This past week, Pier Five hosted its very first Mental Health Mixer, a fresh kind of event created to blend wellness, creativity, and meaningful connection into one intentional gathering. This wasn’t your typical networking party. Instead, it was a space designed to slow down, check in with yourself, and engage in real conversations with others navigating the ups and downs of life. The event welcomed 50 passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and community members who showed up ready to be present and open. From the moment the mixer began, there was a genuine energy of warmth and vulnerability that set the tone for the afternoon. To kick things off, guests were guided through a calming breathwork session, helping everyone center themselves and settle into the space. This mindful start paved the way for a powerful panel discussion featuring two incredible voices in mental health: Yanal Dhallieh, founder of Peace Collective , and therapist and podcast host Makena Arntsen from Don’t Worry It’s Confidential . Their candid conversation touched on personal journeys, mental health strategies, and the unique challenges creatives and entrepreneurs face when it comes to self-care. More content to come from that panel on the Pier Five Instagram . Between the thoughtful dialogue, attendees explored wellness activations from local brands PleaseNotes and Health Hut , discovering tools like affirmation journals and curated self-care essentials that support ongoing mental wellbeing. Light refreshments complemented the experience, with sparkling drinks from Barbet , fresh coffee from Itso Coffee , and delicious charcuterie beautifully prepared by MiBowl . These thoughtful touches, provided by local sponsors, made the event feel like a true community celebration.
Before leaving, guests received special gifts from Peace Collective and HOKA , small reminders of the day’s intention to care for oneself and each other. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and many shared how much they appreciated the chance to slow down, connect deeply, and reflect in a safe, welcoming environment.
Pier Five’s Mental Health Mixer was more than an event; it was a reminder of the importance of holding space for mental wellness in our busy, creative lives. We are grateful to our partners and sponsors who helped make this possible and look forward to hosting many more gatherings that bring community, creativity, and care together. Stay tuned to the Pier Five Instagram and mailing list for updated on future events!

On Saturday, May 24, Pier Five and Puma brought Toronto’s creative community together for a powerful afternoon of movement and mindfulness at Kula Yoga . Mental Movement Day , an intimate wellness experience for 25 creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, blended yoga, thoughtful conversation, and community building into one energizing and inspiring event. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was set for connection and care. Each attendee was gifted Puma workout and yoga gear, which quickly became a highlight of the experience; functional, stylish, and perfect for the afternoon’s yoga session. Before class began, Electrolit  provided refreshing energy drinks, helping participants stay hydrated and energized for the flow ahead. Led by a certified yoga instructor, the class encouraged participants to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with themselves through mindful movement. In a city as fast-paced as Toronto, the opportunity to pause and reset in a beautiful, welcoming studio like Kula Yoga was deeply appreciated. But the day didn’t end with just movement, it evolved into something even more meaningful. After class, Pier Five hosted a roundtable discussion focused on mental health, burnout, and strategies for managing busy, often overwhelming schedules. What made this part of the experience so special was the openness and honesty in the room. Attendees were encouraged to share their own tips, challenges, and stories in a judgment-free space, creating an atmosphere of empathy, support, and community. For many, Mental Movement Day was a much-needed reminder that taking care of your mental health is just as important as staying physically active. It also reinforced Pier Five and Puma’s shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and creatives, both professionally, and personally. As one of several ongoing collaborations between Pier Five and Puma, this event underscored the power of community-focused wellness programming. The blend of movement, meaningful conversation, and high-quality gear made for a standout afternoon that left everyone feeling refreshed, motivated, and connected. If you are interested in getting involved with Pier Five events, send us an email at community@pier-five.com .

This past weekend, more than 70 creatives and entrepreneurs in our community came together to make a meaningful difference in our city. Hosted in partnership with our friends at Lost & Found and Sonndr , the Pier Five Community Clean-Up Day  was more than just a feel-good networking event. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when community shows up, rolls up its sleeves, and gets to work. With blue skies above and energy high, volunteers gathered at Sonndr, a local-favourite right above trinity Bellwoods Park, for free coffee and clean up gear before spreading out across the park to clean up ahead of the upcoming summer season. This clean-up day wasn't just about waste removal, it was about building pride in where we live and making space for connection. It was about being outside, doing something hands-on, and creating a ripple effect of impact. Thank you to everyone who came out, brought good vibes, and made this event such a success. And big love to Lost & Found and Sonndr for being the perfect co-hosts, offering coffee, warmth, and a hub for connection. We’re already thinking about the next one. Until then, stay connected, stay community-minded, and stay BIG on the little things that make a big difference. To learn more about upcoming Pier Five events, follow us on Instagram !

