We’ve served entrepreneurs from ideation through start-up to growth. We welcome you to view our Member Journeys and learn more about the programs and services available at Canadian Imperial Advantage
We strive to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, support and advance underserved communities with honesty and integrity.
Canadian Imperial Advantage addresses the problem of accessing capital for your business by establishing a connection between your capital needs with those prepared to offer the capital. Importantly, Canadian Imperial Advantage helps business owners to access capital from a lender that will sustain his/her business and ensure growth. We are at the forefront of ensuring that small businesses get the right financing for their business.
As a former Commercial Banker and now the CEO of Kobotrade, a fintech platform
pioneering fee-free money transfers between Canada and Africa, I’ve always
recognized the value of professional advisory and a strong network.
What makes the Canadian Imperial team stand out is their practical, real-world
expertise. Unlike traditional advisors, the team are entrepreneurs themselves,
offering insights that are rooted in firsthand experience. Their guidance has been
incredibly valuable in the growth of our company, especially in navigating complex
decisions.
While I understood the value of a strong network in my professional career,
becoming a full-time entrepreneur made me realize how essential it is to have
advisors who’ve lived the entrepreneurial journey. Canadian Imperial Advantage
has been a key partner, and their belief in Kobotrade’s vision has been invaluable.
I’d encourage both new and experienced entrepreneurs to explore how Canadian
Imperial could support your business. Whether you’re just starting out, exploring
growth opportunities, or scaling a high-growth company, their team can make a
meaningful difference in your journey
Stepping into entrepreneurship felt like a distant goal—something I thought might
take years to accomplish. Baking has always been my passion and custom
decorating is my new found passion through my love of baking. Deola’s Delights
Celebration Cakes has been a very successful side business for many years. Until I
joined Her-Conomy, I didn’t see a path to turn my company into a full-time business.
The program opened my eyes to everything it takes to run a successful business
and step into full time entrepreneurship. From location selection to marketing,
accounting, and securing permits, I gained the skills and knowledge that gave me
the confidence to move forward. Now, I’m actively planning to open my first bakery
location.
One of the greatest gifts from HER-Conomy has been the incredible community.
Canadian Imperial Advantage, along with the network of women and mentors I’ve
met, has provided both encouragement and practical advice. They believe in me,
which made all the difference in believing in myself.
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: take the time to learn and plan.
Running your own business is a daunting step, but with the right support and
guidance, what feels impossible becomes achievable. Thanks to HER-Conomy, I’m
no longer dreaming—I’m building the business of my dreams.
I’ve always loved to cook, but I have never could imagined I would be the owner of a restaurant. So many questions and doubts fill your mind… “Where would we start? How would we get the capital? “How so we make it all happen?” Canadian Imperial Advantage was like the lighthouse leading the way. With their help and support, I’m now the co-owner of Café Caribbean, an award-winning Trinidadian restaurant, driven by passion, and set for expansion. Starting a business is one of the hardest things I’ve done, and without the people of Canadian Imperial working alongside of us, we may have given up or never had the courage to start. Canadian Imperial Advantage provided me more than business support. Yes, they helped me write a business plan, arrange financing, register for permits and licenses.
What mattered most, they lent me their belief. They believed in me more than I believed in myself, and they gave me encouragement to continue forward when I needed it most. I can’t say enough for the team and everything they’ve done for me. Owning a business is no small task. As a business owner, I now worked harder than I ever have. I truly love my life. Our customers absolutely love our food and we are set to open an ecommerce brand for our sauces and drinks because the demand has been so high. People tell us that they would have to travel 3000 miles to find doubles and sorrel as good as ours! I can’t tell you how much I love hearing that. I encourage you to call Canadian Imperial Advantage, even if you don’t know where to start. It’s not an exaggeration that my life has transformed since they came into my life. I dream a lot bigger now!
