Founders Coffee: Priscila Calderon – Starting a business as an Immigrant

The Speaker 

Priscila Calderon is a Winnipeg-based entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the construction industry. She is the founder of Umina Flooring Solutions and Umina Building and Property Management Corp, specializing in polished concrete, epoxy coatings, and concrete restoration for commercial and industrial projects. She is also the founder of ServicesAndProducts.ca, an organization dedicated to supporting immigrants and local entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. Through a free business directory and educational content shared on social media, ServicesAndProducts.ca provides visibility, resources, and practical information to help small businesses succeed. Priscila serves as the Professional Development Director at Manitoba Women in Construction, where she supports leadership development and creates opportunities for women in the industry. She is also a co-author of the book Women Without Limits, published in Winnipeg last year, and is an active public speaker and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and equal opportunities. She is recognized for her strategic vision, community leadership, and commitment to building strong businesses while uplifting others in Manitoba.

The Talk

Umina Flooring Solutions started with small opportunities—projects as little as $2,000—and a big vision. From the beginning, the focus was simple: deliver quality work, learn fast, and build trust. Like many growing businesses, the journey wasn’t easy. Challenges such as hiring the right people, managing cash flow, and adapting to an evolving industry were part of the daily reality. What made the difference was the ability to adapt, stay resilient, and keep learning. We understood early that knowledge alone is not enough—building relationships and strong networks is just as important. Every project, every connection, and every lesson helped shape who we are today. In just four years, Umina Flooring Solutions grew from small jobs to reaching its first million in sales, while building a brand recognized for reliability and performance. Looking forward, our goal is to continue growing, expanding our impact in the industry, and proving that with consistency, adaptability, and strong connections, anything is possible.