Spotlight on Entrepreneurial Success

Each of our Jumpstart clients has a unique story — professionally and personally — involving trials and tribulations, celebrations, and successes.
Our Spotlight on Entrepreneurial Success shines a light on how refugee entrepreneurs have accessed our services, and how this has ultimately uplifted them in their business journey. 

 

Brian Katte Tinong’s journey from Cameroon to Canada is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability, and a passion for creating positive change. Born on February 13, 1989, in the northwest region of Cameroon, Brian is not only a seasoned soccer coach with over nine years of experience but also a visionary sports administrator. Armed with qualifications from prestigious institutions like FIFA, UEFA, and the Coaching Association of Canada, he has always been dedicated to using sports as a tool for social change. His move to Canada in January 2023 marked a significant chapter in his life—one filled with challenges, opportunities, and remarkable personal and professional growth. 

A Leap of Faith: From China to Canada  

Before arriving in Canada, Brian spent time in China, pursuing his career in soccer coaching. However, the pull toward a better future brought him to Canada, a country where he believed he could protect, build, and enhance his career.  

As Brian reflects, “Canada has provided me with the opportunity to pursue these goals,” a sentiment that encapsulates the hope and optimism he brought with him.  

But like many newcomers, his transition to a new country was not without its difficulties.  

Overcoming Initial Challenges  

The biggest challenges Brian faced as a refugee in Canada were largely centered around cultural adjustment. Navigating a new culture, dealing with legal and administrative barriers, and understanding the societal differences were hurdles that he had to overcome. However, Brian’s approach was proactive. He sought professional help when needed, participated in community activities, and embraced the cultural differences that Canada had to offer.  

“Education and awareness played a huge role in my adjustment,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of being open to learning and adapting to new environments.  

Discovering Jumpstart: A Turning Point  

Brian first learned about Jumpstart through a government website while researching associations that help newcomers. Drawn by the organization’s talent programs, community involvement, and success stories, he became a client.  

“What motivated me to become a client was their services… I needed to make my CV in the Canadian style,” Brian recalled, recognizing that tailoring his résumé was just one step in the larger process of establishing himself in a new professional landscape.  

Jumpstart provided Brian with crucial support, helping him rebuild his CV and assigning him a mentor who guided him through the process of starting his own company. The mentorship, in particular, was transformative for Brian, giving him the confidence and knowledge, he needed to take the leap into entrepreneurship.  

Sports Culture Canada Association: A Visionary Project  

Brian’s passion for sports and his belief in its power to inspire, connect, and empower individuals became the foundation of his entrepreneurial journey. He founded the Sports Culture Canada Association (SCCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to using sports to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities, particularly the Black community, newcomers, and refugees.  

Brian’s vision for SCCA is ambitious but grounded in a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these communities.  

“Canada is a diverse country with a rich cultural landscape, but many communities still face significant barriers to inclusion and participation.” 

His goal was to leverage sports as a universal language to break down these barriers and promote social cohesion.  

Through SCCA, Brian and his team organize local sports events, provide training and mentorship, and collaborate with other organizations to address specific community challenges. These programs aim to promote physical and mental well-being while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among individuals who may otherwise feel marginalized.  

The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Opportunities  

Starting a non-profit organization as a newcomer in Canada was not an easy task. Brian faced several challenges, including navigating cultural and language barriers, building a network from scratch, and understanding the nuances of the Canadian market. Access to resources, particularly funding and mentorship, was another significant challenge. However, Brian’s resilience and adaptability helped him overcome these obstacles.  

His fresh perspective as a newcomer allowed him to bring innovative ideas to the table, and Canada’s commitment to diversity and inclusion provided him with a supportive environment in which to grow his business.  

“The challenges I faced as a newcomer helped me develop a strong sense of resilience and adaptability,” Brian explained, highlighting how these qualities became crucial assets in his entrepreneurial journey.  

Jumpstart’s Impact: Building Confidence and Community Integration  

Brian’s involvement with Jumpstart had a profound impact on his personal and professional growth. The programs offered by the organization helped him build confidence and develop new skills, while also providing a sense of community and support.  

“Jumpstart helped me feel more integrated into the community,” Brian shared, pointing out that the supportive environment allowed him to connect with others facing similar challenges.  

The mentorship he received from Jumpstart was particularly significant in helping him navigate the early stages of his business. It not only provided him with guidance but also helped him better understand the local business landscape, positioning him for long-term success.  

Giving Back to the Community  

Brian’s commitment to giving back to the community is at the heart of everything he does. Through SCCA, he has been able to create programs that directly benefit refugees, newcomers, and marginalized communities, using sports as a tool for empowerment. One of his proudest moments was organizing the second edition of the Cameroon Regional Tournament Montreal, a community event designed to foster integration and celebrate cultural diversity through soccer. The event brought together over 1,000 attendees from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of unity and inclusion.  

In addition to organizing events, Brian also focuses on mentorship, providing guidance to other refugees and newcomers who aspire to start their own businesses. His goal is to create opportunities for others, ensuring that they have the support they need to succeed in their new environment.  

A Vision for the Future  

Looking ahead, Brian has ambitious plans for both SCCA and Jumpstart. He aims to expand the reach and impact of his organization, scaling up programs to benefit a larger number of communities across Canada and potentially around the world. At the same time, he is committed to personal growth, continuously learning and developing his leadership skills to better serve his community.  

Ultimately, Brian’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of sports to bring about positive change. Through his work with SCCA, he is not only making a lasting impact on the lives of refugees and newcomers but also building a legacy of empowerment and community engagement.  

To learn more about SCCA, including how to sponsor or become a partner, please visit: Sports Culture Canada Association: Grow Your Vision | About Us