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In March 2022, former Markham Small Business Centre Summer Company participant Ashlyn Wong helped design a mural for Johnny Chan (left), a Markham-based restaurant owner. Photo Credit: Steve Somerville/Metroland

‘Explore to be Your Own Boss’: Markham’s Entrepreneurial Community Enables Small Businesses to Thrive

In 2021, as a participant of the Markham Small Business Centre’s Summer Company program, where youth get up to $3,000 to start a business and hands-on training and mentorship, Wong started Shoops & Letters, which provides unique customer lettering and artwork services.
In March 2022, former Markham Small Business Centre Summer Company participant Ashlyn Wong helped design a mural for Johnny Chan (left), a Markham-based restaurant owner. Photo Credit: Steve Somerville/Metroland

What do a high school student, an art teacher and a restaurateur have in common? They are all entrepreneurs and part of the City of Markham’s small business community.

Last March, local award-winning Markham artist and art teacher Sylvia Chan was approached by Johnny Chan, a local Markham restaurateur. He was looking for someone to design a mural that would cover the walls of his restaurant in downtown Toronto, Poke Guys, while creatively displaying their brand.

“Markham is a great place for small business owners because of the vibrant community and growth potential,” Chan said. “Everyone is connected in some way, and the benefit of working with other entrepreneurs is that we never give up and we are always willing to help each other.”

Full Article: yorkregion.com