Earning Your Place With Titi Finlay A year ago we got the chance to speak with Titi Finlay, the Social Media Manager for Laced UK, artist and content creator who was taking the sneaker scene by storm through her advocacy for more inclusivity in the sneaker industry. Between her bold quote posts like "Make Sneakers Gender Neutral" or "Sneakerhead is defined by passion, not gender." and her incredible sneaker paintings and fit pics, there has been lots to talk about and now with the recent partnership with Nike, we had to catch up again. Check out the conversation below to hear about how everything came together, how she feels about the current state of inclusivity in sneakers and what she's looking forward to, this year and beyond. Getting the Nike Call "It was so surreal! I actually cried after I got off the phone with them because they wanted to bring in my art and my creative side rather than just the message I was pushing in the community. My art and paintings and my print making and all the stuff like illustrations has all been something that I’ve always wanted to make my main career but never felt like I could do that. For Nike to recognize that and give me the platform and the tools to actually execute it was just so amazing." Titi On Imposter Syndrome "My imposter syndrome has been at an all-time high this year. I think just because I’m moving into a much higher role in my work and also being seen by more people on social. It’s almost like the more success you have ,the more you feel like you have to lose." (Listen further below) As it turns out, before the partnership, Titi has been helping the brands roll out more inclusive products and launches. "I personally had a few calls with the Nike design teams where the had me and a couple of other women actually feed in on the products coming out for next year. It's super empowering for all of us to know that we’re being heard now. Obviously things don’t happen overnight with brands." With all the excitement, comes over-indulgence. Listen to how Titi is approaching sneaker madness today. Would you ever NFT your work? "I thought about this a lot. I'm obsessed with learning about it but I still find it baffling. Some of the stuff is so terrible. I feel like I could make a lot of money if I did go into it but I think there’s also the whole conversation around the sustainability and energy usage of NFT's. There are some really cool concepts coming out so I’m definitely not opposed to it but I’m also still a bit sceptical. I don’t like do crypto right now but I'm excited to see where the space goes." So what's next? Keep an eye out for more of Titi's projects with Nike coming out in April and hopefully some gallery or exhibition events coming soon! ...oh and potentially a world tour ?!?! Make sure to follow Titi on Instagram for news on her upcoming drops, events and all the best sneaker content and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more out there.

Small Business Activation Grant Winner: Grays Introducing Grays, the grand prize recipient of the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant! Founders: Julia Gray & Connor Dudgeon Location: Toronto, ON Discover Grays online: Website // Instagram About Grays Grays is a Toronto-based clothing brand specializing in 100% Ontario made garments (using 100% Ontario wool) and a multi-brand clothing and home goods shop. Their mission is to reconnect consumers with the origins of their textiles, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Grays collaborates with local artisans and mills to produce limited-run collections that celebrate Canadian wool and traditional textile practices. Through their retail space and brand, Julia and Connor aim to create a platform for education, storytelling, and connection, inviting customers to engage with the process behind what they wear and use every day. Whether it’s a jacket made from Ontario wool or a hand-bent steel wine rack, every item at Grays embodies the belief that knowing the maker and the materials matters. What is your vision with the grant funds and support from Pier Five & Intak Printing? With support from Pier Five and Intak Printing, our vision is to bring the story of Ontario wool to life through a special event that blends art, education, and hands-on engagement. We'll showcase the journey from farm to finished garment through a gallery exhibit, creative talks, and interactive demonstrations, giving our community a deeper appreciation for local textiles, craftsmanship, and the people behind them. We also want to integrate other aligned elements of natural craft into the experience, including natural Ontario wines and farm-to-table food for guests to enjoy, creating a holistic and immersive celebration of local artistry. How will this grant help you realize your long term goals? This grant helps us take a major step toward our long-term goals by giving us the platform to share our story and values with a wider audience in Toronto. It allows us to showcase why we focus on local textiles and ethical production, which is something we've never had the budget to do at this scale. By amplifying the full narrative of our process, from farm to mill to maker, we can deepen community connections, raise awareness about regenerative farming and Canadian wool, and lay the groundwork for national and international growth. This activation is a pivotal moment in our journey to establish Grays as a recognized leader in sustainable, locally made clothing. Photos supplied by Grays Learn more about the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant and discover the runner up recipients here.

