The multicultural population in the Lower Mainland is growing exponentially, and with it comes huge potential for business.   Abbotsford is one of Canada's most diverse cities with immigrants making up more than 25% of our population, a majority of who are from South Asia.

Reaching out to diverse cultures can be a challenge and it takes more than simply printing brochures in different languages or hiring bilingual clerks.

It requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to adjust business practices to meet the special circumstances of different cultures.  

Satwinder Bains will discuss the advantages of doing business with different cultures as well as the challenges that companies may face and how they can prepare to overcome them.

Satwinder Bains is Director of the UFV Centre for Indo Canadian Studies and is a long time advocate of cross-cultural education.

She has been a diversity educator, community developer and community activist in the areas of women’s rights, youth empowerment and immigrant settlement integration.

Satwinder is an avid participant in community affairs both at the civic and provincial level. She has served on numerous committees locally and nationally.