Zensurance Business Grant Winner 2025: Demex Cakes

Zensurance is pleased to announce Demex Cakes in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is the winner of our second $10,000 Small Business Grant in 2025.

Adeola Meseko is the founder and owner of Demex Cakes. What started as a spark of inspiration at a celebration after she earned a degree has since grown into a thriving bakery. 

But her entrepreneurial journey began in her native Nigeria. In 2022, when she and her family moved to Canada, Meseko brought her baking tools with her, determined to start again.

“From baking in a small two-bedroom apartment kitchen to volunteering my time to train teenagers in baking skills, Demex Cakes has always been about more than just cakes – it’s about giving back, empowering others, and spreading joy,” she said.

Earlier this year, her hard work enabled her to establish a dedicated bakery space. Now she can comfortably deliver larger orders without compromising on quality. However, that’s not where Meseko’s dedication ends – she teaches an online baking course to eager students worldwide and is a mentor to over 200 female bakers in a WhatsApp group called Nigerian Canadian Bakers.

“I already reach students outside Saskatoon and across the globe, teaching them recipes and skills to build their own baking dreams,” she said. “Our customers and students come from every background – immigrants, long-time Canadians, and individuals aged 20 to 65 years.”

She said the $10,000 grant from Zensurance will enable Demex Cakes to automate and upgrade its equipment – an industrial doughnut maker, mixers, utensils, dishware, and other items – and provide materials to support the students in her training classes.

“These upgrades will strengthen our production capacity, improve efficiency, and allow us to serve larger orders and events,” she explained. “This grant is not just helping us expand – it’s fuelling our vision to become a household name in baking, events, mentoring and training across Canada.”

When asked about her views on protecting her business with business insurance, Meskeo said every small business faces risks. From damaged equipment to accidents at events or unexpected liabilities, a single incident could disrupt operations and significantly set you back.

“Business insurance provides the peace of mind that no matter what challenges arise, your business can recover and continue serving customers,” she said. “For Demex Cakes, it means protecting not only our bakery equipment and supplies, but also the trust we’ve built with our customers. It allows us to focus on creativity, expansion, and community impact, knowing that we are protected.”

We also asked what advice she has for other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Meseko said to know your numbers and never stop improving your skills.

“Passion is important, but growth only happens when you keep accurate records of your sales, expenses, and profits. You don’t need complicated systems – simple tools like Zoho Invoice (which I use), Wave, or QuickBooks all have free versions that make record-keeping easy,” she advised. “Alongside that, invest in continuous improvement, whether by sharpening your craft, upgrading customer experience, or learning new strategies. Staying financially organized and committed to growth creates a strong foundation for long-term success.”

Words of Wisdom From Our 2025 $1,000 Grant Winners

Zensurance also awarded $1,000 to our other top five finalists, chosen from thousands of grant applications we received.

Zensurance is honoured to support these hardworking business owners as they continue to expand and contribute to their communities. Each of our $1,000 grant recipients were asked the following two questions:

1. What is one piece of advice you have for other Canadian small business owners or self-employed professionals?

2. Why is it important to have business insurance to protect your company?

Here’s what they had to say:

Saijah (Jah) Reid wanted to do something different from establishing a hairstyling and beauty salon. She founded Woe Lotta Hair as a mobile beauty salon to make Black hair care accessible, dignified, and dependable for seniors, people with mobility challenges, and survivors of violence.

It’s an inspiring story born of tragedy. After surviving a near-fatal car accident that left her with serious injuries, Reid found herself a single mother of three children with no choice but to start over. 

“In that moment of crisis, I reimagined what Woe Lotta Hair could be – not just a business, but a lifeline.”

What began as a survival mechanism evolved into a mission-driven, tech-powered platform that connects stylists with clients, providing them with the opportunity to help restore their clients’ dignity through care and bring healing and a sense of calm where it’s needed most.

Reid and her team’s impact goes well beyond styling. Through its nonprofit, Woe Lotta Heart, they offer free mobile hair services and culturally affirming hair care workshops in shelters, hospitals, and foster homes. 

“For many of our clients, it’s not ‘just hair’, it’s the first time they’ve been seen, valued, or touched with care in a long time,” she noted.