The November Roundup Welcome to Pier Five monthly round ups, a look back at some of the people, brands & things that caught our eye this month that we thought you should know about. Curves by Sean Brown We’ve always been impressed with the work of creative director, designer and photographer Sean Brown. When he launched his home goods line Curves by Sean Brown, now most notable for CD Rugs or popular hip-hop albums and hand-shaped incense holders, we knew it’d be nothing but a home run. Amongst a number of new design projects, Sean recently released the half-version of his CD floor mat perfect for home entryways and his new Spill Coasters, 4 mirror coasters shaped like water spills. You can find both of these and more home goods on his website here. Melody Ehsani F/W 21 Collection Melody Ehsani’s eponymous lifestyle brand recently launched its F/W 21 collection and the pieces were brilliant, especially for the chillier months ahead. Some of our faves are the Quilted Shirt Jacket inspired by Persian Rugs, the butterfly inspired Rugby shirt and the military set. Be sure to check out the full collection on her website and act quickly as sizes are selling out! Spencer Badu Collection 000 + Pop-Up Toronto based fashion designer Spencer Badu hosted a pop-up shop this month to showcase some of his most recent pieces from his Collection 000. From his take on a sleeveless insulated nylon vest to a wide leg chino pant, SP’s foundation of creating genderless uniforms really shine through in every piece he creates. The Cargo Vest & Reflective Balaclava are some of our top picks from the collection. Even though the pop-up is now over, you can find his collection on his e-store here. KNC Beauty x Champion Collab All natural lip mask beauty brand KNC Beauty, founded by Kristen Noel Crawley who happens to be the wife of Don C, linked up with heritage sportswear brand Champion to create a fully size inclusive line of sweats, crewnecks, cropped tees, biker shorts & more. With sizes XS-3XL, the collaboration aimed to give women a fashionable set to feel comfortable in, wherever they go. There was an initial sneak preview of the collab at ComplexCon and the full collection can be found now on Champion’s website here. Cian Moore x Blackstock & Weber: Lucky Loafers New York photographer Cian Moore has shot some of the biggest acts in music and fashion, from Jack Harlow and A$AP Rocky to Cactus Plant Flea Market and Prada. Having begun the development of his Clover brand, Cian blessed us with the launch of his Lucky Loafer - yes, we’re on that loafer train! - made in partnership with Blackstock & Weber, one of the best makers of loafers in the game right now. The Lucky Loafers feature a buttery green and white leather upper with a Cian’s signature clover embroidered at the centre of each toe box. If the Lucky Loafer is any indication of what else is to come from Cian then we will be on the edge of our seats heading into the new year. The loafers are now sold out but follow Cian’s IG to stay up to date on his latest projects and releases. Stay tuned to The Roundup series to discover the coolest new people, brands and releases each month and keep it locked to all of Pier Five for stories and interviews with our favourite designers, entrepreneurs, creators and more.

