Immigrants are Brewing Good Things in Our Local Economy

Christina is a past program graduate, micro-loan recipient and community builder. When Christina arrived in Canada, she brought with her an entrepreneurial spirit, and a dream of building something meaningful. Like many immigrants, Christina’s journey wasn't always easy, but with access to community support, training, and financing, she was able to transform her idea of starting a brewery into a reality.

In 2020, Christina received a $9,000 Momentum micro business loan, along with training and mentorship to launch Xhale Brew Co. That investment generated more than $165,000 in revenue, created jobs, strengthened Calgary’s local economy and demonstrated the powerful return that community investments can have. Recently, Christina was recognized for her commitment to business excellence and community impact and received the Social Impact Business Award at the 2026 Calgary Awards.

Since its founding, Xhale Brew Co. has donated nearly $20,000 to community organizations, supporting initiatives related to poverty reduction, climate action, drug toxicity awareness, and accessibility in sport. This story serves as an important reminder: immigrants like Christina are brewing more than just beer, they are helping build Alberta's future .

At Momentum, we work with Calgarians living on lower incomes to train for a good job, start their own business, and learn to manage their money and save. We know that our programs alone cannot solve poverty and have witnessed how stability and support are necessary for people to build stronger futures and contribute meaningfully to Alberta and Canada’s economy.

In the past year, Momentum worked with over 2,400 newcomers and immigrants. For many of Momentum’s participants, access to government supports is essential for survival, and to move towards long-term success.

We see every day how access to public services, community supports, and opportunity creates stability for people as they establish themselves, contribute their talents, and strengthen our economy, all of which are at risk for some immigrants with the upcoming October 19th Alberta referendum. 

To learn more about the upcoming referendum and how you can vote check out the following resources:

• Elections Alberta Referendum questions
• Nonprofit Chamber: Before You Vote, What is a Referendum
• Nonprofit Chamber: Before you Vote, the Separation Question