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<\/p>\nHow the CEO and Founder of SettleInn fosters a more inclusive and welcoming environment for newcomers<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He arrived in Canada at 28 years old, \u201cfull of ambition and faith. I didn\u2019t have any family or personal connections here \u2014 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Originally from Nigeria, he was drawn to Northern Ontario because of its peaceful atmosphere, warm community, and genuine opportunities for growth. \u201cWhen 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,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
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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.<\/p>\n
These experiences taught him compassion, community building, and the importance of having proper support systems in place \u2014 the same lessons that would become the foundation for the company he would go on to create.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t easy at the beginning. \u201cIt was tough navigating housing, transportation, and everything new,\u201d says Sam.<\/p>\n
What truly shaped him, though, was seeing other students struggle.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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\u2019s how SettleInn was born. I noticed a consistent need \u2014 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 \u2014 SettleInn Transport Inc., with our DriveU platform handling moving, transport, and intercity logistics.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cTheir mentorship and guidance played a major role in transforming SettleInn from an idea into a thriving, community-centered company,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSettleInn 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 \u2014 for everyone involved,\u201d says Sam.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cBut I realized that my true passion wasn\u2019t just in finance, it was in creating solutions that serve people directly,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
He is proud that he has built something that empowers others. \u201cEntrepreneurship gave me the space to connect purpose with action,\u201d says Sam.<\/p>\n
About SettleInn<\/p>\n
\u201cSettleInn is a community-driven relocation, housing, and transportation platform designed to make life easier for everyone,\u201d Sam explains.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a one-stop solution for anyone who is trying to move, settle, or relocate smoothly, whether they\u2019ve just arrived in Canada or are simply moving residences across town.<\/p>\n
They provide:<\/p>\n
\n\tAirport and intercity pickups through their DriveU platform
\n\tShort- and long-term housing support
\n\tLocal moving and delivery services, and
\n\tOrientation and settling-in assistance for students, families, and workers.
<\/p>\n
\u201cOur services are for everyone: newcomers, citizens, residents, and visitors.<\/p>\n
However, we always stay ready to help those in dire or stranded situations, such as newcomers, students, and tourists who urgently need assistance. That\u2019s the heart of our mission \u2014 to be there for people when they need it most,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
So far, the feedback he has received has been humbling. \u201cMany clients describe SettleInn as a \u2018lifesaver\u2019, 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,\u201d says Sam. \u201cCommunity partners and local leaders have also recognized our work, noting how SettleInn contributes to Sudbury\u2019s vision of being a welcoming and inclusive city.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
At SettleInn, we\u2019re always open to partnerships with schools and community organizations that share our vision: helping people settle, move, and succeed,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut there\u2019s still work to be done, especially around affordable housing and access to transportation. That\u2019s why SettleInn continues to expand \u2014 to keep bridging those gaps and making Sudbury even more welcoming.\u201d<\/p>\n
This journey isn\u2019t just about business for Sam; it\u2019s about faith, community, and purpose.<\/p>\n
While Sudbury is now home, his vision extends beyond the city. He plans to expand SettleInn\u2019s operations to Toronto, where demand for newcomer support is even greater, while keeping Sudbury as the company\u2019s headquarters.<\/p>\n
Says the Founder and CEO, \u201cSettleInn stands as proof that with the right mindset and compassion, even the smallest idea can grow into something that changes lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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