Kenya and Kevin Jones of Jones Software Corporation earned the inaugural Intuit Innovation Award for their AI-powered learning solutions. With guidance from ICIC’s ICCC program, they strengthened growth strategies and forged key partnerships, scaling their impact. Their award-winning work, including contributions to the Microsoft Copilot launch, shows how vision and persistence create real impact. Read More

Caron Ng didn’t plan to lead a manufacturing company. But when her family needed her, she stepped into NU-SET Lock and never looked back. From warehouse staff to Principal CEO, Caron helped the business grow from traditional lockboxes to smart security products, earning more than 22 patents and trademarks along the way. As an alumna of ICIC’s Inner City Capital Connections program, Caron gained the tools to scale her business and now serves on the advisory board for ICIC’s Manufacturing Accelerator Program. Her story shows how innovation and legacy are working together to impact the future of manufacturing. Read More

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