Starting a business in a new country is both exciting and challenging. From navigating unfamiliar regulations to building local networks, newcomer entrepreneurs often face a steep learning curve. Brampton, one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities, is working to change that.
With a strong municipal commitment to innovation, Brampton offers a growing startup ecosystem that includes access to affordable space, proximity to major markets, a young and diverse talent pool, and support organizations like Brampton NEXT.
Our program is designed to help international founders build and scale their companies in Canada. It offers early-stage entrepreneurs tailored business support, expert mentorship, regulatory guidance, and connections to the local startup network — all essential tools for turning ideas into viable ventures.
To see this in action, we spoke with two founders currently participating in the program: Vandana Thakur, founder of MilliBolt HealthTech, and Sahil, founder of SkyllSyft.
MilliBolt HealthTech: Bringing Evidence-Based Natural Health Products to Canada
Founded by pharmacologist and researcher Vandana Thakur, MilliBolt HealthTech focuses on developing natural, evidence-based formulations to support chronic health conditions. Originally based in India, Vandana made the strategic decision to expand to Canada after identifying a strong market interest in natural health products and a regulatory system that supports scientific validation.
“Canada has a highly aware consumer base, excellent healthcare innovation support, and a government that prioritizes wellness,” she explains. “It aligned perfectly with our mission.”
Transitioning to a new business environment, however, came with hurdles: navigating Health Canada regulations, finding local advisors, and understanding consumer behavior. That’s where the Brampton NEXT program stepped in.
“The mentoring sessions are well-structured and insightful. They’ve helped me shape my go-to-market strategy, refine product positioning, and begin building my Canadian network,” Vandana shares. Her long-term goals include obtaining regulatory approvals, building a manufacturing facility in Brampton or Caledon, and contributing to local employment and research.
Watch her story here.
Skyllsyft: Using AI to Streamline job applications
After relocating to Canada, Sahil quickly noticed a gap in the employment journey for newcomers — one he personally experienced. This inspired him to create SkyllSyft, a startup offering AI-powered tools and advisory services that help job seekers optimize their resumes and apply more efficiently.
“I built the tool initially for myself, and once I saw how many others were struggling, I knew it could be bigger,” Sahil says. “The idea was validated by real demand.”
Yet, like many tech founders, he found it challenging to grow beyond his immediate network and attract early users. The Brampton NEXT program offered the structure and strategic guidance he needed.
“The personalized coaching and group workshops have helped me map out a clear business roadmap. It’s actionable, not just theoretical,” he adds. His goal for SkyllSyft is to become a global platform empowering job seekers at every stage of their career.
Hear about his experience here.
Why Brampton is a Strategic Launchpad for Startups
Both MilliBolt and SkyllSyft illustrate why Brampton is becoming a magnet for global entrepreneurial talent. Here’s why more founders are choosing Brampton:
- Access to Talent: Brampton is one of Canada’s youngest cities, with over 60% of the population under 45 and a highly diverse, multilingual workforce.
- Affordability: Compared to nearby Toronto, Brampton offers more affordable real estate and office space — crucial for early-stage startups.
- Proximity to Major Markets: Located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Brampton offers easy access to North American business hubs and logistics networks.
- Supportive Ecosystem: Programs like BHive’s Brampton NEXT offer hands-on support, mentorship, and networking — all critical for startup success.
- Focus on Inclusion: The city actively supports women-led and newcomer-led businesses, offering funding pathways, incubation space, and local business resources.
For Newcomers Ready to Build, Brampton Is Ready for You
Starting from scratch in a new country is no small feat. But with the right ecosystem, mentorship, and support, ambitious founders can turn big ideas into growing businesses.
Programs like Brampton NEXT are more than just accelerators — they are entry points into Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering practical tools for long-term success. For founders like Vandana and Sahil, the program is helping them go from vision to execution, with a clear path to market.
If you’re a newcomer entrepreneur looking for a launchpad in Canada, Brampton offers the infrastructure, network, and support to help you succeed.
Explore the Brampton NEXT program: https://thebhive.ca/brampton-next