How the CEO and Founder of SettleInn fosters a more inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers
Samuel Chimaobi Emeribe was once a newcomer to Sudbury and Canada, so he knows the struggles newcomers face, all too well. This is why he made it his mission to make the experience better for others.
He arrived in Canada at 28 years old, “full of ambition and faith. I didn’t have any family or personal connections here — just my determination to build a meaningful life and serve others. My focus was simple: to learn, grow, and leave a positive mark wherever I found myself,” he says.
Originally from Nigeria, he was drawn to Northern Ontario because of its peaceful atmosphere, warm community, and genuine opportunities for growth. “When I discovered Cambrian College, I immediately felt that it was a place where I could learn, grow, and give back. The college had a strong reputation for supporting international students and encouraging leadership,” he says.
In addition to his studies, he served as both a Student Governor and Student Ambassador, leading campus tours, welcoming new students, and helping them find their footing in a new environment.
These experiences taught him compassion, community building, and the importance of having proper support systems in place — the same lessons that would become the foundation for the company he would go on to create.
It wasn’t easy at the beginning. “It was tough navigating housing, transportation, and everything new,” says Sam.
What truly shaped him, though, was seeing other students struggle.
“As a student leader and ambassador at Cambrian, I met many newcomers who were stranded, confused, or taken advantage of when trying to settle in. Seeing those challenges up close was heartbreaking, but it also inspired me. I realized that if I could build something that made arrival and settlement easier for others, I could help turn their struggles into stories of success. That’s how SettleInn was born. I noticed a consistent need — students moving in and out every semester, struggling to find rides, moving help, or housing. I began helping informally, assisting students with moving their belongings, finding rides, and connecting to available housing. That small act of service grew into a structured system — SettleInn Transport Inc., with our DriveU platform handling moving, transport, and intercity logistics.”
He was fortunate to receive support from the Regional Business Centre, the City of Greater Sudbury, and several community organizations who saw his vision and encouraged Sam to bring it to life. “Their mentorship and guidance played a major role in transforming SettleInn from an idea into a thriving, community-centered company,” he says.
One of the biggest hurdles newcomers face is landlords and property owners. Many are hesitant to rent to international students because they lack Canadian references, credit history, or a rental record; they worry about potential issues with payments or property management. And on the other side of the equation, the newcomers often feel misunderstood or mistreated.
“SettleInn comes in as the bridge of trust. We verify tenants, communicate with landlords, and manage expectations on both sides. Our goal is to make renting easier, safer, and more transparent — for everyone involved,” says Sam.
Initially, he saw himself pursuing a full career in finance; he worked briefly with Scotiabank, passed his mortgage licensing exam, and trained as a financial advisor. “But I realized that my true passion wasn’t just in finance, it was in creating solutions that serve people directly,” he says.
He is proud that he has built something that empowers others. “Entrepreneurship gave me the space to connect purpose with action,” says Sam.
About SettleInn
“SettleInn is a community-driven relocation, housing, and transportation platform designed to make life easier for everyone,” Sam explains.
It’s a one-stop solution for anyone who is trying to move, settle, or relocate smoothly, whether they’ve just arrived in Canada or are simply moving residences across town.
They provide:
Airport and intercity pickups through their DriveU platform
Short- and long-term housing support
Local moving and delivery services, and
Orientation and settling-in assistance for students, families, and workers.
“Our services are for everyone: newcomers, citizens, residents, and visitors.
However, we always stay ready to help those in dire or stranded situations, such as newcomers, students, and tourists who urgently need assistance. That’s the heart of our mission — to be there for people when they need it most,” he says.
So far, the feedback he has received has been humbling. “Many clients describe SettleInn as a ‘lifesaver’, especially those who felt lost when they first arrived. Landlords and property owners now trust us as a dependable partner, while students and families see us as part of their journey, not just a service,” says Sam. “Community partners and local leaders have also recognized our work, noting how SettleInn contributes to Sudbury’s vision of being a welcoming and inclusive city.”
Sam has also noticed greater collaboration between schools, the City, and community organizations to make settlement easier. Initiatives from the City of Greater Sudbury, the Regional Business Centre, and the Local Immigration Partnership have made a huge difference, he says.
Like many newcomer entrepreneurs, he faced his share of obstacles, especially when it came to accessing funding. With government grants and financial programs largely restricted to Permanent Residents, his options were limited. Despite these challenges, Sam leveraged community resources and mentorship to navigate the startup landscape.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Regional Business Centre, The City of Greater Sudbury, and Cambrian College for believing in local entrepreneurs like me. Their support gave me the confidence to build SettleInn into a real community asset.
At SettleInn, we’re always open to partnerships with schools and community organizations that share our vision: helping people settle, move, and succeed,” he says.
“But there’s still work to be done, especially around affordable housing and access to transportation. That’s why SettleInn continues to expand — to keep bridging those gaps and making Sudbury even more welcoming.”
This journey isn’t just about business for Sam; it’s about faith, community, and purpose.
While Sudbury is now home, his vision extends beyond the city. He plans to expand SettleInn’s operations to Toronto, where demand for newcomer support is even greater, while keeping Sudbury as the company’s headquarters.
Says the Founder and CEO, “SettleInn stands as proof that with the right mindset and compassion, even the smallest idea can grow into something that changes lives.”
Greater Sudbury is a city that celebrates diversity, multiculturalism, and mutual respect for all of our citizens. The Sudbury Local Immigration Partnership fosters an inclusive, engaging and collaborative environment with local stakeholders to identify issues, share solutions, build capacity, and preserve collective memory for the purpose of ensuring the attraction, settlement, inclusion, and retention of newcomers in Greater Sudbury.
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