When Shahin Saheelullah arrived in Canada, he already knew he wanted to build a business around helping people.
Before moving to Calgary, Shahin had operated a service business in Abu Dhabi. While working with customers there, he noticed something interesting. Someone might call for carpet cleaning, then ask if he could also fix a leaking tap or change a lightbulb while he was there.
Those conversations planted the idea for a business that could make everyday tasks easier by bringing different services together in one place.
When Shahin arrived in Canada, he saw an opportunity to bring that idea to his new home.
Building iServeCanada in Alberta
Shahin launched iServeCanada Inc., operating under the trade name iServeCanada Cleaning And Landscaping Services. Based in Calgary, the business currently provides cleaning services, with plans to expand into other areas such as gardening, landscaping, plumbing, electrical services, and more.
At the heart of the business is a simple idea: neighbour helping neighbour.
For Shahin, iServe Canada is about providing a helping hand when people need one.
While Shahin had previous experience running a business, starting again in a new country came with a new set of challenges.
Learning how to reach customers in a new market
One of the biggest differences Shahin noticed was how businesses connect with customers.
In Abu Dhabi, he had relied heavily on meeting people and businesses in person. In Canada, he quickly realized that reaching customers would require a much stronger digital presence.
That meant learning an entirely new side of running a business.
After completing a market feasibility study, Shahin was connected with Business Link Alberta. From there, he began working with Business Link’s team to navigate some of the practical steps involved in building his business in Alberta.
“Business Link Alberta came as a bridge from my vision to execution.”
Through Business Link Alberta’s Digital Marketing Program, Shahin received support with his online presence, including building his Google Business Profile and social media platforms.
Shahin credits the Digital Marketing Program with helping him establish the business online. “The digital marketing program helped me to build my social platforms and my Google profile.”
Working one-on-one with Business Link Alberta also gave Shahin a place to bring specific questions as they came up. Before his meetings, he would make a list of the challenges he was facing so he and his strategist could work through them together.
That practical support helped him navigate unfamiliar parts of doing business in a new country, from digital marketing to licences and other requirements.
“We are a small company with a big heart for Canada”
Turning an idea into reality
For Shahin, one of the most valuable parts of working with Business Link Alberta has been having support throughout the process of building his business.
He describes Business Link Alberta as a bridge between having an idea and putting it into action.
“If you have an idea and you don’t know how to turn it into a reality, Business Link will walk with you step by step,” he says.
His experience has also shaped what he would tell other aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Start small, stay curious, and remember that helping others is the heart of any venture.”
That idea of helping others continues to guide what Shahin wants iServe Canada to become.
He hopes to grow beyond cleaning services and build a business that can help Albertans with more of the everyday jobs they need done, while staying grounded in kindness, honesty, care, and respect.
It all comes back to the philosophy behind the business and the words Shahin has put right on the iServe Canada van:
“Serving you. Serving Canada.”
Connect with iServe Canada
Website: iservecanada.com
Instagram: @iservecanada
Facebook: iServeCanada
LinkedIn: iServeCanada
Ready to take the next step with your business?
Whether you’re starting with an idea or looking for support as your business grows, Business Link Alberta is here to help. Our team can help you navigate your next steps, find useful resources, and connect with the right supports for your business.
Connect with a Business Link Strategist today.