2024 Recipient: Shawish Market 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.

Continuing The Legacy With Nick Vo We are thrilled to award Nick Vo of @nicksjewellery as the recipient of the first ever Pier Five Creators Grant! Nick’s story was one that really inspired us and resonated with our story and the story of so many other young creatives that we know. In just a short time, Nick has helped elevate the wonderful jewellery shop that his parents started 20 years ago, becoming a staple in Toronto for creative communities to connect over beautiful (and often custom) jewellery. With the money from the grant, Nick hopes to bring in new machinery that will increase the capabilities of the shop and the level of service that he can provide to the shop’s clients. We spoke to Nick about his aspirations for the business, the importance of his community in what he does and the type of mark he hopes to leave on his family when it's all said and done. Continuing the family legacy. My biggest inspiration is my parents. They're the ones who raised me and it's my time to give back to them and to take care of them. They've been through a lot. They sacrificed a lot and it's now my turn to both elevate the business and also carry on the family legacy. My grandparents were jewellers. My parents are jewellers and now I'm the next generation to do it. We all eat together. I hope to create opportunities for my friends and family. I want them to eat with me and I want them to always stay hungry. I think that if I'm able to help myself and love myself, I'll be able to do the same for them. It's a two-way street and I really hope to create every opportunity for them. Collaboration is key. I think the key to success is working with others and collaborating. With jewellery and other mediums, we all intersect. I think the best way to win is to work with each other and uplift each other. It's important to support those who are around you and who are in your network and that will allow you to grow and expand your network. There needs to be more love in the world and we need to support each other more. The future of Nick's Jewellery. My long term vision for Nick's Jewellery is to make it a hotspot in Toronto. Just like when you go to New York, you go to different jewellery shops like Popular Jewellery and New Top Jewellery. I want it to be that when people come to Toronto, they make a pit stop at Nick's Jewellery. I want it to be a space where different creators and consumers - anyone from any walk of life - can come in and work together and be able to purchase jewellery. I want it to be like a studio and a jewellery shop at the same time. Thank you to everyone who supported the Pier Five Creators Grant! We could not be happier with how everything rolled out and are so happy to be able to have presented Nick with $3,000 to help take his business to the next level. Make sure to check out Nick's Jewellery on Instagram and stop by the shop if you're in Toronto!

2024 Recipient: Folds Wear Explore the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Introducing Folds Wear, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2024! Founder: Nina Kharey Location: Toronto, ON Discover Folds Wear online: Website // Instagram About Folds Wear Folds was founded by ex-luxury fashion designer, Nina Kharey, to bring innovation, style, and sustainability to healthcare uniforms, an industry traditionally lacking in these qualities. Their eco-friendly scrubs are made with high-performance materials, offering comfort, durability, and permanent antimicrobial protection without harmful chemicals or microplastics. As a female-led business, Folds is committed to providing healthcare professionals with premium, sustainable workwear that supports their demanding schedules. Despite being a small business, Folds has seen rapid growth and built a loyal customer base through word of mouth, built on the brand's belief that healthcare workers deserve better—better scrubs, better options, and a brand that’s truly invested in their comfort and well-being. How will the fund make an impact with your business? With the Mastercard x Pier Five Fund, Folds will use the $10,000 CAD to increase marketing and brand awareness. The funds will be allocated to digital marketing campaigns targeting healthcare professionals on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads, highlighting the unique benefits of Folds scrubs. Part of the funds will go toward influencer and affiliate partnerships with healthcare professionals to build credibility and expand reach. Additionally, Folds will invest in content creation, producing professional videos and photos to showcase the versatility and functionality of their scrubs. These initiatives will help Folds scale the business, increase sales, and continue providing healthcare professionals with high-quality, sustainable workwear. What is your long term goal for the company? Over the next 3-5 years, Folds aims to build a strong executive team with expertise in direct-to-consumer operations to drive growth while maintaining brand integrity. A key focus is expanding internationally, with plans to enter the European market, particularly through a partnership with Meryl in the UK. This partnership will help Folds introduce its sustainable, high-quality scrubs to healthcare professionals in key European markets like the UK and Germany. With the right leadership and international presence, Folds seeks to become a global leader in premium healthcare uniforms. The company is committed to maintaining its focus on innovation and sustainability throughout this growth. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2024 recipients here.