Managing your small business taxes effectively can mean the difference between keeping more of your hard-earned revenue or overpaying the government. We partnered with tax expert Mark Solis, Founder of Solis Financial , to bring you five essential tax-saving strategies for small business owners that can help maximize savings and build long-term financial security. 1. Incorporate Your Business & Pay Yourself Smartly If your business is generating consistent revenue, incorporation can help you take advantage of lower corporate tax rates. Instead of taking all earnings as a salary, consider a mix of salary and dividends to lower your personal tax bill. A salary is subject to payroll taxes but provides RRSP contribution room, while dividends are taxed at a lower rate but do not generate RRSP room. This strategy provides flexibility and can help optimize your tax situation. 2. Maximize Small Business Tax Deductions Every eligible business tax deduction you claim reduces your taxable income. Common small business tax write-offs include: Home office expenses (if you work from home) Vehicle costs (if used for business) Advertising and marketing Office supplies and business meals Tracking and categorizing expenses properly ensures you don’t leave money on the table when filing your business taxes. 3. Use an Individual Pension Plan (IPP) or RRSP to Reduce Taxable Income Saving for retirement while lowering your small business taxes is a win-win. If you’re incorporated, an Individual Pension Plan (IPP) allows for higher contribution limits than an RRSP and is a great tax-deferral tool. If you’re a sole proprietor, contributing to an RRSP helps reduce taxable income while building long-term wealth. 4. Set Up a Health Spending Account (HSA) for Tax-Free Medical Expenses Health and dental expenses can add up, but with a Health Spending Account (HSA), you can cover these costs 100% tax-free. HSAs allow small business owners to deduct medical expenses as a business expense, reducing taxes while providing essential health benefits for themselves and their employees. However, to qualify, business owners must earn more than half of their income from the business. Be sure to review all HSA eligibility criteria to ensure compliance. 5. Split Income with Family Members to Reduce Your Tax Burden If your spouse or children help out in your business, consider paying them a reasonable salary for their work. This strategy shifts income to lower tax brackets and helps reduce your overall tax burden. Just ensure their compensation aligns with the work performed to meet CRA requirements. About Mark Solis – Small Business Tax Expert With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Mark Solis founded Solis Financial Services  to help Canadians maximize tax savings and achieve financial security through proven insurance and investment strategies. His career began as an Associate Financial Advisor with The Co-operators, where he eventually managed his own office before launching his independent brokerage. Today, he partners with Canada's top insurance and investment companies to deliver the best financial planning solutions to his clients.

Last week, Mastercard and Pier Five hosted the highly anticipated Priceless Experience in Toronto, a transformative gathering for the 2024 Mastercard Small Business Fund recipients. This exclusive event was designed to connect the 10 exceptional women entrepreneurs with each other, Mastercard experts, and experienced mentors, providing them with the tools and inspiration to take their businesses to the next level. Each recipient had already received $10,000 in funding, but the Priceless Experience was about more than just financial support—it was about fostering community, learning from industry leaders, and gaining insights that are often inaccessible to small business owners. Entrepreneurship can be an isolating journey, and taking time away from daily operations is challenging. That’s why Pier Five, a strong advocate for meaningful connections, collaborated with Mastercard to create an experience that balanced learning, networking, and inspiration. (Swipe for photos) The Mastercard Small Business Fund recipients were flown into Toronto from across the country, with accommodations provided at the luxurious Le Germain Hotel for a two-night stay. The experience kicked off on Monday evening with a warm and welcoming reception at the hotel, allowing the entrepreneurs to connect with one another, as well as the Mastercard and Pier Five teams, in an intimate setting over drinks and conversation. Tuesday was a full day of insightful programming designed to help these entrepreneurs refine their strategies, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their businesses. The day began with a breakfast gathering, setting the stage for an engaging and interactive workshop led by