For Mayumi Bae, food is memory, culture, and healing all in one. Drawing from her Japanese roots and her personal journey to plant-based living, she co-founded The Plant Based Workshop—celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting noodles. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, Mayumi has grown her business from a beloved Vancouver café to a national brand carried by hundreds of retailers and featured in select universities.  Her latest innovation? NOODS Ramen Kits—pantry-stable, nutrient-rich, and ready in just four minutes. Through commitment and connection, Mayumi is crafting a future where plant-based living is both accessible and joyful. Read More

What happens when entrepreneurs get the right mix of guidance, confidence, and capital? For five Canadian business owners, this unique combination has turned everyday challenges into meaningful progress. From plant-based ramen and inclusive charcuterie to eco-luxury barware and strength-centered fitness spaces, this year’s Equal Slice Grant winners are building more than businesses—they’re building impact. Through a partnership between the ICCC program and Pizza Hut Canada, these founders refined their strategies, sharpened their messaging, and gained new momentum with a $20,000 CAD grant. Each story is a reminder of what’s possible when determination meets the right kind of support. Read More

What started as a weekly visit to a local farmers market turned into a full-circle journey of purpose and entrepreneurship. Today, Jackie’s Jams remains true to its roots, crafting small-batch jams by hand. Behind the scenes, owner Risa Baron is blending tradition with digital growth. Through the ICCC program, Risa has gained new tools, connections, and clarity at every stage of her journey. With support from Braven Agency, a fellow ICCC alum, Jackie’s Jams is strengthening its online presence and finding fresh ways to reach customers while honoring the traditions that built the brand. Their story is a reminder that meaningful growth doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it’s slow, sweet, and steady. Read More

What began as a dream in North Philadelphia has become a creative home for nearly 20,000 students. Executive Director Wilhemina Gibson and her husband, Artistic DIrector Professor Randy J. Gibson, have spent 30 years growing Gibson Music and Arts into a vibrant space for education, performance, and community. Alumni like Jazmine Sullivan and Kamal Gray of The Roots got their start here—but the deeper impact lies in the confidence and opportunity they’ve helped nurture in every student. Wilhemina, a graduate of ICIC’s ICCC program, credits the experience with helping her strengthen and scale their work through moments of change. From launching online classes to expanding retail and rentals, the Gibsons continue to evolve with purpose. As we celebrate Juneteenth, their story reminds us that small businesses shape more than economies—they help build freedom, community, and the future. Read More

When Angel Johnson launched ICONI, she wasn’t trying to follow the fitness industry’s rules. She was building something new. As a veteran and solo founder, she created an activewear brand for people often left out of the conversation: real bodies, real lives, real goals. Through the ICCC program, Angel found mentorship and support that helped her grow with intention. Today, she’s blending creativity with technology, developing custom fabrics, and exploring how AI can handle the behind-the-scenes work—freeing her to focus on what matters most: empowering others. Her story is a reminder that innovation doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes, it starts by listening, slowing down, and making one small improvement at a time. Read More