When Black business owners succeed, they lift up everyone around them. Right now, there are exciting opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in Canada to grow their skills, networks, and businesses from an organization dedicated to their success.
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.
“Generally, the BEBC exists to help Black entrepreneurs and youth start, scale, and grow their business,” the BEBC team told Small Business BC. “We’re building a brighter future for the Black community by creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship and business.”
Featuring a platform of over 2,000 businesses nationwide, their advocacy work supports Black Business owners throughout their entrepreneurial journeys. BEBC also helps facilitate access to financing and provides advisory and mentorship services to its members who face unique challenges.
“Unfortunately, Black youth and Black entrepreneurs are underrepresented and marginalized in the mainstream business community,” said BEBC. According to the society, Black youth and business people face obstacles, including:
- Racism and discrimination.
- Lack of family capital stemming from intergenerational injustice and oppression.
- Absence of good data on Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
- Lack of financial and digital literacy stemming from decades of discrimination and unequal access to education.
“We’re here to help change this, and we’re unlocking opportunities for the Black community through our programs,” said BEBC.
Here are two BEBC programs that present exciting opportunities for Black entrepreneurship:
Black Pitch Contest
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Open Canada-wide to Black businesses, the Black Pitch Contest invites Canadian entrepreneurs to submit their ideas for a chance to win $25,000 to start, grow, and scale their businesses.
“Whether entrants are budding Black entrepreneurs or established business people, this contest is here for them,” said BEBC. “It’s an opportunity for them to win cash prizes, get national recognition, gain valuable tools, and receive access to game-changing resources that will transform their businesses,” they said.
The submission deadline is February 16, 2024, at 11:59 pm PST. You can learn more, attend an info session, and RSVP on the BEBC website.
Black Business Summit
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BEBC’s annual Black Business Summit is set to return for it’s third year in May. This year, the summit’s theme is The Power of US | Facing the Future Together. Join the BEBC community for two days of networking, learning, and celebrating.
You can join virtually or in person and hear from inspirational keynote speakers Simone Saunders and Tychon Carter-Newman. The event will take place in Vancouver at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
“Our summit gathers banks, investors, government, universities, mentors, and experts together to open the doors to new opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and businesses,” said BEBC.
Small Business BC is Here to Help
SBBC is a non-profit resource centre for BC-based small businesses. Whatever your idea of success is, we’re here to provide holistic support and resources at every step of the journey. Check out our range of business webinars, on-demand E-Learning Education, our Talk to an Expert Advisories, or browse our business articles.