two-time Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Kelsey Kitsch. She guided the business owners through key themes of growth, leadership, and team-building, sharing actionable advice drawn from her own experiences. (Swipe for photos) Following the workshop, Pier Five facilitated a dynamic roundtable session featuring three rotational group discussions on essential business themes: marketing and brand visibility, customer loyalty and retention, and financial sustainability and growth. These sessions provided a space for the entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, ask questions, and gain targeted insights tailored to their unique business challenges. (Swipe for photos) After an incredible lunch at Bar Ardo, the participants attended an inspiring innovation panel featuring industry leaders and small business experts, including Luchila Mado of Digital Main Street, Jessica Pachis of Fiserv, Amber Mac, a public figure and tech entrepreneur, Nishant Raina, the Head of Small Business at Mastercard, and Andrea Grand, the founder of Barbet and a 2022 Small Business Fund recipient. The panel covered a range of topics, from leveraging digital tools to enhancing customer experiences, providing real-world advice to help the entrepreneurs sustain and scale their businesses. (Swipe for photos) To cap off this incredible experience, the entire group was treated to an unforgettable evening at the Toronto Raptors game in the Mastercard suite. This celebratory moment allowed the entrepreneurs to unwind, strengthen their new connections, and enjoy a well-deserved break from their daily business responsibilities. The Mastercard x Pier Five Priceless Experience was more than just an event—it was a testament to both organizations’ commitment to supporting small businesses and fostering community among female entrepreneurs. By creating a space for connection, education, and inspiration, this initiative reinforced the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in the future of women-led businesses. As these 10 remarkable entrepreneurs return to their respective businesses, they do so with renewed confidence, valuable insights, and a network of peers and mentors who will continue to support them on their journeys. The impact of the Priceless Experience will undoubtedly extend far beyond these two days, shaping the next chapter of their entrepreneurial success. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing BocoBoco, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Lauren Rochat Location: Montreal, QC Discover BocoBoco online: Website // Instagram About BocoBoco (EN) BocoBoco is an eco-responsible online grocery store focused on simplifying access to local products while reducing waste. They exclusively partner with local, organic producers to offer food and household items, all packaged in reusable and refundable jars. Since its launch, BocoBoco has prevented over 10 tons of waste through its jar return system. The company prides itself on transparency, working with suppliers who meet strict criteria such as local production and waste reduction, and over 60% of its suppliers are women-led businesses. Through its efforts, BocoBoco fosters a sustainable, fair economy while supporting small producers, artisans, and community initiatives.

(FR) BocoBoco est une épicerie en ligne écoresponsable qui simplifie l'accès à des produits locaux tout en réduisant les déchets. Ils collaborent exclusivement avec des producteurs locaux et biologiques pour offrir des produits alimentaires et ménagers, tous emballés dans des bocaux réutilisables et consignés. Depuis son lancement, BocoBoco a permis d’éviter plus de 10 tonnes de déchets grâce à son système de contenants consignés. L'entreprise se distingue par sa transparence et travaille avec des fournisseurs qui respectent des critères stricts, tels que la production locale et la réduction des déchets, et plus de 60 % de ses fournisseurs sont des entreprises dirigées par des femmes. Grâce à ses efforts, BocoBoco favorise une économie durable et équitable tout en soutenant les petits producteurs, artisans et initiatives communautaires. How will the fund make an impact with your business? (EN) We will use the $10,000 to enhance our impact through three main initiatives: firstly by improving sales by upgrading our CRM system to better understand and segment customers, which would help us personalize communications and encourage frequent purchases. We would also allocate funds to create visual communication materials and awareness campaigns to educate our community about zero waste, local shopping, and organic products. Lastly, we plan to partner with other small local businesses for contests, expanding our reach while supporting others. These initiatives would help us grow sustainably, increase our environmental and social impact, and attract new customers.