Dandylion Dandylion Who: Carolyn Chen Where: Toronto, ON Instagram Website How would you use the $10,000 CAD fund for your business? See All Winners

Your Number One Resource With Nishal Kumar of No Days Wasted "You get out what you put in" is something we all need to remind ourselves of more often. Nishal Kumar, founder of the wellness supplements brand, No Days Wasted, that helps anyone maximize life's moments after a night out, has made a living off of this mantra and his story is an incredible example to emulate. From becoming the sponsor for some of the biggest podcasts in North America, to locking in over 1200 retailer partners, Nish knows a thing or two about making your own opportunities and we got to speak to him to gain some fresh insights that are very applicable for any new founder. Check out the conversation below! Hey Nish! Thanks for taking the time to chat. One of the first things we want to know is how the partnership with Barstool, which was huge for the brand in the early days, got off the ground. Oh ya, that was great! Over 5 years ago, we connected with Paul Bissonnette 'Biz Nasty' who was spending a summer in Vancouver after he retired from the NHL and was working with a couple buddies of mine. There was one night, we're all out, and my buddies told me Biz was going to be there and to come out. I went and I had a couple packets on me and I gave them to him, and that was my first touch point. A couple days later, I saw him at the gym and I gave him a full box of product. He ended up going to an event the next day and calls me, and he tells me he tried the product, had about ten beers and woke up the next day like nothing happened. He mentioned he was joining this podcast called Spittin’ Chiclets and introduced me to Barstool Sports. We started working with them and Spittin’ Chiclets was a home run out of the gate. I asked Barstool if they had any female demo shows and they mentioned Call Her Daddy which was just launching at that time. They were like "it's pretty crazy. It's pretty out there, but it might just work." so we tested with them and saw instant return, like 7-10x right out of the gate. We were the first brand to sponsor Call Her Daddy, which ended up blowing up and becoming the biggest female podcast in North America. The big learning was really, you need to make that investment and take a chance on things early on when and if something works, double down on it. It seems like now there are so many brands doing this? What do you think of the competition? Yes the space got very crowded but in general but between those days and now, my view on competition is very different. Early on, I was actually very averse to competition and I was concerned about what all of our competitors were doing. I would be offended if they did anything too close to us. These days, things have shifted. I really welcome the competition from players that have staying power and are creating a meaningful product and brand. The reason being is because ultimately, this competition drives awareness to a category that's emerging. If we're the only player on shelf, who's going to know about the category? Only the people that know about us. But, if you think about the value that competition provides, it's that they're providing extra eyeballs onto us for free and we are validating a new category together by creating great products with high efficacy, safety and value for consumers. That's a very good attitude to have and regardless of the competition now, it's incredible to hear about how you created that opportunity for yourself. If you're proactive, you're assertive, you are charismatic and personable, good things will happen. That's why I spent quite a bit of time in New York, and continue to do so. It's the epicenter of chaos, and there are a lot of people doing great things out there. My focus is always to meet cool people doing great things. At the very least, I could just make a friend, or on the other end, we could do something meaningful together from a business point of view. If you're not there, if you don't show up, if you're not putting yourself out there, it won't happen. As an emerging brand, use what you have. You may not have tons of capital behind you, but you have your energy that you put out to the world, and the best way to showcase that is by actually going out there and doing it. Would you say that's your big tip for brands, especially ones in the early stage of their business? I have a few tips but the biggest thing is to remember that how you do anything is how you do everything. For me, whether that's going to the gym every day and staying focused or playing ball and putting my best foot forward, I just want to be consistent, I want to care about what I do, and I want to solve problems. That's the same way I treat my business and that's not just work, that's life. Your success and your achievements are going to come from your efforts. So top three things; give a damn about what you do, be consistent and just do it well. We couldn't agree more. Before we finish off, any other advice for new founders? You need to go where you're wanted. For example, maybe you have a dream retailer or dream partner that you want to work with but at the end of the day, make sure it's not a delusion. It's like when you're growing up and there's that girl you see that you're into but turns out they're the most toxic person in the world. You don't want that. You want to go where you're wanted. That's been a big part of our retail strategy. We always want to hear a no from a retailer rather than a maybe, because that will allow us to move on to the yeses and find the places where we're wanted. Make sure to check out No Days Wasted and keep it locked to Pier Five for more founder conversations just like this!

