CCBC, the consulate, and fellow entrepreneurs support newcomers to the country; events like Upper Bound 2025 boost networking opportunities

By Marcelo Picolo

Starting a business abroad can seem like just a dream. In addition to navigating a challenging new business environment, entrepreneurs must overcome cultural barriers and build professional relationships in a setting very different from what they are used to back home. However, when it comes to Brazilians moving to Canada in search of success, it’s clear that many are already thriving in the North American country.

This success is largely due to the support of organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), the Brazilian consulate, and Brazilian entrepreneurs themselves. Whenever possible, they help one another succeed abroad by building a strong business network.

One of the most effective ways to bring together these stakeholders and support Brazilian entrepreneurs in prospecting and adapting to the Canadian market is through events. These gatherings provide a space for entrepreneurs to share their experiences, make connections, learn about the local business environment, offer guidance, and even close deals.

May, for example, was a particularly fruitful month for entrepreneurship in Western Canada. Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, hosted Upper Bound 2025, an artificial intelligence conference that brought together researchers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and students from around the world. From May 20 to 23, more than 6,000 people participated in lectures and activities focused on AI.

To seize the momentum, CCBC, in partnership with the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce (BCCC), organized Doing Business in Edmonton, a special workshop held on May 22 at its local office, aimed at Brazilian entrepreneurs looking to do business in Canada.

At the event, attendees learned how CCBC’s business hub can help manage the bureaucratic and structural challenges of launching a company. The goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs know they are not alone while prospecting new opportunities.

One of the highlights was a series of talks from Brazilian executives already working in Canada. Jr. Figueiredo, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, serves over 200 clients across the country. His company specializes in supporting small business owners, professionals, and families with personalized strategies in retirement, estate planning, and risk management.

“The Canadian client already understands the system and is more focused on the concrete benefits of working with you,” he explained. “With Brazilian clients, you first need to explain how the system works before you can demonstrate the value of your offer.” Figueiredo is also president of Alberta Soccer, an organization focused on developing the sport in the province.

Rafael Krug, owner of Zero Defect, has been in Canada for just over two months and is still going through the cultural immersion process. “CCBC has been a key strategic partner for our company,” said Krug. “Through the Chamber, we’ve quickly connected with key people in the city,” he added.

Zero Defect specializes in software testing to ensure that applications run smoothly and error-free. “The event organized by CCBC, in partnership with BCCC, helped a lot, as it generated valuable leads for our business,” he noted.

Brazilian entrepreneurs arriving in Canada can count on CCBC as a reliable source of support. The Chamber operates two offices in Montreal and one in Edmonton. See the contact details below:

📍 Viviane Ferran (Operations Manager)

• 📞 Phone: +1 (514) 348-8170
• 📧 Email: vi************@******rg.br
• 📍 Address: 1010 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ste 200, Montréal, QC H3B 5L1

📍 Felipe Bitencourt (Business Development Analyst)

• 📞 Phone: +1 (514) 961-2827
• 📧 Email: fe***************@******rg.br
• 📍 Address: 1010 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ste 200, Montréal, QC H3B 5L1

📍 Andressa Lobo (Business Development Analyst)

• 📞 Phone: +1 (587) 731-0414
• 📧 Email: an***********@******rg.br
• 📍 Address: Allan Wachowich Centre at Concordia University, 7128 Ada Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4