Since 2020, we have had the great honour of running an incubator program for BIPOC entrepreneurs in an effort to reduce barriers to success for Black, Indigenous and people of colour entrepreneur through private funding and mentorship opportunities.
More than just a community, the Empowerful Incubator is a collective hub for BIPOC entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and grow their brands. Annually, we allocate $10,000 CAD of funding that members can apply for a portion of to grow their business. Our community also helps us raise additional funds through different initiatives throughout the year. Beyond funding, it's also a great community of like-minded entrepreneurs to collaborate! We host quarterly virtual events to learn about all aspects of biz.
I am so excited to introduce to you this years members.
MEET THE 2024 EMPOWERFUL INCUBATOR COHORT...
MEET MAXINE OF KID SISTER SKINCARE
https://kidsisterskincare.com
Kid Sister started in 2021 with the goal of creating an inclusive community of folks at any stage in their skincare journey. Kid Sister aims to formulate products that are easy to add to any routine, while remaining functional and effective.
MEET NICOLE OF RIPPLE & RISE
https://rippleandrise.ca/
Nicole is an artist, illustrator, and designer. She offers design services of all kinds to the change makers, planet lovers, and community builders of the world. Nicole also sells her own artwork and handmade goods.
MEET KAYLEIGH OF HERITAGE BABY DESIGNS
https://www.heritagebaby.ca
Heritage Baby Designs was created by Kayleigh Medeiros in Ontario, Canada. It is a brand that focuses on making baby wearing accessible again, emphasizing the history and cultural significance of the practice and sourcing only the best fabrics.
MEET MITRAYA OF MITRAYA JEWELRY
https://www.mitraya.ca
Mitraya Jewelry is a small handmade jewelry business by Mitra in Vancouver, BC. Mitra has had a passion for making jewelry for over 10 years, and enjoys creating unique designs in hopes to remind her customers to embrace their authentic selves.
MEET JAMIE OF JAMIE GENTRY DESIGNS
https://www.jamiegentrydesigns.com
Jamie creates custom, handmade moccasins from her heart to your sole.
MEET MODESTE OF MONDAY MAY JEWELRY
https://mondaymayjewelry.com
MMJ is a Black and Indigenous-owned jewelry brand helping people reconnect with their jewelry through unique pieces guaranteed to strike up conversations wherever you go. They strive to create vibrant designs influenced by both their cultures, and then get them into the hands of collectors who are excited to mix rich culture with sustainable slow fashion.
MEET JENNIFER OF JENNIFER JL PHYSIO
https://www.jenniferjlphysio.com
Jennifer is a physiotherpaist specializing in pelvic health and is a huge advocate for it. Jennifer's business is about helping all people with bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions through pelvic floor physiotherapy.
MEET ERUM OF ERUM
https://www.erumco.ca
ERUM provides high-quality jewelry pieces that symbolize a fusion of both South Asian and Western cultures. They encourage diversity and aim to create a luxurious, intercontinental experience.
MEET VERONICA OF VEE LIFE COACHING
Veronica offers Life Coaching to BIWOC and second-generation immigrant women seeking to free themselves from what's keeping them playing small.
MEET RUHIEE OF RUBIES BRAS
https://rubiesbras.com
Rubies Bras is a custom bra company based out of Toronto and Edmonton, Canada. Owned and operated by women, they hand make bras that fit, flatter, and function for the every day. Their goal is to arm women with bras the celebrate who they are, allowing them to be their best selves. All sizes and situations are welcomed, including underserved markets like mastectomy, asymmetry, aging, and speciality size breasts. Private fittings are held virtually with worldwide shipping.
