In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenia was forced to close her beauty bar business in Toronto due to health and safety concerns. With a background in finance and business, Kenia knew she wanted to start another small business, but she was wary about what kind of business and services she would offer. "When I moved [to St. Thomas] in 2022, I wanted to have a different type of business," Kenia explained. "I was looking for something that if another pandemic happened, the business would still thrive." Kenia grew up being her grandmother's caregiver (and she still is today); helping her with cleaning, cooking, and other household tasks. "My grandmother was always telling me that I did a really good job because I would have more attention to detail with the way I'd clean," Kenia said with a smile. "She told me this could be a business idea. And we would joke around and call it something like 'Ken's Clean and Go', because I would come and clean then go home".  After moving to St. Thomas, Kenia revisited her potential business ideas, and the cleaning company popped back up in her mind. "I thought back to that moment when I was helping my grandmother when I was like 10," said Kenia. "I thought ok, this cleaning thing could actually work, I just have to make sure I create my business plan properly." 

In today’s business world, sustainability is no longer just a trend—it’s a powerful strategy that can drive growth, boost brand loyalty, and even reduce costs for small businesses. Implementing sustainable practices doesn’t always mean big investments or complex overhauls. Here’s how embracing sustainability can benefit your small business and help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Why Every Small Business Owner Should Start with a Minimum Viable Income 
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, launching a business is fueled by passion, purpose, and the dream of independence. But somewhere between that dream and sustainability lies a crucial but often overlooked concept: the Minimum Viable Income (MVI). 
Just as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) helps test and validate a product idea with minimal resources, Minimum Viable Income is the baseline monthly income a business owner needs to cover personal and essential business expenses. Understanding and building toward your MVI early on is a strategic move that can determine whether your business survives—and thrives. 

Comfort food goes deeper than just providing the bare essential calories to survive - it can provide emotional and physical comfort, connect us to our family roots, and build communities and relationships. Comfort food is made with love, care, tradition, and time. But what if you can't find the foods that feel like what your grandmother would make, and bring back those warm family memories? For Marian, her sister, and their families of Balkan Girls Grill, the answer to this was a no brainer - you make those cherished family recipes and share them with your local communities.