Access funding for your small business or creative project in Canada from Pier Five. Pier Five Funding Programs We know how important access to capital can be as you launch and scale your business. With the help of our community and brand partners, Pier Five has helped connect Canadian business owners with $250,000 CAD in support and funding since 2022. If you are an organization interested in working with Pier Five to support emerging small business owners, send us an email at community@pier-five.com ! Pier Five x Intak Printing Activation Grant 2025 Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund Pier Five Creators Grant

A Conversation With Tristan Banning Tristan Banning is a leader in spreading culture. In 2008 he founded Sidewalk Hustle, a music podcast which has since transformed Canada's premier media platform for all things music, fashion, food and art. When he's not overseeing interviews with some of the worlds leading musicians and designers, Tristan is probably cooking up the next stellar fit pic or adding to his more tan impressive collection of rare Supreme accessories. @tristanbanning // @sidewalkhustle From Ziplock bags to Oreos and ping pong paddles, you’re known to be an avid Supreme accessories collector. What are your top 5 Supreme accessories that you own or really want? LOL oh man! Well that all happened by accidentally tbh. I started collecting as kind of a reverse collector, meaning, I really like coffee, and I really like ramen (for example) so when I saw the supreme coffee mugs or the ramen noodle bowl I was like “I want that 😍😍”. So if I were to list my top 5 it would go like this (in no particular order): Honorable Mentions: Although phone cameras are essentially pocket-sized DSLR’s these days, you’re an advocate for film photography. What are 5 tips for anyone looking to shoot with film? Woof… good question. One reason I like film so much is that it’s not instant. In a world of instant gratification we want to take a picture, post it on social and get the likes right away. It spikes our endorphins and makes us happy but also makes us want more. You take a 100 pics and then pic which one you like the most from that and edit it or what have you. With film, you need to slow down. You need to consider framing, lighting and distance to subject. You need to hold still, you need to breathe. Then after that you need to wait to take the film in, develop it and then see if any of the pics worked. So you need to have confidence in yourself and what you’re doing. And sometimes it still doesn’t work out. But then at least you learned something. So my advice... Get a cheap film camera, a disposable from the local drug store and head out and shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Then learn from your shots. If you dig the process and the outcome you can start looking for “better” cameras on eBay or in film photography groups. Enjoy the ride. It’s a pretty fun journey if you’re down. In addition to Supreme, you’re a big sneaker collector. What are 5 sneakers you couldn’t ever live without? You know the funny thing is I love sneakers and as a result I guess I’m a collector. But I don’t really identify that way because I like to wear my sneakers. So I don’t buy or keep (if gifted) sneakers I won’t wear. So my favourites are… My Nike Air Max 1 bespoke’s I made at 21 Mercer NikeLab. They are literally 1 of 1 and are my dream shoe. Atmos Elephant Air Max Adidas Ultraboost v1 or Ultra 4D v1 Yeezy 700 Waverunner Rhude Vans Old skool / Converse chuck taylor Oxfords. BUT ALSO: Anything in a low with safari print. A classic white Air Force 1 The puma Thunder Spectra Jordan 1 Low 2020’s been a crazy year. What are your 5 favourite moments in pop-culture from this past year? To me, there were 4 that stole the show... I liked when Travis Scott performed in Fortnite not because it was an amazing performance or anything but because it changed the dichotomy on how we consume entertainment. Someone (Travis?) understood where his audience is. Strangely the release of The Last Dance, The Michael Jordan documentary. For me it was cool to see the whole world, give or take, finally get to experience the magic that was Michael Jordan. To understand why he is part of the cultural lexicon. I am old, so I watched Michael play in his prime, so even I got to learn something that I didn’t know about. It was cool to see everyone talking about it together. I also really enjoyed when Post Malone did a live concert from his house that was all covers of Nirvana. For many this was probably the first time they actually heard Nirvana songs, plural. And it opened that music up to a new fan base. And it’s always nice to see artists re-interpret and interpret their influences. I also enjoyed when everyone all of a sudden started playing Animal Crossing, and you would see fashion brands making clothes for the game, record labels etc. Even my mom was playing. Who have been your 5 favourite interviews that you’ve ever conducted? In my travels and adventures I have had the chance to interview a lot of people who I respect and admire. Although I have personally taken a step away from the interviewing, I have found that I am still meeting and talking to people, a little less this year. But last year I was on a preview of an art exhibit in Brooklyn and in the preview I talked to the guy giving us the tour. He gave me a lot of insight into the art and we started talking. I came back the next day to get a tattoo from a well know Brooklyn artist, and while getting the tattoo we talked about how he ended up here. It was a fascinating story that really delved into his experience but also the experience of many around him. It was great. While he was working on my tattoo a member of the band Blink 180 showed up, I also talked to artist Shepard Fairey. So while those aren’t interviews I have had the privilege of talking to and meeting some incredible people. When I was interviewing: Travis Scott (7 years ago) Bloc Party Foals Felipe Pantone (Artist) Tinashe Mayer Hawthorne Cut Copy Finally, this is an important one for us, what are 5 tips for conducting a great interview? ...maybe we should have asked this first [laughs]. Ha! Easy. Do a little research (which you did) Actively listen Actively respond. That will make for a good interview. HOWEVER, the real trick is, if possible, try to get in there and do a little small talk with the person to help break the ice and make it more conversational. Like how a comedian as someone “warm up the room” first. Or an opening act at a concert. Do your best to make a personal connection.

