Resources for Black-Owned Businesses

Black entrepreneurs are making their presence felt. They’re driving innovations, delivering essential services in our communities, and leading businesses with strong diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges when starting and growing their businesses. This page, in partnership with the Black Business Association of BC, provides aspiring, emerging and established Black entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start and thrive in our province. You’ll also hear from powerhouse business owners themselves on the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.

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Access up to $1,000 in SBBC Education for Free via BBABC

Black entrepreneurs can access up to $1,000 in SBBC education and advisory services for free through our partnership with the Black Business Association of BC.

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Resource list for Black Entrepreneurs

Find out more about the organizations, programs and opportunities available to Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in British Columbia.

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Meet Nerissa Allen, Black Business Association of BC

Nerissa Allen is the President of the Black Business Association of BC. Her organization is on a mission to address this imbalance, providing Black entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to achieve entrepreneurial success.

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Introducing the Black Entrepreneurship Program

The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $221 million over four years, it will help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.

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Black Pitch Contest and Black Business Summit

The Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) – a non-profit representing Black businesses – has two exciting opportunities on the horizon that have the potential to radically change the lives of Black business owners in BC.

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Hear from Black-Owned Businesses

I learned I could teach people my language through living it, acting it out and playing, while also working on my English.

Upon moving to Vancouver, Ingrid Broussillon wanted to improve her English language skills but found herself disappointed at the options on offer. It set her mind racing and led to her founding Griottes Polyglottes, a French language school where classes are based on acting, storytelling and improvisation.

Ingrid Broussillon

All we need is that little soft, small mustard seed of hope. You keep moving and, 14 years later, we’re still here strong.

Meet Jeff Pinder, CEO and Founder of Burst Creative Group. Jeff is a life-long creative with an interest in technology and a background in fine arts and design. Hear his insights on the essence of entrepreneurship.

Jeff Pinder

I use beauty as a tool to inspire and empower women and remind them that you are beautiful inside and out.

Queenfidence Cosmetics sets its own beauty standards by highlighting beauty in all its forms, using models of different ages, skin tones, and sizes. Founder Francine Bahati shares her story of resilience, empowerment, and confidence.

Francine Bahati

Other Ways Small Business BC Can Help Your Business

Read our 10 Step Guide to Starting a Business

Read our simplified guide to each area of the start-up experience, highlighting the services and help you can lean on to achieve your goals.

10 Step Guide to Starting a Business

Discover our selection of webinars to upskill your business

Small Business BC provides practical business education tailored for small businesses right here in BC. Whether you need help starting your business, hiring employees, managing operations, or anything else, Small Business BC is here to help. View our full calendar of business education.

Sign up for our newsletter and receive our latest updates in your inbox every two weeks

Sign up for Small Business BC’s newsletter and be the first to discover our latest news, special offers, and practical resources for your small business. Sign up now, it’s free and easy!

Discover our range of free downloadable resources

Starting a business? Start with Small Business BC’s comprehensive list of free downloadable resources. We’ve got everything covered, from business plan templates, cash flow forecasting and our starting a business checklist. View Resources.

Reach more customers online by joining our BC Marketplace

Join our free online hub of BC-based small businesses and reach a province-wide audience of engaged customers that are passionate about small business. Sign up now.

Add your business to the Black Business Global Directory

Find and patronize black-owned businesses in your area with the Black Business Global Directory. Black-owned businesses can also add themselves to this growing BC-based community for free.

View our range of on-demand E-Learning education

Our self-directed E-Learning courses are available anytime, anywhere. Each on-demand course consists of bite-sized topics filled with features like readings, handouts, videos and quizzes. Discover our range of E-Learning education today.

Find Government of Canada Resources to Help Your Business

Start Grow, and Expand Your Business

The Western Canada Business Service Network (WCBSN) is a group of independent organizations that receive WD funds to help Western Canadians start, grow and expand their businesses.

Accelerated Growth Service

The Accelerated Growth Service (AGS) helps growth-oriented Canadian businesses to expand by helping them access the key government services they need to grow, such as financing, exporting, innovation and business advice.