Cassels is excited to announce the 2023 recipients of its Black-Owned Small Business Grant: Murwan Khogali of InfiniGuard Security; Kelly-Ann John, Sherese Jury Florent, Sherrise Joseph, Shernese Joseph, Jerommy John, and Bloson Florent of Isle of Freight; Nadia Tchoumi of New Hope Media; Becky Sanda of Rimma’s Naturals; and Phoebe Tagoe of Sohlo.
Now in its fourth year, the grant was created by Cassels out of a desire to foster a diverse and rich entrepreneurial environment by providing much-needed access to funding and legal assistance for Black business owners. With contributions from Wheaton Precious Metals in addition to the funds raised by Cassels, we are proud to be able to support five businesses in 2023.
“The Cassels Black-Owned Small Business Grant will be vital in helping us to create lasting opportunities in supporting our mission to provide free security training and livable wages to at-risk youth, women, and newcomers to Canada,” shared Murwan Khogali, Executive Director of grant recipient InfiniGuard Security.
Murwan also highlighted the tangible effect the grant will have on their security social enterprise based in Regent Park. “Beyond the crucial financial assistance, it aligns with our values of community enhancement. We are grateful for Cassels’ commitment to fostering positive change and supporting businesses with a social impact.”
Bethany McKoy, Co-Chair of the Cassels Black Affinity Group and Grant Oversight Committee expressed the firm’s commitment to supporting Black businesses and entrepreneurs. “We believe in driving economic empowerment and strive to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs within the Black business community. Giving back is ingrained in our values, and this initiative is a testament to Cassels’ dedication to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. As we proudly enter the fourth year of this initiative, we remain dedicated to – and take pride, in – fostering diversity and economic growth.”
Since its inception four years ago the Black-Owned Small Business Grant has awarded over $432,000 to deserving recipients to help “promote diversity and inclusion in the broader business world in which [Cassels] operates.”
_____________________________
More About Our 2023 Recipients
InfiniGuard Security
Toronto
InfiniGuard Security is a security social enterprise based in Regent Park. InfiniGuard is a 100% owned black business with a mandate to provide free security training and livable wages to at-risk youth, women, and newcomers to Canada. As a security service provider, InfiniGuard currently offers concierge services for condominiums, security for arts and culture buildings, key holding services for residential spaces managed by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), mobile services for commercial spaces, and security for events across the city of Toronto.
___________________
Isle of Freight
Calgary
Isle of Freight’s mission is to assist Caribbean diasporas with reliable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced shipping services. IOF aims to revolutionize barrel shipping by offering seamless shipment tracking, a unique feature not currently offered in the market. IOF’s goal is to preserve the cherished tradition of barrel shipping while adopting a modern, customer-centric approach. IOF’s desire is to provide a solution to Caribbean residents battling the high cost of living by bridging the gap to the Canadian marketplace. IOF provides access by allowing Caribbean residents to shop online and have their purchases consolidated and shipped directly to their island.
___________________
New Hope Media
Vancouver
New Hope Media specializes in helping Black-led and Black-serving non-profits break through systemic barriers to tell the story of the work they’re doing and the people they serve. New Hope assists small non-profits boost their presence in the community and build a better relationship with the media. New Hope works with a number of Black-led and Black-serving non-profits, as well as those serving marginalized communities, providing the kind of services typically only available to organizations with large marketing budgets.
___________________
Rimma’s Naturals
Calgary
Rimma’s Naturals is a clean beauty, natural skincare line founded in 2019. The brand specializes in handcrafted soap and body care products. Rimma’s artisan skincare products are delightfully crafted, plant-based, and cruelty-free. Rimma’s also offers a product line that caters exclusively to children.
___________________
Sohlo
Toronto
Sohlo is an online platform that facilitates and empowers the discovery and functioning of independent beauty and grooming service providers (hair, barber, brows, etc.) in Toronto. Sohlo’s platform consists of a discovery marketplace where clients can find services and providers. The platform also provides booking and payment tools for service providers to manage their businesses.