Mastercard has announced the latest recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund, reinforcing its commitment to empowering small businesses across Canada. The Fund provides $10,000 CAD grants to 10 Canadian women small business owners, along with expert mentorship, community-building opportunities, and insights to help them scale their businesses.
Championing Small Business Success
Mastercard continues to support small businesses through initiatives like the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund, which highlights the vital role of small enterprises in strengthening Canada’s economy.
“The Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund empowers talented small business owners with resources and mentorship to help them succeed well into the future,” said Nishant Raina, Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard Canada. “More than just a financial grant, it’s a catalyst for growth and innovation, and an opportunity to showcase the future of small business in Canada.”
This year’s recipients come from diverse backgrounds and industries, spanning technology, wellness, healthcare, and sustainability. The 2025 cohort includes:
- Boco Boco (Montreal, QC): An eco-friendly online gourmet grocery store helping consumers make sustainable purchases. bocoboco.ca
- Bruized (Toronto, ON): A sustainable snack company upcycling surplus food into plant-based snacks to fight food waste. bruized.com
- Folds Wear Inc. (Calgary, AB): A clothing brand innovating in healthcare uniforms with sustainable, skin-friendly fabrics. foldswear.com
- ImaginAble Solutions (Hamilton, ON): A social impact company developing assistive technology for individuals with hand disabilities. imaginablesolutions.com
- Lesley Hampton (Toronto, ON): An inclusive luxury and Indigenous fashion brand championing diversity and empowerment. lesleyhampton.com
- Mahara Mindfulness (York, ON): Creators of The Human Being Journal, designed for mental wellness and personal growth. maharamindfulness.com
- Paintillio (Sechelt, BC): A company producing custom paint-by-numbers projects to foster creativity and community engagement. paintillio.com
- Remix Snacks (Vancouver, BC): A dietitian-led company crafting bean-based snacks while reducing food waste. remixsnacks.ca
- Shawish Market (Toronto, ON): A marketplace platform empowering Indigenous entrepreneurs by eliminating vendor fees. shawish.ca
- The Magpie Cakery (Toronto, ON): A collaborative community kitchen supporting local food businesses. themagpiecakery.com
Building Community and Mentorship
Recognizing that financial support is just one part of small business success, Mastercard ensures that mentorship and networking opportunities are integral to the Fund. Grant recipients will take part in a Priceless experience in Toronto, offering them the chance to connect with mentors, engage with Mastercard partners, and exchange valuable insights with fellow entrepreneurs.
“Initiatives like the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund help to bridge the gap in access to funding, which has historically been a significant barrier to success for women entrepreneurs,” said Julian Golden, Pier Five co-founder. “We’re proud to be part of this initiative with Mastercard that broadens access to funding and provides distinctive mentorship opportunities to this year’s cohort of deserving small business owners.”
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