Her advice to other business owners and entrepreneurs is to stay consistent and trust the process.

“When you’re self-employed, there are going to be ups and downs. Some weeks are slow, some are overwhelming, but if you keep showing up, keep building your systems, and keep delivering quality, people will notice,” she said. “It’s not just about talent, it’s about building relationships, creating trust with your clients, and making sure your brand stands for something real. Don’t give up when it feels heavy, because the consistency pays off in ways you don’t always see right away.”

Business insurance protection is a vital part of safeguarding her company’s financial health, she added.

“As a mobile hairstylist, I’m travelling to different homes, hospitals, and community spaces to provide services. Anything can happen on the road or during an appointment,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting the people who trust you with their care and making sure your business is sustainable long-term.”

Connor Laskowski must have been born to be an entrepreneur. He founded A Cut Above Yard Services at the young age of 13! Now approaching his 18th birthday, Laskowski reflected on his impressive entrepreneurial journey.

“Starting a business at the age of 13 brings challenges most entrepreneurs never face, but it also creates opportunities most kids never get,” he said. “A Cut Above began when I was in grade seven. I hopped on my bike and distributed flyers around Guelph to see if I could make money mowing lawns.” 

By grade nine, he had a few clients and was slowly but surely growing his business. But there were more obstacles to overcome, including transportation. Undeterred, he cold-called Wike Inc., a local bicycle trailer manufacturer, to ask if they’d donate a bike trailer to him to use to cart around his lawn mower and equipment. Wike offered him a deal: mow their lawn all summer long, and the bike trailer was his.

A couple of years later, and with Laskowski nearing high school graduation, A Cut Above now serves more than 40 clients weekly. Laskowski can’t do it all himself, so he employs a team of high school students to help each summer.

“We’ve built a strong local reputation based on reliability, clean results, and exceptional customer service. These are the things that help us stand out in an industry where that’s not always a given,” he said. “Our commitment to quality is reflected in over 40 five-star Google Reviews, showing the trust and satisfaction of our clients.”

Each year, he reinvests his company’s earnings to upgrade equipment, improve the company’s website, and expand A Cut Above’s services to include fertilization and aeration.

“Our dedication extends beyond our services; we believe in giving back to the community that supports us,” he said. “We’ve contributed to Relay For Life and are currently seeking a local hockey team to sponsor.”

His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to be fearless and start their businesses, even if everything isn’t perfect.

“When I launched A Cut Above, I knew absolutely nothing about the lawn care and landscaping industry,” he admitted. “But I learned quickly through doing the work, listening to customers, talking to mentors, and a whole lot of Googling.”

The astute young entrepreneur also understands the importance of having business insurance to protect his company’s assets.

“When I first started my lawn care business, I didn’t have coverage, but I quickly realized that one small mistake could completely wipe out everything I was building – especially in an industry where I work with spinning blades and heavy equipment,” he said. “The peace of mind is worth it. For me, knowing my business is protected allows me to focus on my customers and growth rather than worrying about potential issues. 

“Zensurance made it very easy to get set up. It only took a few clicks online, and that gave me the confidence to keep moving forward.”

Jona Sparvier, the founder and creator behind T&T Dreamcatchers, knows the value of self-care and resilience intimately. 

After losing her father in 2015, her life took a turn for the worse, and she endured many hardships. To deal with her loss, she turned to weaving dreamcatchers to find inner peace. 

Before long, people started to ask if they could purchase her unique creations. That led to her founding her business, and turning pain into purpose and passion.

“I never planned on starting a business, but the business found me,” she said. “I don’t sell traditional dreamcatchers for profit out of respect for cultural teachings. Instead, I create my own modern interpretations while honouring where the dreamcatcher comes from; the impact has been powerful.”

Her advice to other business owners is to avoid neglecting themselves and prioritize self-care.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is how important it is to take breaks and manage your time. When you’re running a business on your own, it’s so easy to get stuck in that mindset of ‘everything has to be done right now’,” she said. “But that only leads to burnout, stress, and sleepless nights. 

