Message from Associate Executive Director
還記得最初構思LaunchPadX，是被 班年輕人深深打
動。他們剛來加拿大不久，有些在打工，有些做散工，有 些仍在找工作，卻都有一團火，想在這片陌生土地上，開 創屬於自己的 片天。他們說：「我們想創業，但希望有 導師指引。」我聽見了，也感動了，便一口答應陪他們走 這段路。
起初並沒預計會有很多人參加，畢竟創業不易，我們也沒 有特別做宣傳，誰料最終報名人數竟超過五十人！
更驚喜的是一群本地成功創業者的主動回應。他們全都是 白手興家，知道創業有多難，卻也看見新 代的熱誠與潛 力，紛紛主動聯絡我們，希望擔任mentor，無私分享自 己的經驗與心路歷程。原本只打算邀請幾位嘉賓分享，最 後竟有近廿位導師與我們接洽，每節課都有兩位創業家親 自到場，參加者不但學到實戰技巧，更被嘉賓身上的人生 態度所感染 對品質的堅持、對信念的執著、不輕言放 棄的毅力，以及那份比別人更努力的精神。
我們的嘉賓包括由零開始創辦本地最大海鮮批發公司的創 辦人、建立拖車王國的老闆、成功將香港教育品牌引進加 拿大的機構負責人、室內設計公司、心理治療師暨網紅 KOL、甚至是能用鼓聲療癒學生及長者心靈的會計師。他 們的故事，不只是關於生意，更是關於人、關於信念、關 於 份無悔的堅持。
Dickson Yip
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
有 位嘉賓真誠分享同事與客戶三十多年不離不棄，全場 聽得動容，也讓每位參加者更確定自己創業的初心與決 心。
三個月的旅程中，我們見證了不少創業新苗開始萌芽、茁 壯成長。Konie 構思出專為慈善機構服務的創新商業模 式，在 final presentation 後即獲得首個客戶；寵物美容 師 Eva 提出 express grooming 的點子，獲得全場認同, 鼓 勵她 起實踐；咖啡達人 Matthew 充滿熱誠的演示不但 贏得評審讚賞，更被邀請到企業活動推廣…
在 Across，我們始終相信創意與社群(Creativity and Community) 的力量。LaunchPad X Season 正在籌備 中，將以全新面貌再次出發。無論你是懷夢想的年輕人， 還是願意扶持後輩的導師，請密切留意我們的消息。
因為，每 場創業之旅，從來都不是 個人的事。
Message from Associate Executive Director
LaunchPad X began with a simple yet powerful idea. A group of passionate young people, many of them new immigrants to Canada, came to me with a dream they wanted to start their own businesses, but they hoped for mentors to guide them along the way. I was moved by their courage and fire, and I immediately said yes
At first, we didn’t expect many people to join. After all, starting a business isn’t easy, and we didn’t do any real promotion But to our surprise, more than 50 people signed up!
Even more unexpected was the overwhelming support from the local business community Many successful entrepreneurs — most of them self-made reached out on their own, eager to become mentors and share their hard-earned experiences with the next generation. We originally planned to invite just a few guest speakers, but we ended up connecting with nearly 20 mentors Every session featured two entrepreneurs, offering not just practical tips, but also powerful lessons in attitude, resilience, and values like staying committed to quality, holding on to your beliefs, and working harder than anyone else
Our mentors came from all walks of life: the founder of the largest seafood distributor in the city, a towing company owner, leaders who brought education brands from Hong Kong to Canada, interior designers, psychotherapists with strong social media followings, and even a music therapist who heals with drums. Their stories weren’t just about business they were about people, purpose, and perseverance.
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
One mentor shared and felt deeply grateful for colleagues and clients who stayed by his side for over 30 years. His honesty touched everyone in the room, and helped our participants reconnect with their own “why” for starting this journey.
Over the three-month program, we watched many seeds of ideas begin to grow. Konie created a business model serving charities and landed her first client right after the final presentation. Eva, a hardworking pet groomer, came up with an “ express grooming” concept that won support from the entire community And Matthew, a passionate coffee expert, impressed the judges with his pitch and was invited to promote his brand at a company event.
At Across U-hub, we ’ ve always believed in the power of creativity and community. Now, we ’ re preparing for LaunchPad X Season 2, with exciting new plans on the way. Whether you ’ re a young dreamer or an experienced mentor ready to give back, stay tuned Because the journey of entrepreneurship is never walked alone.
Nature Connect: Building Our Canadian Outdoor Experience
Tomorrow Starts Today: Tree Planting
On a cool, cloudy morning, May 24, we launched our 17th annual tree planting event at Phyllis Rawlinson Park, Richmond Hill. Joined by 70 enthusiastic attendees, many of them international students and newcomers, we celebrated a meaningful milestone in our journey to care for the environment.
For most, it was their first time planting a tree, and their first tree in Canada. The experience was both exciting and memorable, marking a symbolic beginning to their connection with their new home Together, we planted, mulched, and watered 150 native trees and shrubs, and contributed to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s Young Tree and Shrub Monitoring and Maintenance Program, tagging plants for ongoing care and growth tracking
This year ’ s theme is "Nature Connect", began with tree planting in the morning and followed by an afternoon Trail Walk Challenge. In a world where it's difficult to put our phones down for even a day, we encouraged participants to connect with nature through all five senses feeling the texture of bark and leaves, listening to birdsong, searching for nature’s colors, and breathing in the scent of fresh flowers.
From our hands to the trees, from the trees to the soil, and from the soil to the air we breathe we nurture a mutual relationship with the natural world. For many participants, this day was more than just planting trees it was a moment of reflection on how to root themselves in Canada, and how nature can guide that journey.
Teresa Chan
Nature Connect: Building Our Canadian Outdoor Experience (con’t)
Join Our Vibrant Community - Build Our Canadian Roots
This summer, Across U-hub continues to walk alongside the next generation through a series of youth-led leadership programs that connect people, community, and nature.
We believe that putting down roots in Canada begins with active participation in cultural and civic activities. You're warmly invited to take part in the following initiatives as we work together to support and empower the next generation:
[June 21] Neighbourhood Makeover
Help clean up our newly adopted stretch of Warden Avenue (between Steeles and Denison) and Risebrough Park
[July 15] Lunch Prep
Prepare sandwiches and baked goods for individuals experiencing homelessness in Scarborough or downtown Toronto.
[Aug 2 - 4] Learn-To-Camp 101
Join us for a three-day, two-night front-country camping experience to build outdoor skills and community connections
For more information and to sign up, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Let’s inspire change and grow together one step at a time.
