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Apr 17, 2026 7:39 PM - Pervez Sandhu - Connect Newsroom

How to build a successful business? Exclusive with Dragon's Den star Manjit Minhas

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Manjit Minhas at the Surrey and White Rock women in business awards in Surrey. (Photo credits: A Master Media)

Canada's renowned business personality Manjit Minhas was in Surrey on Thursday. She attended the Surrey and White Rock Women in Business Awards. Meanwhile, in an exclusive conversation with Connect Media Network, she discussed business, investment, start-ups, Dragon's Den and some unique problems faced by women in business.

Manjit Minhas
Manjit Minhas in conversation with Connect Media Network News Director, Pervez Sandhu. (Photo - Connect FM)



How to make start-ups successful?

In an exclusive conversation with Connect FM, when Manjit Minhas was asked about making a start-up successful, she said that many people have ideas, but only a few people put energy into bringing these ideas to life. She said that an idea is of no use until its implementation and execution. She added, it is not necessary that the business succeeds at the first opportunity, sometimes the direction or strategy also has to be changed, but she said that the beginning is important. Manjit stressed that it is difficult for an outsider to even guess how much time they personally invest in their business today. She said that it is very important to stay engaged and work hard. She said that for start-ups, appearing for an audition on Dragons Den can also be a good option.

Right time for investment or business?

When Manjit Minhas was asked about whether the current financial situation is good or bad for investment, considering the current global, national and regional factors, she said that when the financial conditions are not favorable, sometimes such a time can prove to be better for investment. Manjit said, there's hardly any time that can be considered easy to start a business, and she added, how long can one wait for the easy times. She said that one should move forward and look for opportunities in difficulties.

Canada - Land of Opportunities for Immigrants?

Manjit Minhas says that she was born and brought up in Canada but her parents and her in-laws came here as immigrants. She said that many people think that there were no difficulties in starting a business in the 60s or 70s, but this is not the case. Manjit said that it is necessary to understand that every time has its challenges. She said that no time is easy, but if someone has a good idea and focuses on making a work successful with their hard work, then that's the right step on the way to be successful.

Manjit Minhas at the Surrey and White Rock women in business awards. (Photo - A Master Media)



Punjabi woman in brewery business, has there ever been a question on business choice?

Manjit Minhas says, she was also asked questions about getting into the brewery business by some people, where it was considered inappropriate for a woman to run this kind of a business, but she said that her family always supported her. Manjit said that it was always clear from her family that whatever business she wants to go into or whatever work she wants to do, it is her choice and the family has always supported. She said that the support has continued from her in-laws too.

How was the experience of Dragons' Den?

Manjit Minhas says that this year she is completing 12 years in Dragons' Den. She said that the entire experience of this show has been amazing. She said that when she started, she did not even think that this journey would be so long and beautiful.

Winners of Surrey and White Rock women in business awards in Surrey. (Photo - A Master Media)



Surrey and White Rock Women in Business Awards

A total of 7 winners were selected at Thursday's event. Raman Dhaliwal from WR Mattress won in the Small Business category. Maxime Spakowski from Ferro Building Systems won the Large Business category. Similarly, Paula Bude from Love This Therapy won the Professional category, Meghan Neufeld from Baby-Go-Round won the Not for Profit Leader category, and Hermina Khara from Odgers won the Corporate Leader category. Nicole Heidari, SWR Drain Service Ltd. won the Emerging Leader Category, and Andie van der Eerden, Running on Faith Project won the Social Trailblazer Category.

Video link of the exclusive interview with Manjit Minhas:

Exclusive with Dragon's Den star Manjit Minhas; How to build a successful business?
Connect Media Network (@connect.medianetwork) | TikTok
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BbHuNu29c/


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