Federal Government
The Black Entrepreneurship Program from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada was announced last fall. We want to highlight the one program available soon and the several that are closed.
Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a partnership between the Government, Black-led business organizations, and several financial institutions. It will provide loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country. Detailed information will be announced soon by the government.
Programs closed as of this writing:
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Social Development Partnerships Program – Supporting Black Canadian Communities Call for Proposals (closed July 31, 2020)
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National Ecosystem Fund (closed December 21, 2020)
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Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (closed January 18, 2021)
We mention the closed programs in case people want to learn more about how diversity is evolving and as a way for people to connect with their member of parliament representative. We believe that knowledge is power, and open two-way respectful dialogue is power too.
In the meantime, there are encouraging progress towards black led businesses and community through the government’s consultation summary report.
Financial Institutions
You might already be working with a financial institution or seeking one out. There is likely a chance they have programs for our diverse communities.
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): Actions Against Systemic Racism
Scotiabank: support organizations fighting racial discrimination
Bank of Montreal (BMO): BMO for Black and Latinx Businesses
Vancity Credit Union: Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Talk to your bank’s account manager as there are likely programs for black and people of color.
Regional
We are fortunate to be able to connect with the following organizations and the people who lead them.
Black Business Association of BC
Our mission is to develop your leadership skills. From managers in the private and public sector, to entrepreneurs, and small business owners, we have something for you. Through a diversified selection of training materials, courses, and resources, pick and choose what you need to develop your skill set. Make an investment in yourself.
Services to highlight:
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and many more programs on the website
Location: Surrey, BC V3W 0M6
Contact: Nerissa Allen, Founder & President at info@blackbusinessbc.ca
Black Women Connect Vancouver is a collective of women who come together to inspire, empower, leverage our strengths and embrace our diverse experiences. It’s a community where black women in Vancouver can build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the beauty of Black womanhood.
Programs and Events to highlight:
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and many events: Women in Leadership, Holiday Party, Pitch Better (how to pitch your business), Self Care for Black women, Mental Health & Black Women, Financial Literacy and Wealth for Women, and Networking Events
Location: Vancouver and surrounding areas
Contact: Nataizya Mukwavi, Founder at blackwomenconnectvancouver@gmail.com
Purpose Coaching Grant
We are pleased to launch an annual Purpose Advisory Grant for Black Entrepreneurs. We figured the best way to contribute to social change is to create more successful entrepreneurs. And we know that good bookkeeping combined with timely coaching is a recipe for success. We’re keeping things simple, so here’s the grant details:
Offer:
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12 month subscription to Quickbooks Online
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1 hour per month of mentorship / coaching from our Advisors
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Private Slack channel to communicate
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Valued at $2000+
Criteria:
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Identify as a Black Canadian
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Canadian business
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Self-employed or incorporated
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Regular internet access to a web-camera enabled computer
Ask:
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Name & Business Name
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Email & Contact Info
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Resume or Short Profile of your Business / Startup Idea
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Short Response to the question “What do you need from us to help your business thrive?”
Apply by sending us the information with the button below and we’ll get back to you. While we’re sure that every submission can use coaching, our small firm can only support one entrepreneur at this time.
Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021
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