Entrepreneur Panel Inspires Durham College Business Students at Landmark Theatre

On April 4, 2025, business students from Durham College gathered at the Landmark Cinema in Whitby, Ontario, for an inspiring and insightful panel discussion. The event, tailored to provide guidance and foster networking opportunities for future business leaders, featured a diverse group of accomplished entrepreneurs. These experts shared their journeys, challenges and success stories, offering valuable advice on navigating the entrepreneurial and business landscape.

The discussion delved into how strategic collaborations and partnerships can drive business success. Through real-life examples and practical insights, the panelists highlighted the pivotal role of collaboration in scaling ventures and achieving long-term growth.

Monika Rivoire, the branch manager at Meridian Credit Union and a committee member of Your Entrepreneurs and Professionals Committee (YEP), shared her thoughts on the importance of entrepreneurship in the community. “It’s important for me to be here to support entrepreneurship and to be a part of the Whitby Chamber. It’s about expanding our network and helping businesses grow in this community.”

The event also included interactive booths where several panelists showcased the companies they represent. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with these professionals, gaining firsthand insights into the world of entrepreneurship and the resources available to those starting their own businesses.

Antoinette Burrell, a junior business advisor with the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD), shared her perspective on the role her organization plays in supporting small business owners.

“We help with one-on-one advisory sessions. We have a number of grant programs that can help people to start their business. Also, we have our workshops and events which are free, and all are welcome to attend.”

As for her first experience at the event, Burrell expressed her enthusiasm. “This is my first time setting up a booth. I’m fairly new with the BACD, and I think it’s a great event. I’m very impressed with the turnout. Lots of networking going on, lots of communication and sharing valuable information.”

Charmaine Carey, a certified neurofeedback trainer, has been offering services that promote mental and physical well-being through brain-training techniques. She explained the concept of calming the central nervous system and how it plays a key role in healing.

“It can calm clarity, focus, improve physical, mental and emotional well-being,” she said. “When we can calm our central nervous system, then we can start healing. It’s the biggest conductor of our whole body. Our mind is the biggest muscle in our body, and we tend to forget about it.”

Reflecting on her personal journey, Carey shared how her life had transformed since discovering this practice a few years ago.

“I found it four years ago for my own trauma and I’ve been doing this now for two years and giving it to the community. My life has changed. I am not the same person, I see things differently, I don’t react anymore. I respond, and it’s just absolutely changed my life for the better. I’m a totally different person and I love life now.”

For many attendees, the event served as a pivotal moment in shaping their entrepreneurial aspirations. The event was a resounding success, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to share their knowledge, inspire students and foster the growth of future business leaders. The mix of inspiring speakers, practical advice and networking opportunities left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

Written by Isabella Conforti