In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Edward Anassah, founder of Humble Beginning Stories (HBS) and recipient of the prestigious Canadian Volunteer Award, shares his inspiring journey of resilience, storytelling, and mentorship. Through HBS, Edward amplifies the voices of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and grassroots leaders, fostering a supportive ecosystem where determination and perseverance are celebrated. From overcoming personal adversity to mentoring young innovators and immigrant entrepreneurs, Edward discusses the transformative power of storytelling, the intersection of entrepreneurship and community impact, and his vision for empowering underrepresented voices in business. His insights offer invaluable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs striving to turn their challenges into success stories.
Edward Anassah is a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and community empowerment, serving as the founder of Humble Beginning Stories (HBS), a platform that celebrates the authentic journeys of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and grassroots leaders. Through HBS, Edward highlights diverse and inspiring stories, fostering a supportive ecosystem where resilience and determination are celebrated, and untold narratives are given a voice.
In 2023, Edward was honored with the prestigious Canadian Volunteer Award for the Business Leader category, presented by the Prime Minister of Canada. This award recognizes his ongoing dedication to his community, a commitment that is deeply personal and significant. After experiencing the profound loss of both his parents to COVID and, recently, his only sister, Edward draws strength from adversity, channeling his experiences into meaningful service that uplifts others and reinforces the power of resilience.
Alongside his work with HBS, Edward holds a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo and has a robust background in community involvement and mentorship. As a Regional Reviewer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards, he evaluates outstanding contributions across the country, while his role as a judge for the Canadian Online Publishing Awards and The Telly Awards involves assessing impactful content that resonates with audiences. Additionally, Edward serves as a FIN Program Screener with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), guiding candidates through the application process with mentorship and support.
Edward is also dedicated to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs, mentoring young innovators through organizations like Futurpreneur, WE Incubation Hub, and Startup Canada. His mentorship encompasses project development, business planning, and pitching guidance, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.
Throughout his career, Edward’s contributions have earned him both the Canadian Volunteer Award and the Canadian Choice Award, reflecting his unwavering dedication to celebrating impactful leaders and championing the spirit of community service.
Edward, your journey with Humble Beginning Stories is truly inspiring. Can you share a pivotal moment that crystallized your vision for this platform and how it has evolved since its inception?
Thank you for your kind words! The journey with Humble Beginning Stories (HBS) has been nothing short of transformative. The pivotal moment that crystallized my vision for this platform happened during my time volunteering and working in community-focused initiatives. I kept encountering extraordinary individuals—entrepreneurs, small business owners, grassroots leaders—who had overcome immense challenges to achieve their goals. Their stories were inspiring, yet they often went unnoticed. It struck me that these voices needed a platform, a space to shine and inspire others with their resilience and determination. That realization was the seed that grew into Humble Beginning Stories.
When I launched HBS, my goal was simple: to create a space where authentic narratives could flourish. I wanted to highlight the raw, unfiltered journeys of people who were turning humble beginnings into remarkable achievements. From street vendors building thriving businesses to entrepreneurs transforming their communities, their stories deserved to be heard. Over time, the platform has evolved into a community of shared inspiration, where readers and contributors connect through shared experiences and values.
One defining moment in HBS’s growth was when I featured the story of a small business owner who had risen from financial hardship to establish a successful enterprise. The response was overwhelming. People resonated deeply with her journey, and it sparked a wave of similar stories being shared. That was when I realized the true power of storytelling—it not only celebrates resilience but also creates a ripple effect of encouragement and motivation.
HBS has grown beyond storytelling into an ecosystem of support. Today, it’s a space where ideas are exchanged, collaborations are formed, and mentorship is fostered. Entrepreneurs reach out not just to share their journeys but to seek guidance and build networks. It’s incredible to see the impact these connections have, and it reaffirms my belief in the transformative power of stories.
Personally, HBS has been a source of healing and growth for me. Losing my parents to COVID-19 and my sister in 2023 was deeply painful. Yet, through HBS, I’ve channeled that grief into purpose. Sharing stories of resilience and strength has helped me find my own. It’s a reminder that every setback holds the potential for a comeback, and that has become the ethos of the platform.
As HBS continues to evolve, my vision is to amplify even more voices, especially those from underrepresented communities. I want to see it become a global platform that not only tells stories but also drives change—whether through mentorship, partnerships, or community initiatives. Humble beginnings may start small, but with the right support, they can lead to extraordinary achievements. I’m proud to be part of a platform that celebrates that journey every step of the way.
As someone who has faced personal adversity, how has your experience shaped your approach to mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering resilience in the business community?
Facing personal adversity has profoundly shaped my approach to mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering resilience within the business community. Losing my parents to COVID-19 and my only sister in 2023 were life-altering experiences that forced me to confront grief and uncertainty head-on. These challenges taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding strength in adversity—lessons I now pass on to others.
When I mentor young entrepreneurs, I don’t just focus on strategies or business plans. I emphasize the human side of entrepreneurship: the importance of mindset, perseverance, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace. I encourage them to embrace setbacks as learning opportunities rather than insurmountable obstacles. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with highs and lows, and building emotional resilience is just as critical as crafting a winning pitch or securing funding.
