Entrepreneurial Resilience Under TS2023: Building a Sustainable Local Business from a Banking Background

My name is Serap Cimen, and I am writing to express my sincere intention to become a permanent resident of Canada. I arrived in Canada from Türkiye through the 2023 Earthquake Open Work Permit Temporary Resident program, and I am truly grateful for the chance to rebuild my life in a country that values safety, diversity, and opportunity.

Before coming to Canada, I built a long and successful career in the banking sector in Türkiye. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and I later obtained a professional culinary license. My passion for pastry arts led me to work in my nephew’s pastry shop, where I gained hands-on experience and developed a strong appreciation for entrepreneurship.

I am also a single mother, and while working hard to establish my own small business here, I am supporting my son, who is currently studying a double major at the University of Ottawa.

Starting my own business has always been my dream. When I arrived in Canada, I applied for many jobs but was unable to secure employment. Instead of giving up, I decided to pursue my lifelong ambition — building a small business centered around a traditional dessert from my childhood: profiteroles, a cherished recipe passed down from my mother.

In addition to running my small business, I am currently participating in Chef Ric’s Training Program, a culinary skills development program that supports immigrants and individuals building new careers in Canada. This program has helped me further strengthen my professional skills, improve my integration into the Canadian workforce, and contribute more meaningfully to the community.

Since arriving in Canada, I have taken several important steps to build a lawful and community-oriented business:

• I obtained my Food Handler Certificate.

• I registered my own small business.

• I rented a commercial kitchen.

• I created a website and opened business accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

• I began producing and selling my desserts directly to customers through social media, as well as supplying local cafés, restaurants, and festivals.

• I actively continue my professional development through Chef Ric’s Training Program.

My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy and community by growing a sustainable small business. I am hardworking, resilient, and deeply motivated to succeed. I believe these qualities — along with my professional background — make me a strong candidate for permanent residency.

At the same time, I continue to make every effort to integrate into Canadian society. Although I have not yet been able to access a free formal English program, I attend library conversation groups to improve my language skills. I currently do not have access to healthcare, but I continue to manage as best as I can with very limited resources.

Although I run my own legal small business with a valid work permit, I am unable to access many important opportunities such as bank loans, business support, and free training programs, which are available to permanent residents. Gaining PR status would allow me to expand my business, create more economic value, and become fully integrated into Canadian society.

I kindly ask the Government of Canada to consider making the path to Permanent Residency more accessible for entrepreneurs like me — individuals who live, work, pay taxes, and actively contribute to their communities.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.