Modern Entrepreneur Profile: Mississauga's Vivian Okeke

In conversation with Vivian Okeke, recipient of the Mississauga Starter Company Plus grant.

1. What does your company provide/do?

ProSupport HR Partners supports small and midsize businesses in Ontario as a strategic HR partner, helping them close compliance gaps, strengthen people processes, and build the structure required for confident day-to-day operations. The firm’s value lies in translating HR requirements into clear, practical systems that reduce disputes and support business growth. Its approach is tailored to the realities of smaller organizations and delivered without the complexity of traditional corporate HR.

2. What inspired you to start your company?

I grew up watching my late father run his business with a strong belief that people must be treated with respect. That perspective shaped the way I think about work, leadership, and accountability. As I built my HR career, I saw how often small businesses struggled not because they were careless, but because they lacked guidance and structure. Starting ProSupport HR Partners allowed me to combine my professional background with those early values, supporting business owners by giving them the systems they need to lead well and operate with confidence.

3. What’s been the most impactful lesson you’ve learned being an entrepreneur?

That clarity and structure are non-negotiable. Good intentions alone don’t keep a business running; solid systems do. Entrepreneurship taught me to be decisive, set boundaries, and operate with discipline. It also showed me the importance of having the right support around you, people who offer insight, accountability, or expertise when you need it. Building a business requires both resilience and order, and those two things must work together.

4. How do you unwind?

Quiet time with my daughter resets me. Listening to her talk about her day or watching something together shifts my mind out of work mode and brings me back to what matters. I also enjoy calm evenings, soft music, and simple routines that give me space to breathe. Those moments help me slow down, reflect, and show up stronger the next day.

5. What succinct advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Start with a clear problem you are solving and commit to building structure early. Many challenges entrepreneurs face come from operating without systems. Know your numbers, document your processes, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Progress often comes from steady, consistent steps.

6. What are your goals for 2026?

To strengthen and scale ProSupport HR Partners by expanding the HR compliance shop, refining onboarding solutions, and increasing visibility across Ontario. I’m focused on building tools and resources that give small and midsize businesses accessible, high-quality HR support. My goal is steady growth supported by strong systems and clear service delivery.

7. How did the Mississauga Starter Company Plus program help you start or expand your business?

The program helped me sharpen my business structure and rethink how I position my services. It pushed me to refine my offerings, tighten my processes, and build a clearer growth plan. The mentorship and weekly sessions provided perspective I didn’t realize I needed, and the support system made the work feel less isolating. I walk away with a stronger business and a clearer direction forward.