Brewing Community, One Connection at a Time

This fall, I had the chance to reconnect with someone who reminds me why Momentum’s work matters so deeply: Christina Owczarek, founder of XhAle Brew Co. Christina is a graduate of a Momentum business training program, and a recipient of a Momentum micro business loan. She’s also someone I’m proud to cheer for—not only because her award‑winning See Ya Next Tuesday Aussie‑style C‑olsch happens to be one of my favorite craft beers —but because of the thoughtful, values‑driven way she has built her business.

Christina launched XhAle in 2020 as Alberta’s first all‑female queer‑founded and operated craft brewing company. From day one, she was clear that she wanted to brew more than great beer, she wanted to brew community. Christina worked several gig jobs as she struggled to make ends meet but hustled to get her business off the ground. Despite many challenges, Christina has made an impact. To date, XhAle has donated over $6,000 to support free grassroots sports in Calgary. This year proceeds from their Queen Bee Honey Blond also helped support Momentum.

Back in the start-up days of XhAle, Christina received a $9,000 Momentum micro business loan to launch See Ya Next Tuesday. With that micro loan, XhAle generated over $165,000 in revenue. Numbers like these matter—not because revenue is the only indicator of success, but because they reflect what becomes possible when determined entrepreneurs get access to the right training, support, and financing.

This fall gave me two meaningful opportunities to connect with Christina. The first was at Social Venture Institute (SVI) Alberta, which Momentum hosted at Métis Crossing in October. SVI brought together more than 75 business and non‑profit leaders who are committed to building social impact into the heart of their work. Collectively, these leaders employ hundreds of people—many of them providing living‑wage jobs—and are shaping a local economy grounded in dignity and opportunity. For both Christina and me, attending SVI Alberta was a reminder that social entrepreneurship isn’t just an idea—it’s happening here, and it’s happening now. A little personal highlight from Christina and I connecting at SVI Alberta was that she shared with me the hidden meaning behind the name of See Ya Next Tuesday in a conversation over lunch.

Later in the fall, several Momentum staff and I had the joy of celebrating with Christina as she made the final payment on her Momentum micro loan—a milestone that marks not just a financial accomplishment, but also Christina’s growth and resilience.

It is powerful to have Christina as part of Momentum’s community—as a graduate and a business leader whose values align so closely with our mission of creating a thriving local economy for all. XhAle Brew Co. is proof of what can happen when local entrepreneurs are supported, believed in, and equipped to bring their vision to life.

So, cheers to Christina, to XhAle, and to all the Momentum graduates who continue building stronger communities—one bold business at a time.

Read about other participants' journeys, or learn more about our programs here.