-being for their business. Let’s Talk!