How I built a $1 million a year business — Friday 15 May 2026Tuan Le was just 15 when his family left Vietnam for Toronto in 2015, carrying little more than hopes for a better life. Determined to ease his parents’ burdens, he promised to help them retire one day. A decade later, the now 25-year-old has kept that promise through ShortsCut, a social video production company that generates more than one million dollars in annual revenue. Operating from Canada, Le’s firm creates short-form content for brands seeking to reach younger audiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Le built the business from the ground up, starting with small freelance gigs before scaling into a full operation that serves clients across North America. His success reflects the growing demand for digital storytelling skills in today’s economy, where quick, engaging videos drive much of online commerce and marketing. Toronto’s vibrant immigrant communities and access to tech resources have provided fertile ground for such ventures, allowing newcomers like Le to turn creative ideas into sustainable enterprises. Today, Le covers his parents’ rent and living costs so they no longer work full time, fulfilling the commitment he made years ago. His story highlights how immigrant ambition, combined with Canada’s supportive environment for small businesses, can create opportunities that extend across generations. For audiences worldwide facing similar economic pressures, it underscores the potential of digital industries to deliver both personal stability and broader economic contributions.Watch the full video from CNBC below.