Sarah Akinfenwa wasn’t planning on starting her business during a pandemic and has faced challenges and sleepless nights along the way. But the positive responses from her customers surprised her.

Prior to the pandemic a large part of Mmono’s work involved training people within the comfort of their own homes. However, during the pandemic she went completely online in order to make fitness accessible to everyone amidst the lockdown and changing restrictions.

Sadiq’s high school experiences inspired her and her friends to start the Black Inclusion Association (BIA), a non-profit group in Calgary that offers scholarships for high school students applying for university, hosts workshops, and recognizes Black excellence.

Hanupor Apparel was born in Mary Ladipo’s living room back in Nigeria over five years ago and her business has continued to grow and flourish since she immigrated to Canada.