(FR) Nous utiliserons les 10 000 $ pour renforcer notre impact à travers trois initiatives principales : tout d'abord, en améliorant les ventes grâce à la mise à niveau de notre système CRM pour mieux comprendre et segmenter nos clients, ce qui nous aidera à personnaliser nos communications et encourager des achats fréquents. Nous allouerons également des fonds pour créer des supports de communication visuelle et des campagnes de sensibilisation afin d'éduquer notre communauté sur le zéro déchet, l'achat local et les produits biologiques. Enfin, nous prévoyons de nous associer à d'autres petites entreprises locales pour organiser des concours, afin d'élargir notre portée tout en soutenant d'autres entreprises. Ces initiatives nous aideraient à croître de manière durable, à accroître notre impact environnemental et social, et à attirer de nouveaux clients. What is your long term goal for the company? (EN) Our long-term vision is to become a national leader in sustainable distribution while staying true to its local roots and community commitment. In the next 3 to 5 years, the company aims to expand its services across several Canadian provinces and offer a nationwide zero-waste service. By replicating our sustainable grocery model in new cities, starting with one expansion within three years, we plan to further grow into two additional regions over the following two years. The company's proven system of reusable containers and efficient logistics ensures an eco-friendly solution with a high level of service, supporting both local producers and environmentally conscious consumers. (FR) Notre vision à long terme est de devenir un leader national dans la distribution durable tout en restant fidèle à nos racines locales et à notre engagement envers la communauté. Dans les 3 à 5 prochaines années, l'entreprise prévoit d'étendre ses services dans plusieurs provinces canadiennes et d'offrir un service zéro déchet à l'échelle nationale. En répliquant notre modèle d'épicerie durable dans de nouvelles villes, en commençant par une première expansion dans les trois ans, nous prévoyons de nous développer davantage dans deux autres régions au cours des deux années suivantes. Le système éprouvé de contenants réutilisables et de logistique efficace de l'entreprise garantit une solution écologique avec un niveau de service élevé, soutenant à la fois les producteurs locaux et les consommateurs soucieux de l'environnement. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Lesley Hampton, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Lesley Hampton Location: Toronto, ON Discover Lesley Hampton online: Website // Instagram About Lesley Hampton Lesley Hampton is a luxury fashion brand that blends Indigenous artistry with contemporary design, celebrating cultural heritage while emphasizing mental wellness and body neutrality. The brand has four key pillars: direct-to-consumer, custom design services, corporate partnerships, and wholesale. Lesley Hampton offers both ready-to-wear pieces and bespoke designs tailored for clients seeking unique, ethically made fashion, while its corporate collaborations promote Indigenous representation across industries. With wholesale stockists in New York, Toronto, and Seattle, the brand is expanding its reach and visibility. Additionally, Lesley Hampton's founder contributes to the brand’s success through public speaking, modelling, styling, and event coordination, building strong relationships within the fashion community. How will the fund make an impact with your business? With the $10,000 from the Mastercard x Pier Five Fund, I plan to expand my team to support the growth of Lesley Hampton, especially as I work to introduce a more accessible mid-tier collection. The funds will allow me to hire an operations manager, a customer service representative, and a marketing specialist, all of whom will play key roles in refining our processes, enhancing customer relationships, and increasing awareness of our new offerings. This team expansion will help streamline our operations and improve our capacity to produce and market a collection that retains the luxury quality of my designs but is more affordable for a broader audience. By enhancing our supply chain and marketing efforts, I can ensure that we maintain the integrity of my brand while introducing Indigenous-designed fashion at a more accessible price point. This new line will further our mission to amplify Indigenous representation in fashion and reach more customers who connect with our values of inclusivity, cultural pride, and mental wellness. What is your long term goal for the company? Over the next 3-5 years, my goal for Lesley Hampton is to establish the brand as a leading voice in Canadian and Indigenous fashion, with a strong focus on representation and inclusivity. I aim to showcase at major international fashion weeks, starting with New York Fashion Week, and become one of the first Indigenous designers to headline a solo show. Alongside this, I plan to invest in community initiatives to support the next generation of Indigenous designers and foster collaborations to amplify our collective voices. Ultimately, I want to create a lasting legacy that promotes inclusivity, mental wellness, and cultural pride in the fashion industry. