When Gilbert Burciaga couldn’t get a call back from a local painter, he decided to start his own company. He wanted to do things differently. What began as a leap of faith became BCP Contractors, a Colorado-based business known for showing up, doing the job right, and treating people well. A graduate of ICIC’s ICCC program, Gilbert is using years of customer data along with tools like AI to reconnect with past clients and grow his services. From epoxy garage floors to xeriscape landscaping, he’s expanding with purpose while staying grounded in what matters most: trust, follow-through, and the power of a phone call. Read More

When Eddy Bucardo co-founded Unchained Athletics, he wasn’t building just another gym. He was creating a space where people feel seen, strong, and supported. Located below street level in Toronto, the gym’s raw, unapologetic energy reflects its purpose: a home for healing, equity, and empowerment. With support from the ICCC–Pizza Hut Canada Equal Slice program, Eddy and co-owner Christina Henry secured grant funding that sparked meaningful change, from new signage to clearer strategy. Today, Unchained is expanding its reach and continuing to uplift the communities it serves. Their story is rooted in grit, guided by purpose, and fueled by the power of capital. Read More

When Cassandra Carreiro launched Sharecuterie from her home in Winnipeg, she wasn’t just creating charcuterie boards—she was creating a space where everyone could feel seen and included. Inspired by her own experience living with celiac disease, Cassandra built a business centered on allergen-aware, culturally conscious menus and warm hospitality. With support from ICIC’s ICCC-Pizza Hut Equal Slice Program, she gained the tools and confidence to grow strategically—and walked away with one of five $20,000 CAD grants. Today, Sharecuterie is expanding to a second location, and her sold-out Build-Your-Own Board workshops are turning customers into community. For entrepreneurs wondering how to scale a purpose-driven business, Cassandra’s journey offers a powerful example of what happens when innovation is rooted in empathy. Read More

For architect and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alum Farooq Ameen, design isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people. As founder of City Design Studio, Farooq has spent years shaping spaces that reflect the stories, needs, and identities of the communities they serve. From converting an old factory into a transitional facility for unhoused residents to designing a public plaza in Inglewood, his work is rooted in care, vision, and deep local ties. His creative approach is fueling growth—earning City Design Studio national recognition as a 2024 IC100 Award winner and establishing Farooq as a trusted voice among his peers. At ICIC’s Innovation Summit, he shared forward-thinking insights on how small businesses can embrace AI in ways that strengthen, rather than compromise, their mission. Read More

For Saria Hawkins-Banda, writing things down has always been a way to bring her vision to life. That personal act of self-care sparked Manifest Your Purpose—a thriving brand that celebrates identity and empowers women to lead with intention. With support from the Goldman Sachs Black in Business program, Saria unlocked new growth strategies and landed high-profile B2B partnerships with companies like JP Morgan and PayPal. Her revenue skyrocketed—and so did her impact. Her journey proves that when creativity meets community, anything is possible. Read More