In November last year, Lenovo announced the extension of its Scale small program for women and Belonging to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) small business owners in Ontario, in partnership with the Toronto Area Board of Trade (TRBOT).

The two entities yesterday awarded grants to 10 women-owned small businesses and BIPOC across the province. Each recipient received a CA$10,000 grant to enable them to innovate in their business and remain accessible to their community throughout the pandemic. Additionally, Lenovo announces that it will provide educational programs to all TRBOT members to help accelerate their digital adoption. According to recent information from Statistics Canada, small businesses are more likely to have financial constraints in the next 12 months than their larger counterparts.

Grant recipients:

1. Funding essentials – Ottawa-based professional services firm that helps businesses and organizations navigate revenue-generating options within their industry by assisting them with the documentation required to submit proposals, grants and funding applications.
2. Flow & Fire – Toronto-based company dedicated to providing conscious consumers with infrared therapy and products to optimize mind, body and spirit.
3. Studio Atlas: based in Cambridge company which offers in-person, online, live and on-demand interactive yoga classes and therapies, workshops, yoga services, yoga therapy and meditation teacher training.
4. Shetruth: Wealth management firm based in Milton that aims to foster financial independence for women.
5. The whole WoMan network: Based in Richmond Hill, a social enterprise providing financial literacy training, leadership and business consulting services to new immigrants, with a focus on African women and youth.
6. Academy of Choral Music: based in Vaughan A Yamaha Authorized Music Education Center, Chorus Music Academy offers Yamaha’s Music Education System for young beginners, as well as other popular music programs taught by Yamaha Certified Instructors.
7. Krippit Corporation: Based in Toronto 3D fashion technology company that designs innovative 3D printed high heel protectors.
8. Living Farm: A subscription wellness company founded by a mom on a mission, located in Toronto.
9. Emkiro Health Services: EM – KEE – RO is a hybrid Japanese name meaning return to optimum health; crossroads of health and medical services. The company provides professionals and residents of Toronto with medical and paramedical services.
10. face-drive: A Toronto-based company offers green transportation solutions with a focus on reducing carbon emissions. Drivers can choose between an electric, hybrid or gasoline-powered vehicle.

“As the pandemic continues to affect us all, we recognize that small businesses, and especially minority-owned small businesses, have been hardest hit and need support to survive and thrive,” said Colin McIsaac. , vice president and general manager of Lenovo. Canada. “We hope the funding provided through the grant program with the Toronto Region Chamber of Commerce will provide relief to some of the hardest hit businesses, and we look forward to seeing how these funds will be used to innovate and build for the future. .”

TRBOT noted that it received a total of 203 small business applicants during the two-month application window who met the eligibility criteria. All applications were reviewed by a panel of TRBOT experts and grant recipients were selected based on their ability to demonstrate their company’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives and their completion of a or more of TRBOT’s projects. Recovery activation program (RAP)streams, an online support and education program designed to help businesses adapt to a more digital world during and after the pandemic. By focusing on customer attraction, improving supply chain efficiencies, virtual workforce management and cost rationalization, RAP provides a comprehensive toolkit to support the long-term success of Toronto’s small business community.

“The applications we received show a remarkable range of committed and passionate women and BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said Leigh Smout, President of the World Trade Center Toronto. “Each of these grants, which Lenovo has made possible, will enable recipients to grow their business and, therefore, their already significant contributions to our economy and regional communities. We are proud to be associated with Lenovo and these incredible business leaders.