About Ask An Entrepreneur

Ask an Entrepreneur is a signature panel discussion and Q&A at Business in the Streets that brings together a few entrepreneurs to share lessons of success, failure, and everything in-between.

Happening live online, this conversation is designed for up-and-coming Canadian entrepreneurs to hear real stories and get practical advice from people who know what it's like to walk in your shoes.

Whether you're already in business or just just starting to think about entrepreneurship this panel is a chance to, come ready to meet and chat with local business owners!

Dates and Details

📅 Tuesday, June 16th | 6:30 to 8PM
💻 Live on Zoom

Meet your Panelists

Steeven Severe | Co-founder and CEO of Black Core Holding

Steeven is a man of the people and the co-founder of Black Core Holding; an Ottawa based business that acquires established, community-based businesses and strengthens them through technology, operational discipline and long term ownership. 

Leslie Fernsby | Founder of No Guilt Bars

Leslie is the founder of No Guilt Bars, a Toronto-based maker of sugar-free chocolate. She ran a chocolate business for over a decade before immigrating to Canada, spent four years as a senior data engineer, then went all-in on No Guilt Bars in late 2025. A BITS alumna — and a sponsored vendor at their One of a Kind market — she's since opened around 50 retail doors, signed a distributor, and is building the brand while completing her MBA at Rotman.

Hong Dai | Founder of Another Land Coffee

Founder of Another Land Coffee & More, Hong is a specialty coffee professional and entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience in coffee and hospitality. From managing one of China’s first certified coffee schools in Xiamen to building a community-driven café in North York, Hong’s work blends craftsmanship, education, and human connection.

At Another Land, coffee is more than a drink. It’s a way to bring people together. Guided by the belief that “every guest is a connection, not a transaction,” Hong has created a welcoming third place centered around specialty coffee, culture, and conversation. Through workshops, tastings, and collaborative events, Hong continues to share a passion for coffee education while empowering others through entrepreneurship and community building.