My experiences have also given me a unique perspective on the importance of community and connection. During my most challenging times, the support of my community was invaluable. I strive to instill that same sense of belonging and collaboration among the entrepreneurs I work with. Whether through mentorship programs with Futurpreneur or Startup Canada, or through storytelling on Humble Beginning Stories, I encourage them to lean on their networks, seek advice, and build meaningful relationships.
Adversity has also heightened my empathy and understanding. Every entrepreneur faces struggles—financial hurdles, self-doubt, or external challenges—and I approach mentorship with compassion and a genuine desire to help them succeed. I listen deeply, help them reframe challenges, and empower them to find their own path forward.
In the business community, I advocate for creating environments that embrace vulnerability and celebrate resilience. Through platforms like HBS, I share stories that highlight the triumphs and challenges of real people, reminding others that success often comes from navigating through difficulties. These narratives inspire others to keep going, showing them that they’re not alone in their struggles.
Ultimately, adversity has reinforced my belief that success is not just about achieving goals but about the journey of growth, resilience, and learning along the way. It’s this mindset that I bring to my mentoring and community work—encouraging others to embrace their own unique journeys, no matter how challenging they may seem.
Your work spans storytelling, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship. How do these elements intersect to create meaningful change, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses?
Storytelling, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship intersect in my work to drive meaningful change, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). Through Humble Beginning Stories (HBS), I amplify the journeys of entrepreneurs, showcasing resilience and inspiring others. These stories create emotional connections, helping businesses engage their communities and build trust.
Volunteerism strengthens this impact by fostering collaboration and providing resources. As a mentor and award reviewer, I connect entrepreneurs with opportunities to grow, emphasizing the importance of giving back. SMEs that engage in volunteerism not only uplift their communities but also build goodwill and shared purpose.
Entrepreneurship empowers individuals to innovate and adapt. My work with organizations like Futurpreneur and Startup Canada equips entrepreneurs with tools to overcome challenges, embrace creativity, and drive growth. By combining storytelling, volunteerism, and entrepreneurship, I help SMEs thrive, creating a cycle where stories inspire action, communities support growth, and businesses drive lasting change.
With your diverse background and experiences, including your role as a FIN Program Screener with IRCC, how do you leverage this unique perspective to support immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada?
My diverse background and experiences, including my role as a FIN Program Screener with IRCC, enable me to support immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada by combining empathy, practical guidance, and a deep understanding of their unique challenges. I leverage my global perspective, gained from living and working in multiple countries, to relate to their journeys and cultural experiences.
As a FIN Screener, I guide candidates through the application process, offering mentorship and support to help them navigate complexities. Through platforms like Humble Beginning Stories (HBS), I amplify their success stories, inspiring others and showcasing their contributions. Additionally, my work with organizations like Futurpreneur equips immigrant entrepreneurs with tools for project development, business planning, and pitching.
By combining these experiences, I foster a supportive ecosystem where immigrant entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed in Canada.
Building a platform like Humble Beginning Stories surely came with its challenges. Can you share some of the significant hurdles or obstacles you faced during your entrepreneurial journey and how you overcame them?
Building Humble Beginning Stories (HBS) definitely came with its share of challenges, but each obstacle became an opportunity for growth. One significant hurdle was establishing credibility and building an audience from scratch. Starting a platform that aimed to share authentic, inspiring stories required trust-building and consistent engagement. I overcame this by focusing on quality content, sharing real stories that resonated with people, and leveraging social media to spread the word. Slowly, as I remained authentic and committed, the platform gained traction and began attracting a loyal following.
Another challenge was securing the resources needed to sustain and grow HBS. As an entrepreneur without significant startup capital, I relied heavily on my volunteerism and partnerships with organizations like Futurpreneur to gain mentorship and access to resources. I also had to balance my time between my day job and HBS, which meant learning to manage my time effectively and stay focused on long-term goals.
The emotional toll of personal loss, including the deaths of my parents and sister, was also a challenge. It made me question my ability to continue. However, I used my grief as fuel, channeling my experiences into creating stories that uplifted others. These personal setbacks reinforced my belief in resilience and gave me the drive to push forward, knowing the platform could help others overcome their struggles.
Through persistence, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to my mission, I overcame these obstacles and built a platform that now thrives and continues to inspire others.
As we celebrate Black History Month, what message would you like to share with Black entrepreneurs who are just starting their business journey or facing challenges in their ventures?
As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to send a message of resilience, hope, and empowerment to Black entrepreneurs who are just starting their business journey or facing challenges. Your path may not always be easy, but know that your unique perspective, creativity, and determination are powerful assets. Black entrepreneurs have historically faced barriers, yet time and time again, we’ve proven our ability to overcome them and create meaningful change in our communities.
To those just starting out, remember that every successful business begins with a single step. Stay true to your vision, even when the road gets tough. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s part of the journey and often a stepping stone to growth.
To those facing challenges, know that setbacks are not failures, but opportunities to learn and evolve. Keep pushing forward, adapt when necessary, and stay focused on your “why.” Your resilience is part of a larger legacy of Black excellence, and your business has the potential to inspire future generations.