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Mahara Mindfulness, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founders: Sheba Zaidi and Genevive Savundranayagam Location: Toronto, ON Discover Mahara Mindfulness online: Website // Instagram About Mahara Mindfulness Mahara Mindfulness is a Canadian, female-founded business dedicated to improving mental health through mindfulness. Their flagship product, The Human Being Journal , is a guided monthly journal designed to help users manage mental health, gain perspective, and live more fulfilled lives. Inspired by the pandemic’s impact on mental health, Mahara sought to create an accessible, scientifically backed tool for stress and anxiety management. Featured in outlets like The New York Times  and Oprah Daily , and endorsed by wellness icons like Reese Witherspoon and Jessica Alba, the journal bridges the human and being aspects of life to unlock true potential. Committed to sustainability and inclusivity, the journals are made in Canada from recycled materials, with diverse quotes and gender-neutral designs. Mahara also partners with organizations like CAMH, Restorations Second Stage Homes, and Holt Renfrew’s H-Project, aligning with their mission to support underserved communities and promote mental wellness. How will the fund make an impact with your business? At Mahara Mindfulness, our biggest challenge is finding the resources to build a community around The Human Being Journal . While COVID pushed us to focus on e-commerce, our vision has always been to create workshops and events to help Canadians connect, reflect, and embrace mindfulness. These events would teach journaling, meditation, and breathwork while addressing Canada’s growing loneliness epidemic. This Fund will help us launch our first event in 2025, covering infrastructure, speakers, marketing, and outreach to ensure success. With a loyal audience already engaged through social media and newsletters, we’re confident this event would spark a movement and advance our mission to improve mental health through tools and community. Winning this grant will allow us to take this critical first step. What is your long term goal for the company? We’re a small, Canadian-grown business with big dreams of expanding The Human Being Journal  across North America and globally. Currently available in retailers like Indigo, Holt Renfrew, Paper Source, and Barnes & Noble, we aim to bring this powerful mindfulness tool to homes worldwide, including the U.K., Australia, and India, over the next 3–5 years. As two female, BIPOC founders who bootstrapped this business during the pandemic, we’re proud to follow our passion for making a difference in mental health. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Paintillio, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founders: Lyssa Kayra & Jess Devenport Location: Vancouver, BC Discover Paintillio online: Website // Instagram About Paintillio Since its founding in 2017, Paintillio has been dedicated to creating high-quality, collaborative paint-by-numbers projects that foster community growth through artistic expression. As Canada’s only provider of large-scale, premium paint-by-numbers murals, made possible by proprietary software, Paintillio empowers people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to contribute to a shared creative goal. These projects build teamwork and a sense of accomplishment, whether at corporate teambuilding events, festivals, or public mural installations sponsored by companies to strengthen local communities. Paintillio’s unique approach has attracted major clients like Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Toyota and earned the company nominations for awards like the BC Small Business of the Year. With support from Mastercard and the Pier Five Fund, Paintillio plans to bring even more communities together through the power of shared artistic expression. How will the fund make an impact with your business? With $10,000 from the Mastercard x Pier Five Fund, Paintillio will be able to scale its production capabilities through the development of an advanced software program. These funds will be used to hire a full-time developer for two to three months to work alongside Paintillio’s current developer, enhancing the software to meet both current and future demand. The goal is to increase production capacity to 100 murals per day while reducing project turnaround times from 3-4 weeks to 1-2 weeks, ensuring Paintillio can meet the needs of time-sensitive clients and event planners. By investing in this critical upgrade, the team will also be able to redirect resources toward marketing campaigns and business development in the U.S., supporting the company’s ongoing growth and international expansion. What is your long term goal for the company? One of our long-term goals is to reach $2 million in revenue within the next three years, and our current demand puts us on track to achieve it. However, our in-house software, which transforms client images into custom paint-by-numbers murals, has become a bottleneck. It can take up to 24 hours to render large-scale images, limiting us to one mural per day and a 3-4 week turnaround time. Upgrading this software is crucial to meeting demand, reducing turnaround times, and unlocking new business opportunities. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Shawish, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Amanda Bernard
Location: Toronto, ON Discover Shawish Market online: Website // Instagram About Shawish Market Shawish Market is an Indigenous, fee-free platform - similar to an Etsy - empowering entrepreneurs by eliminating vendor fees and fostering sustainable growth within communities. It stands out for its rigorous vendor verification, ensuring authenticity and direct benefits to Indigenous communities. The platform incorporates Indigenous Ways of Knowing, responding to community feedback, and has reintroduced trading, a key cultural practice. Recognized as a 2023 MIT Solve Fellow and featured in several public platforms, Shawish Market supports Indigenous creators while fostering meaningful connections with customers. How will the fund make an impact with your business? With the Mastercard x Pier Five Fund, Shawish Market will invest the $10,000 CAD into hiring an Indigenous employee to help scale the business, focusing on marketing and vendor relations. This will not only create meaningful employment but also strengthen our capacity to support Indigenous entrepreneurs. Additionally, Shawish will allocate part of the funds to implement key feedback from Indigenous communities, such as integrating AI tools to streamline the platform for vendors and adding PayPal as a payment option. My ultimate goal is to ensure Shawish Market evolves to meet the needs of its vendors, as the platform is designed for their success. What is your long term goal for the company? One of my long-term goals is to transition to working on Shawish Market full-time. I currently work at a foundation supporting Indigenous youth, but my dream is to dedicate myself fully to growing Shawish Market and expanding its impact. I also aim to expand Shawish Market to include Indigenous artisans from around the world, creating a global platform for showcasing their work and cultures. I envision adding a feature that allows customers to filter products by specific Indigenous communities, fostering global connections and economic empowerment. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Remix Snacks, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Isabelle Lam