“The truth is, stepping back doesn’t mean you’re falling behind – it gives you the space to recharge, think clearly, and come back stronger. Time management and self-care aren’t optional; they’re what keep you and your business going for the long run.”

Concerning business insurance, she said it helps protect what you’ve worked so hard to build without fear of losing it all. 

“Owning a business means pouring your heart, time, and money into something you believe in. That’s why protecting it matters so much. No matter how careful you are, things can happen – accidents, damages, or unexpected costs could wipe out everything you’ve worked for,” she warned. “Having insurance isn’t just about covering losses. It means you can focus on building, creating, and serving your customers without living in constant fear that one setback could undo it all.”

Elora Barnes founded Made for Me Marketplace initially as an artisan pop-up market in 2022. It has since evolved into a dedicated retail store showcasing local and Ontario-based curators’ and makers’ handmade crafts, clothing, jewellery, and beauty products. 

The store also serves as a vibrant hub for creators and makers to participate in workshops, learning seminars, and events.

“Made for Me Marketplace strives to be more than just a store. We aim to be a movement to empower and uplift local creators, many of whom are new Canadians, women, or first-time entrepreneurs,” she explained. “By supporting Made for Me, our customers are directly impacting the growth of countless other small Canadian brands.”

Made for Me Marketplace lives its mission and vision. Having worked with hundreds of emerging brands, the organization provides them with a valuable platform to connect with the community and jumpstart their business journeys.

Barnes’s advice for other aspiring business owners is to be prepared to pivot. 

“Trends shift, customer needs evolve, and sometimes an idea you were excited about doesn’t land the way you thought it would,” she said. “Having the courage to recognize what’s not working and adjust your approach not only keeps your business resilient, but can also lead to creative opportunities you might not have discovered otherwise.”

She also recognizes the value of insuring her business’s operations to safeguard against unexpected incidents and accidents.

“For a shop like ours – where we showcase handcrafted goods from local makers and welcome guests into our space for events – business insurance provides real peace of mind,” she said. “Thankfully, we haven’t had to deal with accidents, damages or major disruptions, but it sure feels good knowing we’re covered if we ever did! Having that protection in place allows us to focus on supporting local artisans, creating memorable experiences, and building community.”

Christina Wong is on a mission to help others grow and succeed. Despite having a successful career in the corporate world, she quit her job and founded Employ to Empower in 2018.

The charitable organization is dedicated to empowering upstart entrepreneurs who have experienced systemic barriers due to disability, health challenges, and addiction recovery.

“I was always curious about why some people slept on the streets (in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside) while I had a home. Answers from my parents and teachers didn’t quite satisfy me, so at the age of 14, I started volunteering in the Downtown Eastside to find my own answers,” she said. “It was through my involvement in this community for the past 18 years that I realized that everybody has dreams, strengths, and talents; some people just need an opportunity to unlock their full potential.”

Since launching Employ to Empower, Wong said over 400 entrepreneurs have participated in the organization’s training and community support programs, gaining critical skills in market research, financial literacy, and business planning from experienced facilitators.

“Many graduates return as guest speakers and peer mentors for the next generation, creating a thriving, compassionate community of practice,” she said. “We believe building a business should be an option for everyone – not a privilege reserved for the few. Our vision is a self-sustaining, inclusive community where people harness their strengths, support one another, and contribute to economic growth and prosperity.”

Her advice for business owners and entrepreneurs is to lead with humility.

“Know what we know, recognize what we don’t, and embrace the reality that there are things we don’t even know we don’t know,” she said. “Approaching business this way has allowed me to thrive in my strengths while staying open to continuous improvement.”

She notes that business insurance is vital for any startup or organization.

“Plot twists are inevitable in business,” she said. “In those moments of uncertainty, having insurance provides peace of mind and a solid anchor of support, so you can focus on moving forward instead of being held back by the unexpected.”

Congratulations to all of the Zensurance Small Business Grant 2025 winners!

Our previous $10,000 grant winners include SnuggleTooth Mobile Smile Clinic in St. John’s, Newfoundland, earlier this year, the Down East Dance Academy in Montague, P.E.I., in 2024, and Ottawa-based Malarctic Design + Builds in 2023.

The Zensurance Small Business Grant will be back.

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