How to Attract Customers and Grow Your Business

A great idea is only the beginning. For a business to succeed, people need to discover it, trust it, and ultimately choose it. Understanding how to reach the right audience and communicate your value clearly is essential for early growth.

In this session, we’ll explore foundational strategies for attracting your first customers and building awareness around your business. Participants will learn how to identify their target audience, craft clear messaging, and choose practical channels to reach potential customers. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with simple and actionable approaches to begin growing your customer base.

This event is free to join but registration is required on

This program is part of Toronto Public Library’s Newcomer Entrepreneur in Residence program series and Newcomer Entrepreneurship Initiative, designed to support newcomers as they explore entrepreneurship and build practical small business skills. Participants will learn about key topics for starting and growing a business in Canada, with guidance from an experienced entrepreneur in residence. For more information and a full list of programs, visit tpl.ca/eir.

Meet the Resident: Lily Akagbosu is a Product Manager and entrepreneur with a Master’s degree in Digital Product Management from Queen’s University. She has shaped and delivered products at organizations including IBM, Shopify, and the Bank of Montreal. Beyond her product work, she has built hands-on business experience through startup ventures, commerce, and consulting. Over the years, Lily has actively engaged in Canada’s entrepreneurship ecosystem through the University of Toronto’s Black Founders Network, Venture for Canada, ventureLAB, and NEXT Canada. She supports entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners from idea through launch and growth, and delivers talks on leadership and innovation.

Information Collection Notice: The personal information on this form is collected by the Toronto Public Library under the Public Libraries Act, sections 20(a), 20(c), and 20(d). The information will only be used for event and program registration, delivery and evaluation. Questions about how the library handles your information can be directed to Answerline staff at [email protected], 416-397-5981, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2G8.

Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.

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