Founder of Canada Vendors and Canada Business Forum | Legal Professional
Founder | Thought Leader | Global Speaker | CIBWE Top 100 Black Women to Watch 2022
Brampton Citizen of the Year 2022 (Inspirational Award)
Maryam Muritala is a dynamic force in the business and entrepreneurial world. A Foreign-Trained Legal Professional, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008 and honed her expertise in Business and Technology Law while working in the corporate sector. After relocating from Nigeria, her career took on a transformative journey, culminating in her recognition as a seasoned, award-winning entrepreneur. Today, she thrives as a Business Development Executive, empowering businesses and individuals across continents. When Maryam moved to Canada in 2016, she identified a significant gap in the Canadian BIPOC business community: a lack of structured platforms to connect businesses and enhance visibility. Determined to address this, she launched Canada Vendors in 2017. This innovative business development and advertising hub leverages digital marketing tools, networking events, and customized marketing campaigns to create visibility for business owners. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryam’s leadership became even more critical. Understanding the challenges faced by BIPOC business owners, particularly in integrating technology into their operations, she launched a virtual BRAND EXPO in Brampton.
This initiative connected over 2,500 entrepreneurs across Canada, offering them structured visibility during a time of uncertainty. Beyond the expo, she interviewed over 2,500 micro and small business owners via Instagram Live, educating them on leveraging social media for growth and visibility. Her efforts extended to securing funding for immigrant businesses in Canada, enabling them to sustain and grow their operations.
In 2021, Maryam launched a YouTube mini-series, “The Entrepreneurial Journey,” spotlighting Canadian business owners through personalized interviews. Following the lifting of Ontario’s provincial lockdown, she reintroduced the BRAND EXPO as an in-person event, facilitating networking and exhibitions for entrepreneurs across Canada. This initiative quickly became a hallmark of her work, with multiple successful editions hosting participants nationwide.
Recognitions and Accolades
Maryam’s contributions have earned her numerous awards, including:
Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada (2022) by Canada International Black Women Excellence.
Inspirational Award (Brampton Citizens Award 2022) for her impact on business and the immigrant community in Brampton.
Leadership Award by the Council of African Professionals.
Community Personality Award by Pesbods Canada and Women of Dignity International.
Business Impact Award (August 2024) by the Canadian Women Aid Program.
Maryam’s passion for community empowerment inspired her to create the Empowered Summit, a platform providing resources and tools in business, financial literacy, healthcare, and employment services for the immigrant community. She also launched the Entrepreneur Awards in 2020 to recognize micro, small, and large businesses across Canada.
Even amid the pandemic, these programs flourished, showcasing her resilience and commitment to creating opportunities. Currently, Maryam is developing software to further enhance visibility for Canadian businesses, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach to addressing community needs.
Reflecting on her journey, Maryam offers a powerful message to her younger self: “Pursue your dreams and impact people along the journey.” Through her innovative initiatives, relentless drive, and unwavering dedication to empowering others, Maryam Muritala continues to inspire and elevate the Canadian business community, leaving an indelible mark on every venture she undertakes.
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