Modern Business Profile: Mississauga's Scooty
IDEA Mississauga and Modern Mississauga Media present a series of local business profiles, in which each business has participated in the IDEA Mississauga Step-Up Program.
In conversation with Shoaib Ahmed, Founder & CEO of Scooty.
What does Scooty specifically do?
SCOOTY is a Mobility-as-a-Service Company that helps people move short distances using small electric vehicles; this service is known as micromobility.
How long has the business been in operation?
Since September 2019.
What inspired this business?
We started SCOOTY as an alternative to driving, to encourage people to use micromobility for local short-distance trips. Driving when unnecessary is a major source of congestion and pollution. Using clean, green, electric micromobility is a major step forward in our commitment to addressing climate change.
SCOOTY helps cities offer multimodal transportation options that will seamlessly connect residents and commuters between their first, middle, and last mile commutes.
What makes your business stand out?
SCOOTY's mission is to help the busiest and fastest growing cities in Canada reduce congestion, support climate change mitigation, and replace short-distance car trips with 100% emission-free commuting. As a Mississauga-based, BIPOC-owned company started by immigrants to Canada, we know how important it is to create opportunities for everyone. That’s why SCOOTY’s goals are to use micromobility to create good local jobs, develop community benefits, increase economic activity, support small businesses, and connect people to their communities.
How has IDEA Mississauga impacted your business?
IDEA Mississauga has been a huge supporter of our work in Mississauga and Peel Region. They understood immediately that economic development is a very important component benefit of micromobility. They also understood the value of having more people being better connected to the community, and the positive benefits to Mississauga residents, visitors, workers, and businesses.
What succinct advice would you give aspirational business owners?
The City of Mississauga is a great supporter of local businesses and a great place to create, sustain a business. Do not hesitate to ask for support from the City through Economic Development, the Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre and IDEA Mississauga. They have a great enthusiasm for small businesses and supporting small businesses, which provides a lot of energy and confidence for small business owners.
What are the business’ goals for 2023?
SCOOTY will begin our e-Scooter operations in Brampton in Spring 2023. We are looking forward to expanding to other markets in the Greater Toronto Area. Stay tuned to www.ridescooty.com and our social media @ridescooty (Twitter, Instagram) for exciting news to come!