We are driven by
one purpose:
Brewing greatness by providing opportunities for meaningful and productive employment to build life and employment skills for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.
Who We Are
Inspired by Ella, the daughter of our founder Paul Constance, we created Lil E Coffee Café as a place where everyone is accepted. Recognizing that over 75% of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 18-40 remain unemployed in Canada, Lil E was created to bridge this gap. Lil E aims to address these challenges through a structured training and employment program designed specifically for youth transitioning into adulthood.
Greatness starts with a belief that every person has what it takes to be great!
What Makes Us Different
Working at Lil E Café isn’t a “forever” job: it’s meant to give employees a jumping off point to continue their careers elsewhere using the skills they learn with us.
That’s why we work with corporate partners to provide our team members with long-term employment in companies across Canada and create a more inclusive, equitable workplace for all.
In the News
Lil E has been recognized by media nation-wide and we’re proud to share stories that highlight our amazing team and the impact on our communities.
January 15, 2024
Toronto coffee café provides meaningful employment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
August 11, 2023
Café trains people with developmental disabilities.
July 19 2023
CBC News – New Toronto café hires people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
June 27, 2022
As a part of The Ampersand renovation EllisDon’s Special Projects team completed in Calgary, Lil E Coffee Cafe stands out and makes the space unique.
February 19, 2021
New café operating on a non-profit business model.
February 8, 2021
New Calgary coffee shop breaking down barriers: ‘What makes us different makes us great’.
Our Board
Our board consists of passionate leaders from all walks of life, brought together by a commitment to inclusivity. They help guide our mission and ensure Lil E Coffee Café can continue to brew greatness.
Paul Constance
Founder & President of Lil E
Paul is President of Lloyd Sadd Insurance Brokerage Calgary and Partner in Navacord, along with committee member of Sinneave Family Foundation (a charity focused on improving education, employment and housing outcomes for autistic youth and adults). Paul is a member of EO and past chapter president of Entrepreneur Organization (EO) Calgary and a three-year board member. EO has over 11,000 members in 28 different countries.
Curtis Slater
Since 2018, Curtis has acted as the Executive Director of PREP (a school in Calgary where families who have a child with Down syndrome find expert advice and innovative services). Curtis is also a part time instructor at Rocky Mountain College on Sociology and Social Science Research. Prior to joining PREP, Curtis was a manager at Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research which helps individuals with disabilities gain employment.
Justin Pettigrew
Justin is a Partner with Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP. Since 2005 he has specialized at the firm in corporate finance, capital markets and M&A domestic and international. Justin is an experienced board member of both publicly-traded and private corporations.
Michael Kelly, CA, ICD.D
Michael is an executive with over 25 years’ experience in the energy industry for publicly-traded and private companies, domestic and international. Currently, Michael is CFO and Executive VP of Step Energy Services, Director & Chairman of Enersoft, Director of Interra Energy Services and President of Hogarth Ventures Ltd.
Brian Milne
Corporate Secretary
Brian is counsel with Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP and specializes in Canadian Tax and advising charitable and non-profit organizations. Brian is a Director for the Canadian Petroleum Tax Society and executive committee for tax – Canadian Bar Association (Alberta-South) and was President of Sled Island Music and Arts Festival.
Dan Amador
Sales Director – Wholesale Partnerships at Rosso Coffee Roasters
Dan is a community-minded sales leader with over 15 years of experience fostering growth and cultivating strong client relationships. Passionate about sustainability and personal development, he brings a “hospitality first” approach to every interaction. His favorite book is “Unreasonable Hospitality”.
Alison Popp
Ali’s passion for Lil E comes from wanting to help create employment paths and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Ali is a mom of two boys, Nico and Matty (who also happens to have Down syndrome), a long-time employee of Bain and Company, and an avid supporter of the Special Olympics Canada movement.
Scott Irwin
Scott is the President & CEO of Jones DesLaurier Insurance and a Partner at Navacord. A dedicated leader, he is also a board member and co-founder of Lil E’s Toronto location and an active member of YPO Canada East. Beyond his professional roles, Scott is passionate about giving back as a youth hockey coach and enjoys ice hockey, golf, reading and philanthropy.
Saawan Logan
Saawan is the founder and CEO of NORTH, Canada’s Rocky Mountain water. NORTH was born out of the desire to put Canada on the map for its high-quality glacial water while challenging the status quo of single use plastics. Prior to starting NORTH, Saawan worked in various commercial roles with large oil and gas companies in Alberta. Saawan is involved in the community and is always looking at taking on volunteer initiatives where she can make a difference.
Our Supporters
We feel privileged and humbled by the support we receive everyday from our community. We are especially grateful to the Lil E Roasters. These are our fabulous sponsors who have shown immense generosity in our endeavour of Brewing Greatness with personal or corporate donations.
