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ILEO: Storefront Starter Golden Mile

Storefront Starter Golden Mile, aims to support new and emerging retail business owners to build their business and contribute to a vibrant local retail environment in the Greater Golden Mile.

Storefront Starter Golden Mile logo

Meet the entrepreneurs participating in Storefront Starter Golden Mile

Meet the 11 aspiring entrepreneurs working on launching their business and contributing to a vibrant local retail environment in the Greater Golden Mile through the Storefront Starter Golden Mile Program!

Leo Mai,
Akai Organic

Leo Akai creator of Akai Organic
Owned and operated by Leo Mai, Akai Organic specializes in natural protein bar alternatives made with dates, chocolate and other plant-based ingredients. Available in a range of flavours, Leo’s products are a great source of protein for anyone on the go!

Brian Osoteo,
Couple Stripes

Brian Osoteo creator of Couple Stripes
Led by Scarborough-based Brian Osoteo, Couple Stripes is a unisex clothing brand inspired by hip hop and colour. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic look or a modern twist on streetwear, Couple Stripes has you covered this summer.

Kadaesha Lindsay,
Untainted Bath and Body Care

Untainted Bath and Body Care
As a mom looking to create safe and healthy bath products for her son’s sensitive skin, Kadaesha Lindsay launched her company with the goal of providing families with all-natural, non-toxic bath and body care products. Her line includes body butters, lotions, natural soaps, body scrubs, and hair and beard oils.

Maria Toquero,
Hot Like Mari

Maria Toquero creator of Hot Like Mari
Launched by Scarborough local, Maria Toquero, a.k.a. Mari, Hot Like Mari serves up home-made pepper sauces combining scotch bonnet peppers and green Thai chillies, and using a range of bases including pineapple and vinegar. Full of heat and with different flavour options, Mari invites you to ease into your spicy side this summer!

Nadia Ibrahim,
Wifey Collection

Nadia Ibrahim creator of The Wifey Collection
Stemming from her own experience as a Muslim woman seeking modesty and style, Nadia Ibrahim’s business specializes in hand-embroidered Kaftans, head wraps, jackets and skirts, mixing west African prints with Toronto fashion. With success selling online, she is hoping to reach wider audiences this summer at the ILEO Community Market.

Kristiana Musta,
Laboterra

Kristiana Musta creator of Laboterra
Applying her pharmaceutical background, Kristiana Musta launched Laboterra in 2021 to promote a cleaner way of living. Specializing in vegan, organic, and paraben and sulfate-free products, Laboterra offers bath bombs, soap bars and body butters ideal for sensitive skin and all sold in plastic-free packaging.

Peta-Gaye Harthan,
Rah Goddess

Peta-Gaye Harthan creator of Rah Goddess
Peta-Gaye Harthan launched her Scarborough business to meet the growing demand for natural skin-care products. Intentional about the ingredients in her beautiful hand-crafted soaps, Peta-Gaye is hoping to expand her customer base and build a community at the ILEO Community Market.

Tedora Nwobi
Chi Fancy Boutique

Kneshia Nwobi creator of Chi Fancy Boutique
Tedora Nwobi has been selling women’s apparel online since 2019, aiming to offer affordable and stylish options for women in Toronto and around the world. Believing that fashion is a form of self-expression, Tedora hopes her clothing encourages women to express their confidence.

Latanya Pinnock,
K and Q Empire

Latanya Pinnock creator of and Q Empire
Latanya Pinnock started K and Q Empire to offer natural skin and haircare products across the GTA. Having already created and tested her products with sampling, she is now ready to build her customer base at the ILEO Community Market.

Ruby Sheikh,
Firstbitecater

With previous experience operating catering businesses, Ruby Sheikh is now focused on serving her community, specifically aging residents looking for halal options. Firstbite offers deliciously fresh, high-quality, and100% halal food, including vegetarian options.

Ashriah de Matas,
Isle of Ashteroth

Ashriah de Matas creator of
Ashriah de Matas is debuting her business, Isle of Ashteroth, at the ILEO Community Market this summer, hoping to connect with customers and refine her business model. In both tea light and heart-shaped motive styles, Ashriah’s unscented, hand-poured beeswax candles make the perfect gift. 

What is the Storefront Starter Golden Mile Program?

Storefront Starter Golden Mile is a three-phase program of virtual skills development and real-life testing for new and aspiring business owners in the Greater Golden Mile. Delivered in partnership with Business in the Streets, the program includes coaching and mentorship from ILEO Leadership Table members, as well as access to start-up capital so that new and aspiring business owners are supported to build relationships, skills, confidence, and knowledge in a supportive environment.

Phase 1

Support to Launch
April to June 2022

  • Receive online training led by Business in the Streets for 8 weeks
  • Get coaching from industry leaders.

Phase 2

Test & Learn
July to September 2022

  • Test your business ideas and build a customer base during 11 weeks at the Community Marketplace hosted by RioCan.

Phase 3

Support to Scale
September to December 2022

  • Participate in an 8-week bootcamp led by Business in the Streets to support scaling your business
  • Access start-up capital.

The 8-week virtual business training will help aspiring business owners understand what it means to be an entrepreneur and what to do in order to validate their idea. Through the program, participants will receive:

  • Relevant and hands-on business training materials and tools
  • Peer mentorship for your specific business idea
  • Guidance on how to present your idea to business owners, guest speakers, and pitch competition judging panels
  • An ‘in-the-streets’ walkthrough that will give you a first-hand look into the art of doing business

After the training, participants will be able to test their ideas or products and build their customer base at the Community Marketplace hosted by RioCan this Summer in the Golden Mile.

In Fall 2022, participants will return to your business plan and participate in an eight-week Bootcamp to refine their model and prepare for scaling, working with coaches and advisors to incorporate a summer of learning as they identify next steps to success.
*Priority is given to candidates who live or are interested in setting up a business in the following postal codes/neighbourhoods:

Neighbourhoods

  • Golden Mile
  • Ionview
  • Victoria Village
  • Eglinton East
  • Kennedy Park
  • Flemingdon Park

Postal Codes (first three characters)

  • M4A
  • M3C
  • M1L
  • M1K
  • M1J

The Greater Golden Mile (GGM)

Map of the Greater Golden Mile Area
Eligible Postal Codes: M4A, M3C, M1L, M1K, M1J

ILEO Partners

RioCan REIT

The Daniels Corporation

BMO Financial Group

PwC Canada

ACCES Employment

City of Toronto – Entrepreneurship Services

Dentons