Mentorship & Community: Why Relationships Matter In Business

No founder scales a business entirely on their own. As part of the Toronto Public Library’s Entrepreneur in Residence series focused on supporting women business owners, veteran operator Melanie Cruickshank is leading an interactive mentorship workshop at the S. Walter Stewart Library.

Cruickshank brings over 15 years of brand-building experience to the table, notably as the founder of da lish cosmetics, where she managed everything from formulation and retail strategy to nationwide distribution. In this session, she unpacks the foundational role that mentors, peers, and strategic collaborators play in navigating early-stage business hurdles.

Attendees will learn actionable strategies for identifying mentors, nurturing professional relationships, and tapping into local business networks across Toronto. The floor will be open for participants to ask direct questions about their own ventures, making it an invaluable evening for local founders looking for honest advice and community support.

The workshop takes place in the meeting room at 170 Memorial Park Avenue in East York. Admission is free, but space is limited, so plan to arrive early to secure a seat and connect with fellow entrepreneurs before the discussion kicks off.