Pier Five’s Mental Health Mixer: A Space to Reset, Reflect, and Connect 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!

The AI Studio: How Pier Five and HP Canada Empowered Canadian Small Businesses with AI To kick off small business month in Canada, Pier Five and HP Canada came together in Toronto to host The AI Studio, a one-of-a-kind workshop experience designed to help Canadian small business owners discover how AI and HP’s Next Gen AI PCs can transform the way they work, create, and grow. The event welcomed 20 entrepreneurs and founders from industries including hospitality, health, media, fashion, tech, retail and restaurant for a day of hands-on learning, collaboration, and innovation. Every detail of the experience was crafted around real challenges and opportunities shared by attendees in a pre-event survey, ensuring that each moment was personalized, relevant, and actionable. Swipe through images The day unfolded through two interactive sessions that reflected the dual nature of entrepreneurship, the balance between operations and creativity. The first session focused on productivity and operations, helping business owners learn how to integrate AI into their day-to-day tasks, streamline workflows, and unlock new efficiencies. The second session shifted gears toward creative strategy and marketing, offering insights into how AI can support content creation, copywriting, and campaign planning for founders looking to amplify their brand stories. During the sessions, attendees were invited to explore HP’s Next Gen AI PCs and devices, guided by HP Commercial Category Business Manager, Towen Chrea, who demonstrated the power of AI-driven hardware in real time. From adaptive tools that anticipate workflow needs to features that make creative work more intuitive, the demos showcased how HP is reimagining what’s possible for small businesses in the age of AI. Beyond the learning, The AI Studio offered what every entrepreneur values most; connection. Guests shared experiences, swapped insights, and formed new relationships. They also took part in professional portrait sessions to elevate their personal brands and left with co-branded Pier Five x HP Canada merch as a reminder of the day’s inspiration. Swipe through images Ultimately, The AI Studio wasn’t just an event, it was a celebration of Canadian entrepreneurship and a glimpse into the future of work. It gave small business owners the knowledge, confidence, and tools to embrace AI not as a buzzword, but as a genuine growth partner. Pier Five and HP Canada are proud to have built this experience together, supporting the small business community, empowering innovation, and continuing to champion the incredible founders shaping Canada’s creative economy.