Embracing opportunity: Five newcomer entrepreneur success strategies from the co-founders of Whipdd

Starting a business is always a bold move, but doing so as a newcomer to a new country? That’s a whole new level of daring! Meet Akshay Kalekar and Shruti Priya Agarwal, the dynamic duo behind Whipdd, a fast-growing flavoured butter brand that’s making waves across Canada. Originally from India, they brought with them a wealth of experience in business and culinary arts. With the incredible support from Futurpreneur, they transformed their journey as newcomers into a thriving business success story.

Here are five key success strategies from their journey that can benefit newcomer entrepreneurs like you:

1. Secure the right support: Financing and mentorship are game-changers

For Akshay and Shruti, securing Futurpreneur’s loan with mentorship was a turning point. With access to up to $75,000 in startup financing and guidance from an experienced mentor, they gained the tools needed to navigate Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape. Having the right financial backing and a trusted mentor at your side can make all the difference when you’re launching a business in a new country. It’s more than just funding—it’s about having expert advice to help you overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

2. Be prepared for challenges: Understand the rules and regulations

Starting fresh in a new country during a global pandemic was no easy feat. One of the biggest hurdles Akshay and Shruti faced was navigating Canada’s regulatory landscape. For example, understanding Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements around food safety, labeling and packaging was overwhelming at first. But through research and persistence, they were able to meet these standards and grow their business. Their advice: take the time to thoroughly understand the regulations in your industry—being well-prepared can save you time and setbacks.

3. Find the right mentor: Align with someone who understands your industry

A key lesson for Akshay and Shruti was finding a mentor with expertise in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space. Futurpreneur helped them connect with a mentor who understood the ins and outs of their industry, which accelerated their business growth and helped them avoid common mistakes. Their advice: make sure your mentor is aligned with your brand and industry. A mentor with relevant experience can offer invaluable guidance that is tailored to your business needs.

4. Stay flexible: Adapt to challenges and pivot when necessary

Running a business means being ready to adapt to unexpected challenges. For Akshay and Shruti, one of the biggest hurdles was meeting Canada’s food safety regulations, which required them to revamp their packaging. Instead of giving up, they embraced the changes and moved forward. Flexibility and adaptability are key traits for entrepreneurs, especially when facing regulatory or operational challenges. Remember, being willing to pivot when necessary can set your business up for long-term success.

5. Build personal networks: Leverage connections and be persistent

Before securing national brokers, Akshay and Shruti relied on personal connections to get their products into stores. They went directly to store managers and owners with samples of their flavored butters, building valuable relationships along the way. Networking and persistence were critical in their early stages. Their advice: don’t be afraid to knock on doors and introduce yourself. Building personal relationships and being persistent can open doors, even when traditional channels seem out of reach.

What’s next for Whipdd?

Akshay and Shruti have big dreams for Whipdd. They aim to become a household name in Canada’s butter industry, with plans to expand into major retailers across the country and enter the U.S. market by 2025. With their drive, strategic planning and continued support from Futurpreneur, their future looks bright.

Final thoughts for aspiring entrepreneurs

Akshay and Shruti’s journey highlights the power of mentorship, persistence and adaptability. Their story shows that newcomers can overcome obstacles, leverage their cultural strengths and use available resources to succeed in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They encourage other young entrepreneurs to focus on time management and networking—two key factors that can help turn your business idea into a thriving reality.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re a newcomer to Canada and dreaming of starting your own business, Futurpreneur’s My Canadian Startup initiative, presented by TD Bank through their corporate citizenship platform, TD Ready Commitment, offers free workshops, networking events and digital resources to help you launch and grow your business. Learn more about how you can get the support you need to succeed on your entrepreneurial journey with My Canadian Startup.