Location: Toronto, ON Discover Remix Snacks online: Website // Instagram About Remix Snacks Remix Snacks is an Asian female-led company founded by dietitians that creates bean-based snacks using upcycled ingredients to reduce food waste. Their mission is to make beans fun and approachable, highlighting their delicious and nutritious qualities while addressing common hesitations about them. The company offers two high-protein, high-fiber snack lines: Bean Bark, a dark chocolate treat made with 70% dark chocolate, black beans, and upcycled fruit, and Beanies, a savory puff made with mung beans and upcycled carrots. All products are diet-inclusive—free from nuts, dairy, gluten, and preservatives—and are Plastic Neutral certified through the rePurpose Program, removing plastic waste from the environment. How will the fund make an impact with your business? Remix Snacks will use the grant to fuel growth and streamline operations. For in-store sampling ($2,000), which has driven over 200% sales lifts at retailers like Sobeys and Metro, the grant will help hire brand ambassadors to expand sampling nationwide, increasing reach and sales. For R&D ($500), we aim to lower ingredient costs to improve margins and offer more affordable products to consumers. A Walmart campaign ($2,500) will combine digital and in-store activations to double business with the retailer while boosting brand awareness. Lastly, for cash flow and packaging updates ($5,000), the grant will fund large production orders for expanding retailers and improve case packaging to enhance visibility and sales at Walmart. What is your long term goal for the company? As we solidify establishing our brand in Canada, we plan on expanding to the US market over the next few years. We’re specifically looking at the states of Washington and New York, as they are close to the border for shipping and distribution, and have consumers that align with our target markets and values. With our mission of using beans as the base of our snacks, and upcycled/imperfect ingredients to reduce food waste, the product possibilities are endless. We plan on expanding our product offerings, and entering into new CPG spaces such as the breakfast and other snacks spaces. Through all of this, we plan on reducing over 50,000kg of food waste over the next 3 years. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .

Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing ImaginAble Solutions, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Lianna Genovese Location: Toronto, ON Discover ImaginAble Solutions online: Website // Instagram About ImaginAble Solutions ImaginAble Solutions is a women-led social impact company transforming assistive technology to improve the lives of children and adults with hand disabilities. Its flagship product, Guided Hands , is a patented mobile support system designed to help individuals with limited hand mobility write, draw, and use technology independently. By shifting control to gross motor skills in the shoulder and featuring ambidextrous handpieces, the device accommodates various levels of hand spasticity and tone. Guided Hands is widely used in classrooms, hospitals, and nursing homes, promoting communication, creativity, rehabilitation, and independence. Viral videos highlighting its transformative impact have driven sales in 22 countries, with plans to expand to Australia and the UK in 2026. Support from the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund will help ImaginAble Solutions scale manufacturing, enhance outreach in the U.S. education sector, and grow its sponsorship program to provide Guided Hands devices to families in need, breaking down financial barriers and advancing accessibility. How will the fund make an impact with your business? With support from the Mastercard x Pier Five Fund, ImaginAble Solutions will dedicate $5,000 to launch the Guided Hands sponsorship program, providing assistive devices to low-income families, and $5,000 to expand manufacturing capacity in Hamilton with additional 3D printers. The sponsorship program was recently announced during the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, where founder Lianna Genovese received the Respect Award alongside Shaquille O’Neal. This announcement will create a powerful platform to raise awareness and support for the initiative among philanthropists and celebrities. Expanding production in Hamilton will enable ImaginAble Solutions to meet growing demand while keeping Guided Hands proudly made in Canada. What is your long term goal for the company? Within 3-5 years, ImaginAble Solutions aims to have Guided Hands in every school across Canada and the United States, ensuring students with limited hand mobility can access quality education and self-expression. The company plans to leverage Educational Service Agencies (ESAs), which receive federal funding to purchase assistive technology for classrooms, as a key entry point into the education market. By working with ESAs, which act as bulk purchasers for over 115,000 schools, ImaginAble Solutions can tap into a $97M market opportunity and significantly improve the learning experiences of students with hand disabilities. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here .