Explore every episode of the podcast Small Business Big Impact

Turning passion into a thriving business isn’t easy. How do entrepreneurs push through challenges and build something meaningful?

Welcome to Small Business, Big Impact, hosted by Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union. Each episode uncovers the real stories of Ontario's small business owners, exploring their unexpected challenges, lessons learned, and hard-won successes. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling an established one, get inspired by insights from those who’ve been there.

Visit Meridian at: meridiancu.ca

What if donuts could do more than just satisfy a sweet tooth- they could also create brighter futures? 

In this debut episode of Small Business, Big Impact, host Jay-Ann Gilfoy, CEO of Meridian Credit Union, sits down with Melanie Cote founder of Do Good Donuts, a social enterprise that’s sprinkling hope and opportunity for young adults with developmental disabilities. Inspired by her daughter Alma, Melanie shares how she went from rolling dough in a church basement to tackling the challenges of scaling a purpose-driven business. This episode dives into the sweet spot between passion and purpose, and why creating inclusive workplaces is always a recipe for success. 

Key Takeaways:

• How personal experiences can fuel entrepreneurial ideas.
• The challenges of starting a social enterprise in a limited-capacity setting.
• Insights into choosing between nonprofit and for-profit business models.
• Why creating inclusive workplaces benefits both employees and employers.

Do Good Donuts: dogooddonuts.org

Visit Meridian at: meridiancu.ca