Ontario Built

DSRT CO. is not your average chocolate business. At its core, the brand blends dessert concepts with art, creating chocolate and sweet treats that are just as visually striking as they are fun to eat. Founded by Summer Badawi, DSRT CO. has grown from a deeply personal creative pursuit into a business with a global audience—driven largely by social media and an unwavering commitment to creativity. “I’ve baked since I was a teenager,” Badawi says. “Making dessert for people always brought me a lot of joy, and I was always a creative person. Making creative food was the ideal combination for me.” Badawi is the sole owner of DSRT CO., and while entrepreneurship wasn’t always part of a clear plan, creativity always was. Before launching the business, she explored many different avenues—some adjacent to baking, others entirely separate. She holds a Master of Arts in political science and worked in immigration and employment services after graduating. Despite her qualifications, she struggled...

  In a time when human connection feels increasingly fractured by digital distractions, remote work, and fast-paced professional environments, one woman is working to rebuild those vital bonds—with intention, compassion, and lasting impact. WholeHearted, a social impact-driven event agency founded by Catherine "Cat" McGuire, is doing more than just planning events. It's creating experiences that matter. With a mission rooted in purpose and powered by empathy, WholeHearted helps organizations come together in ways that not only strengthen internal relationships but also extend meaningful support to their broader communities. Launched in 2021 and born from the turbulence of 2020, WholeHearted was founded at a time when the world was redefining work, connection, and the role of businesses in society. While many companies were scrambling to adapt, Cat McGuire saw a unique opportunity to bring people together in a way that was both innovative and deeply human. “I wanted to tak...

When Sara and Shanna were both diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic, they were thrust into one of life’s most difficult challenges at a young age—and in isolation. With hospitals enforcing visitor restrictions and social circles shrinking under lockdowns, their journeys through cancer treatment were marked not only by physical hardship, but also by an overwhelming sense of loneliness. But from that hardship, something beautiful began to bloom. Sara, a former primary school teacher, and Shanna, a registered nurse, met on Instagram. Their shared diagnosis— invasive ductal carcinoma —and mutual feelings of isolation sparked a powerful bond. They began meeting monthly, and during one of their casual catch-ups at a local pub, the idea for Bloom Club was born. They wondered: If we’re longing for connection, how many others are too? That question became the seed of Bloom Club—a grassroots charity dedicated to offering free, joy-focused adventures and activities for young self-id...

  Launched in the summer of 2023, Elizabeth Confections has quickly made a name for itself in Canada’s growing artisan treat scene. Specializing in small-batch, gluten-free delights, the business is the brainchild of Dale Elizabeth Robertson, a passionate foodie, trained pastry chef, and chocolatier who turned her dietary restrictions into a delicious opportunity. “We specialize in small batch treats and confections, all of which happen to be gluten free,” Dale explains. “We use high-quality ingredients and creative flavour combinations to offer something truly special for those with dietary restrictions.” From cookies and brownies to lollipops and handcrafted chocolates, Elizabeth Confections delivers indulgent moments to customers across Canada. Orders are placed online and shipped nationwide, with products also featured at local Ottawa markets, pop-ups, and through a growing network of retail partners spanning four provinces—an impressive milestone in under a year. The name El...

In a city brimming with culinary options, it’s rare to find something that feels both new and nostalgic. That’s exactly what BEAR Steak Sandwiches delivers. Born from a simple craving and a shared dream, BEAR is the brainchild of longtime friends and business partners Aki Erenberg and Ricardo Barrientos —two individuals who turned their personal passion into a full-fledged neighbourhood favourite. The origins of BEAR are as humble as they are heartfelt. In 2021, with the world in the thick of the pandemic, Aki and Ricardo decided to launch a backyard weekend pop-up. The idea was casual: create and serve the steak sandwich they had always wanted but could never quite find in Toronto. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a sensation. Word spread fast, and weekend after weekend, the duo sold out. “It was just meant to be something fun—something that brought people together during a time when everyone was feeling isolated,” recalls Aki. “But the response we got told us t...