February is a time to honour and celebrate the rich diversity and accomplishments of Black people in Canada. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s painful history and the ongoing challenges Black Canadians continue to face, including systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination.
The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business is proud to highlight the inspiring reflections of our Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) students.
These students are making remarkable contributions as Black entrepreneurs, students, and professionals, and their stories exemplify the creativity, resilience, and innovation that drive progress in both their communities and industries.
We honour their unique journeys, shedding light on their invaluable work and the significance of Black history in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
Meet Chinazom Uwaoma
My name is Chinazom Uwaoma, I am a graduate student at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business at the University of Waterloo. I am the founder of ESOTE and the co-founder of Merge2Own, two startups with a strong focus on innovation and accessibility. ESOTE is a platform that connects tech students with startups, allowing businesses to recruit vetted talent from post-secondary institutions while providing students with valuable work experience. Merge2Own, on the other hand, is dedicated to lowering the barriers to homeownership through an online platform.
The most passionate aspect of my work is helping individuals achieve their goals through affordable and practical solutions.
Entrepreneurial Journey
My entrepreneurial journey began in Nigeria, where I successfully ran a fashion clothing business while a student at the university. This venture was essential in helping me cover my tuition fees, as student loans were not available in my country. This early experience instilled in me a deep passion for entrepreneurship
One of my biggest challenges when starting Merge2Own was finding affordable tech resources to build the initial MVP. This difficulty led to an "aha" moment, inspiring the creation of ESOTE as a solution to connect startups with skilled tech students. Through perseverance and innovation, I was able to navigate this challenge and turn it into an opportunity.
Innovation and Problem-Solving
ESOTE is bridging the talent gap for startups by leveraging skilled tech students, allowing startups to scale efficiently while providing students with valuable hands-on experience. Merge2Own, which is still in development, aims to create affordable pathways for underserved Canadians who aspire to become homeowners.
One of the most rewarding moments in my entrepreneurial journey was winning the Social Impact Award from GreenHouse for my first venture. This recognition reaffirmed the value of my work and motivated me to continue making a difference.
The Role of Black History and Culture
They say, "Black don’t crack!"— a phrase that embodies resilience. The entrepreneurial journey is long and challenging, but my cultural background has instilled in me the principles of tenacity and grit. My leadership style is deeply influenced by a saying from my Igbo heritage: "Igwe bu ike," which translates to "Community is strength." I believe that we are strengthened by the differences we bring, not by our commonalities; our commonalities are the tools by which we harness our differences for the greater good. Predicated on the premise that everyone has something to offer, anchored on the core values of respect, mutual trust, and integrity.
Representation is crucial in keeping the vision alive. Seeing successful individuals who look like me reminds me that my goals are attainable. If I can see it, I can pursue it. Representation fosters belief, determination, and inspiration for future generations.
Impact of MBET
The MBET program has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial journey. It has provided me with the skills, network, and ecosystem connections necessary to refine and improve my entrepreneurial capability. The program has encouraged me to explore the startup landscape with the right tools and to ask the right questions at every phase of my journey. The mentorship and guidance I have received through MBET have been invaluable in accelerating my ventures.
Looking Forward
In the next few years, I envision ESOTE becoming a leading hub for tech resourcing, collaboration, and creativity, not just within the Toronto-Waterloo corridor but across the broader Canadian startup ecosystem. Our goal is to bridge expertise and inspire the next generation of tech professionals.
For Merge2Own, our mission is to continue finding innovative ways to help underserved Canadians achieve their dream of homeownership. A 2023 Ipsos poll for Global News found that 63% of Canadians who do not own a home have "given up" on ever owning one. Merge2Own aims to help change this narrative.
Through my journey, I have learned three key lessons:
Embrace the journey, stay resilient, and trust that every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.
-Chinazom Uwaoma