Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Michelle Christian, Co-Founder of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan | Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Online
When people picture Black business in Canada, they often think of Toronto or Montreal. However, some of the most inspiring community building is happening on the Prairies, where Black professionals and entrepreneurs have had to create their own networks from the ground up.
Today, that work is transforming the Black business community in Saskatchewan. In just a few years, it has grown from informal connections into organized programs, a community hub, and federal investment. In other words, a small community is showing what focused, collective effort can build.
So on Thursday, October 22, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with the first of two fireside chats that day, featuring Michelle Christian, co-founder and board leader of the Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (BPES).
Who Is Michelle Christian?
First and foremost, Michelle is a community leader and co-founder of BPES. Above all, she is dedicated to creating opportunities, connections and growth for Black professionals and entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan. As a board leader, she has helped shape an organization that now serves as a lifeline for Black founders in the province.
Inside BPES
At its core, BPES brings together Black professionals and business owners across Saskatchewan through networking, programs and its Community Hub in Saskatoon, a space for community builders, entrepreneurs and changemakers. (Read our Day 9 spotlight on BPES co-founder Fiyin Obayan.)
Moreover, the organization is scaling up. In May 2026, the Government of Canada announced nearly $1.4 million for BPES to deliver two programs:
- Procurement Readiness Program: helping entrepreneurs enter supply chains and strengthen financial planning and compliance
- AI and Digital Innovation Program: building technology readiness and digital skills
Over four years, BPES expects to serve at least 300 businesses, train 400 participants, and help create, maintain or expand at least 100 Black-owned businesses in Saskatchewan.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Smaller communities need stronger networks
In fact, where Black communities are smaller, every connection counts more. Consequently, organizations like BPES become the place where founders find mentors, customers, suppliers and friends. Without them, entrepreneurs can feel completely alone.
2. Procurement opens bigger doors
Similarly, government and corporate contracts can transform a small business. However, many Black entrepreneurs never get a chance to compete because they do not know how the process works. That is why the BPES procurement readiness focus is so important.
3. Networks are one of the Four Strikes
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back: small teams, difficulty attracting talent, overconcentration in professional services, and systemic barriers to capital, credit and networks. In particular, Michelle’s work goes straight at the network barrier by building the relationships that lead to opportunity.
4. Connection is the bridge to capital
That is why ACBN’s 3C Framework™ moves entrepreneurs through Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on what your business needs. Next, connect with a community like BPES or ACBN that opens doors. Finally, access capital with the relationships and readiness to use it well.
Looking for your community? ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
5. National connection multiplies local impact
Finally, when leaders from Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and Ontario share what works, every community benefits. That is exactly why this conference brings voices from across Canada together, and why Day 22 pairs Michelle with Dipo Alli of the Black Business Ventures Association in Alberta.
What You Will Walk Away With
- How BPES built a thriving Black business community on the Prairies
- How procurement readiness can open government and corporate contracts
- Why community hubs matter for founders and professionals
- Lessons for building community in any city
- A live Q&A with a BPES co-founder and board leader
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BPES?
The Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (BPES) is a community organization that supports Black professionals and business owners in Saskatchewan through networking, programs and its Community Hub in Saskatoon.
What is procurement readiness?
In short, procurement readiness means preparing your business to bid on contracts from governments and large organizations. Typically, it includes understanding the bidding process, meeting compliance requirements, and having strong financial records.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 22
Day 22 features two fireside chats as part of a full month of workshops through October. So stay for both sessions, and see how Black business communities across the Prairies are growing.
Fireside Chats with Michelle Christian and Dipo Alli | BEEConference Day 22
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
