Draft:Seun Richards Agunbiade



 Agunbiade Seun Richards (born June 23, 1983) is a social entrepreneur, researcher, and community volunteer originally from Nigeria, lived in Dubai before immigrating to Canada in 2018.. His professional achievements include establishing businesses in Nigeria, UAE, and Canada, and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Immigrant Entrepreneurship at the University of New Brunswick.

As a passionate entrepreneur, He is the co-founder of the Black Business Professional Networks in Atlantic Canada, a co-founding member of UBUNTU Founders Network, and a founding board member of the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) New Brunswick chapter. His most notable achievement is establishing Door2Door Pickup Couriers in Saint John, which provided free delivery services during COVID-19 pandemic and launched the first multi-purpose delivery mobile app in Atlantic Canada. The company which has partnerships with Amazon and DHL, operates zero-emission delivery services promoting United Nations SDG 13 – Climate Action.

His commitment to community development and empowerment has led him to hold key positions in several organizations and participate in numerous volunteer activities including serving as the Strategic Economic Planning Steering Committee of the City of Saint John and volunteers as an Entrepreneurial Advisor at University of Calgary.

His contributions to various community initiatives have earned him numerous awards, including the 2020 New Brunswick's Multicultural Council Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, the 2021 Greater Saint John/PRUDE Immigrant Entrepreneur Award, the 2021 Business Personality of the Year Award by CanadaVendors, Canada's Black Entrepreneur of the Year 2022, and Social Entrepreneur of the Year. He is a winner of Desjardins GoodSpark Award and named Canada's Top 150 SME owners in 2022. He represented Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance 2022 Summit in Germany, and serves as an Ambassador for the Global Entrepreneurship Network in Canada

Early Life
He grew up in Lagos State, Nigeria. Coming from a Christian family, He was raised in a household that emphasized faith and regular church attendance, a tradition he continues to uphold.

His family background is rooted in education and entrepreneurship. His parents, Mr. Wale Agunbiade and Mrs. Mojisola Agunbiade (née Omodaratan), both Nigerians, instilled a passion for learning and business in their children. Mr. Wale Agunbiade, an accounting graduate from the University of Lagos, initially worked in managerial roles at Pepsi Bottling Company and PZ Cussons before establishing his own accounting practice, Wale Agunbiade & Associates, based in Lagos, Nigeria. Additionally, he founded a private school to cater to the educational needs of the middle-class community in Lagos. His mother, Mrs. Mojisola Agunbiade, is a trained teacher and serial entrepreneur, having established more than three small-scale businesses in Nigeria. She has a deep love for farming and education.

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, He was exposed to the world of business from an early age. He witnessed firsthand the dedication and hard work required to establish and run successful ventures. These experiences fostered an entrepreneurial spirit within him, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.

Education
With a diverse educational background spanning various countries and institutions, He has established himself as a scholar with a multidisciplinary approach to research and entrepreneurship. Through his extensive education and qualifications, he continues to shape his field and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and social impact.

Career
His career trajectory exemplifies his determination, versatility, and global mindset. From Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates and Canada, he has made significant contributions to various industries and has established himself as a prominent entrepreneur, consultant, and advisor.

With his ongoing ventures and commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success, he continues to shape the business landscape and inspire aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Awards & Recognition
Richards has received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding contributions to the business community and his commitment to making a positive impact. His exceptional achievements have been recognized both nationally and internationally, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship.
 * 2023, United Nations Top 100 Most influential Persons of African Descent (under 40) nominee
 * 2023, Western Union Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award – shortlisted finalists
 * 2023, BBPA Harry Jerome Award for Young Entrepreneur of Year in Canada
 * 2023, RBC Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada Award
 * 2023, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee pin honouree by NB Minister for SME & Immigration
 * 2022, G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance (YEA) Summit in Germany, Canadian Delegate
 * 2022, Global Entrepreneurs Network, Ambassador for Global Entrepreneurship Week, Atlantic Canada
 * 2022, Inspiring Canadians Magazine, Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
 * 2022, Innovation & Entrepreneurs Foundation, Black Entrepreneur of the Year
 * 2022, Desjardins Group, Top 150 Small business owners in Canada
 * 2022, ACOA-Innovate NB, Emerging Innovator of the Year in New Brunswick
 * 2022, Saint John Community Votes, 3x Platinum awards for entrepreneurial community impact
 * 2021, Saint John Community Votes, 2x Platinum awards for entrepreneurial community impact
 * 2021, Canada Vendors, Business Personality of the Year
 * 2021, PRUDE Diversity Champion & Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year in Greater Saint John
 * 2021, BMO Apex Global Pitch Competition, Viewers' Choice Award for Best Elevator Pitch
 * 2020, New Brunswick Multicultural Council (NBMC) Diversity Champion & Entrepreneur of the Year

Community Service
Seun is a passionate advocate for community service and actively engages in various initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on society.

His extensive involvement in community service reflects his dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through his leadership, mentorship, and advocacy, he continues to contribute to the better.