For Sharjeel M. Siddiqqi, accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. It’s about helping small business owners feel confident, capable, and in control of their finances. But the story behind his thriving firm in Durham Region starts with something far more personal.

A Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything

Sharjeel was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. That kind of moment forces clarity. “It made me think deeply about how I wanted to spend my time,” he says. “I knew I wanted to do something meaningful—something that would make a real impact.”

That clarity led him to entrepreneurship. He noticed a real gap in Durham Region: small and medium-sized businesses lacked access to reliable, professional accounting services that actually understood their needs.

Sharjeel decided to fill that gap—not just with technical expertise, but with genuine connection and care.

“I’ve always had a deep respect for entrepreneurs. They’re risk-takers, builders, problem-solvers. Supporting them with financial clarity felt like the perfect way to combine my skills with my purpose.”

From Technician to Business Owner

Like many service-based entrepreneurs, Sharjeel’s early days were full of hustle. He was doing everything—serving clients, managing admin, juggling marketing.

“I realized I had built myself a job, not a business,” he says. “I was stuck in the day-to-day, and I wasn’t thinking strategically about growth.”

That’s when he reached out to the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD).

“I needed help stepping back and thinking bigger. BACD helped me transition from working in the business to working on the business.”

Through workshops, mentorship, and strategic support, Sharjeel began rethinking his time, systems, and goals.

The Mindset Shift That Changed His Business

Working with BACD gave Sharjeel a new lens on leadership. “It gave me clarity and confidence. I started setting boundaries, managing my time better, and focusing on high-impact work.”

He moved from reactive to proactive—shifting from endless to-do lists to intentional time blocks for client work, internal planning, and communication. That change alone helped him reclaim control and accelerate growth.

Building With Purpose, Growing With Intention

Just three years in, Sharjeel’s firm is growing steadily. With a team of three and a loyal client base, the business is thriving.

“We’re expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of small businesses, and I’m excited for what’s next. It’s been an amazing journey so far.”

Sharjeel is proud to serve his community and support the entrepreneurs who are shaping the region’s future. And he’s just getting started.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Sharjeel doesn’t sugarcoat entrepreneurship—but he speaks about it with deep insight.

“Starting a business is one of the greatest journeys of self-discovery. You learn who you are, what drives you, and how to overcome challenges. Every experience—good or bad—teaches you something valuable.”

His advice?

“Be self-aware. Make mistakes of ambition, not hesitation. Don’t expect perfection—just progress. And remember, this journey isn’t just about building a business. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can sustain it.”

Leading with Integrity, Serving with Purpose

Sharjeel M. Siddiqqi’s accounting firm isn’t just another service provider. It’s a values-driven business built on empathy, structure, and service. It exists to empower local entrepreneurs, create financial clarity, and support sustainable success.

And for Sharjeel, that’s the kind of impact worth showing up for—every single day.