Cassels is excited to announce the 2025 recipients of its Black-Owned Small Business Grant: Abdel Ali of Kiwi Charge, Peace Cole of Platuni, Ibukun Elebute of Cellect, Adaugo Igwe of Teeztopcakes, and Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah of The Y Variable.
Now in its sixth year, the annual grants – funded through personal contributions from Cassels employees and financial support from Wheaton Precious Metals – aim to foster long-term economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, and reflect the firm’s commitment to championing equity and inclusion in the broader business world.
This year’s grant allocations total nearly $100,000 in financial support for recipients, whose businesses span healthcare, professional development, sustainable technology, and service sectors. The grants also include pro bono legal services, ensuring recipients receive legal guidance customized to their unique business needs and goals.
“As a small business owner with big dreams, the Cassels grant will allow me to expand my capacity to help organizations build workplaces where managers, leaders, and their Gen Z and early-career employees genuinely thrive,” says Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah, founder of The Y Variable, a consulting firm specializing in intergenerational workplace dynamics. “With Cassels backing my vision, I can invest in the systems and infrastructure I need to reach more leaders and teams who want to break down generational divides in the workplace.”
“We’re proud to support Black entrepreneurs whose work is driving meaningful impact in their communities,” says Kori Williams, Co-Chair of the Cassels Black Affinity Group. “This year’s recipients are building strong, resilient businesses while advancing sustainability, creating inclusive services, and supporting underserved groups across the country. We look forward to supporting grant recipients in scaling their vision and in strengthening the diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem that makes our communities thrive.”
In the six years since its inception, the Cassels Black-Owned Small Business Grant has contributed in excess of $700,000 in financial aid and pro bono legal services in support of Black-owned businesses in Canada.
About the 2025 Grant Recipients
Kiwi Charge [Toronto, ON], a robotics-based Electric Vehicle (EV) charging company, seeks to address the high costs of EV ownership and limited charging access. Kiwi Charge looks to enable affordable, scalable EV charging solutions for new and existing buildings, without electrical upgrades or construction delays. Website
Platuni [Vancouver, BC] offers an AI-powered platform that connects students, young professionals, families, and newcomers with compatible housemates. By matching individuals seeking housing with hosts based on shared values and preferences, Platuni’s universal platform fosters meaningful connections, enhances cultural exchange, and promotes awareness and tolerance among people from diverse backgrounds. Platuni aims to make transitions and relocations smoother and more fulfilling for everyone involved. Website | Instagram
Cellect [Toronto, ON] provides a non-invasive, accessible alternative to sample collection for reproductive and gynaecological screening. Pioneering the use of nanotechnology-powered menstrual products to non-invasively collect and preserve DNA for the diagnosis of HPV, cervical cancer, STDs, and other reproductive & gynaecological conditions, Cellect’s collection system is compatible with existing and trusted phenotyping diagnostics. Cellect empowers women by making screenings simpler, cheaper, and more accessible. Website
Teeztopcakes [Calgary, AB], a luxury baked goods company, provides luxury cakes that blend Nigerian and Canadian influences – offering bold flavours and unique designs. The business addresses a market gap for elegant cakes that are infused with unique flavours and cultural relevance, and their designs aim to speak to the diverse cultures of their clients. Instagram
The Y Variable [Vancouver, BC] is a career and professional development strategy company focused on helping Gen Z and early-stage workers to make the transition from the classroom to the workplace with clarity, confidence, and ease. Through mentorship, career workshops, digital resources, and corporate partnerships, The Y Variable ensures that early workers have the mindset and skills needed to be successful in the workplace. Website | Instagram