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June 25, 2012
Young Professionals of Toronto Entrepreneurship and Innovation Seminar Draws Large Crowd to the AGBU Center
Aspiring entrepreneurs in Toronto are now armed with expert advice and critical insights into the business world thanks to a dynamic panel discussion on Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted by the AGBU Young Professionals of Toronto (YPTO). Sponsored by the Toronto-based specialty store Dolce & Gourmando, the event, part of a popular series of professional development seminars being organized this year by YPTO, featured a range of speakers with diverse backgrounds which attracted seventy-five young attendees to the AGBU Toronto Center on June 3, 2012.
The panel's four speakers, each accomplished entrepreneurs in their respective fields, delivered interactive presentations, including Simon Aznavour, president of Aznavour Ventures Inc.; Ari Balabanian, president of Data Document Solutions; Seta Danielian, founder of Dolce & Gourmando; and Shant Mardirosian, owner of The Burger's Priest. Drawing from their varied experiences in direct marketing, food services, investment, retail, and venture capital, each speaker addressed fundamental questions on the nature of entrepreneurship, debunking the myths commonly associated with business ownership and delving into the realities of how to launching a business. Amidst the economic slowdown and a competitive job market that increasingly values innovation, the timing of the event could not have been more appropriate. As YPTO Chair, Karen Papazian, explained, "Entrepreneurs are creative forces in society, and young and ambitious minds are the most cognizant of the potential opportunities that can be developed in any economy. In order to for them to succeed, it is most important that they first have a strong understanding of the risks and challenges of business ownership. No one could be more qualified to share that knowledge and wisdom than those who have been through it all," highlighting the decades of experience between the participants.
In addition to value creation, risk management, and competition, the speakers also explored themes of business psychology and the mindset of entrepreneurs, prompting audience members to reflect on different approaches to pursuing their career paths. Talar Sahsuvaroglu, the YPTO Co-Director of Educational Outreach who moderated the evening, noted, "What makes these seminars relevant and meaningful for our constituency is that it gives them the chance to connect not only with the guest speakers but with their inner selves. Our discussion themes often cross industries and professions, and our aim is to ensure that no one leaves the room without a good piece of advice," which proved true of this event, given the positive feedback from all who attended.
The YPTO Entrepreneurship and Innovation panel was one of many that Sahsuvaroglu, in collaboration with YPTO Co-Director of Educational Outreach Aren Sarikyan, will continue to organize in the coming months. In addition to seminars, YPTO is launching industry-specific networking events to create support structures for those seeking advice and guidance in their fields.
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