Uplinq, a Toronto-based fintech startup, has unveiled Word on the Street, a new video series spotlighting the real-life experiences of small business owners around the world.
The series features candid conversations between Uplinq’s leaders and entrepreneurs from India, Brazil, Canada, the U.S., Hong Kong, the U.K., and beyond, shedding light on the challenges of running a business—particularly in securing affordable credit.
Uplinq, founded in 2021 by Ron Benegbi and Patrick Reily, specializes in AI-driven credit scoring and risk assessment for small business lenders. Its platform analyzes over 10,000 data sources across 150+ countries, providing real-time insights to help lenders expand credit access—especially for underserved businesses.
Recognized by Fintech.ca as one of 10 Canadian fintech startups to watch in 2025, Uplinq’s latest initiative aims to further its mission of improving financial accessibility.
“These groundbreaking video interviews are unlike any other content in the market today,” said Benegbi, Uplinq’s CEO. “By sharing these conversations, we hope to illuminate the challenges small business owners face and encourage financial institutions to broaden their lending operations.”
The series’ first interviews include Sunan Spriggs, founder of Canada-based womenswear retailer CityLux Boutique. Spriggs highlights frustrations with traditional lending models:
“[Banks] should be looking at how the business is doing, not just personal credit… Not once did the bank ask me, ‘Can I see your cash flow?’ or ‘Can I see how much revenue you’re doing?’”
Uplinq’s technology aims to address these concerns by helping lenders approve loans that would otherwise be declined under traditional underwriting criteria. By leveraging environmental, community, and market data, the platform provides a clearer financial picture of small businesses, allowing banks to manage risks while expanding credit access.
Word on the Street will continue releasing interviews with business owners from diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, and manufacturing, amplifying their voices and experiences in the global marketplace.
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