From an International Student to a Sustainability Entrepreneur: Jagtar Singh’s Journey

Jagtar Singh came to Canada to become an aerospace engineer. Instead, he found himself pulled toward a bigger question: what if businesses could succeed and make a meaningful impact?

The answer became The Green Clothing Company Inc (TGCC), a Brampton-based consultancy helping companies become greener, more socially responsible, and value-driven.

We had the chance to chat with Jagtar to hear how his journey through BHive’s Brampton NEXT program helped him to take his business forward.

Finding Purpose in Policy

The earliest spark for TGCC came during Jagtar’s time in student leadership, where he served as Vice President of his student association. That role opened a new door into governance, sustainability, and the global frameworks shaping our future. Sitting in those meetings and policy discussions, he began to see how conversations about climate and ethics had real, urgent implications for how organizations lead.

“I realized how intertwined environmental action and ethical leadership truly are,” he says.

Rather than simply learning about sustainability, Jagtar felt called to put it into action. 

TGCC’s offering reflects that: eco-friendly apparel solutions, ESG consulting, and custom sustainability‑driven uniforms — all designed for organizations looking to align their brand with values of people and planet.  What makes TGCC different is its holistic approach. It doesn’t just deliver eco‑friendly merchandise; it helps companies strategize their entire sustainability journey, from environmental impact assessments to long‑term ESG frameworks.

Building a Business

Starting TGCC was not straightforward. Like most first-time founders Jagtar had to navigate a steep learning curve. Incorporating a business, managing taxes, understanding regulatory and sustainability compliance standards. 

“Balancing a full-time job, personal responsibilities, and my new business meant long nights and very little rest,” he shares. “But like most entrepreneurs, I learned that discipline, consistency, and passion eventually turn those early struggles into lessons.”

Jagtar noticed that most sustainability initiatives were built for enterprise-level clients. Small and mid-sized businesses often didn’t know where to begin and lacked access to tailored, affordable solutions. That gap inspired TGCC’s latest development: an AI-powered platform to help businesses of all sizes track, measure, and improve their environmental performance without complexity or cost barriers.

Why Brampton NEXT was the right fit

Jagtar learned about the Brampton NEXT program through his community. 

“The program offered exactly what I needed — structure, guidance, and networking opportunities — all within a city that’s quickly becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.” he says. “It connected [me] to the right resources at the right time, making complex steps easier to navigate.”

But beyond the technical support, it was the people that really stood out.

“Entrepreneurship can be lonely at first[…] but meeting other founders who are on similar paths changed everything. We learned from each other, supported each other, and eventually became friends.”

Reflecting on his experience he says, “It’s about the wisdom shared, the opportunities created, and the impact you make together. Here’s to building meaningful relationships, learning from greatness, and being inspired to make a difference”.

Jagtar receiving a certificate of completion.

Looking Ahead: Leading Through Innovation

Jagtar hopes to see the company evolve into a national voice for sustainable business, one that collaborates with government and industry to redesign how companies think about impact.

“We don’t want companies to adopt sustainability out of obligation,” he says. “We want them to see it as a natural part of growth and innovation.”

One of the most defining moments in Jagtar’s entrepreneurial journey came recently, when he was invited to represent Canada at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. As part of the Canadian delegation, he contributed to drafting sustainability-focused policy recommendations—later presented to world leaders at the G20 Summit for consideration and implementation across member nations. The experience marked a milestone in connecting his and TGCC’s work with global impact.

“It was inspiring to meet young leaders from all over the world who share the same vision of using entrepreneurship to solve global problems,” he says.

That experience left a mark and was a reminder that growth happens when you leave your comfort zone, connect with others, and let big ideas take root.

To founders who are hoping to build and scale their dreams, Jagtar says “Stay grounded. Work hard. Don’t give up. That’s been the foundation of my journey.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Jagtar’s story is a reminder that big impact often starts with a single idea and the right support system. Whether you’re building in sustainability, tech, or any other sector, Brampton NEXT offers the mentorship, resources, and community to help you grow.

Apply to join the next cohort today.