Dream to start radio station realized with support from Ontario newcomer program in Mississauga [Video]

A newcomer to Ontario is launching a Ukrainian language radio station thanks to a Mississauga-based program.

Etobicoke resident Anastasiia Hemdan won first place in the Syrian Canadian Foundation’s N.E.W. Venture program for her pitch to start the radio station.

Soniahy FM, named after sunflowers, will broadcast news from Canada and the Ukraine, play contemporary music and cover topics relevant to the Ukrainian community in the GTA.

N.E.W Venture is a six-month intensive program that offers participants the opportunity to develop their business idea into a viable business. The program aims to advance economic independence and social inclusion through entrepreneurship training and skills development, said Marwa Khobieh, executive director for the Syrian Canadian Foundation.

Hemdan, her husband and two children moved to the GTA in 2022 after the war …