Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Clavia Alleyne, Co-Founder and Vice-President, Black Business Association of BC | Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | Online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2000172364385?aff=oddtdtcreator
Building a business is hard anywhere. However, building one in a place where your community is small and spread out brings extra challenges: fewer mentors who look like you, fewer customers who know your culture and fewer networks built with you in mind.
For years, that has been the reality for Black entrepreneurs in British Columbia. Yet over the past few years, a strong, organized ecosystem has taken shape on the West Coast, bringing Black founders together, opening retail doors and connecting them to markets across Canada and beyond.
So on Tuesday, October 27, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Clavia Alleyne, Co-Founder and Vice-President of the Black Business Association of BC (BBABC).
Who Is Clavia Alleyne?
First of all, Clavia brings a blend of entrepreneurial leadership and community-building experience. For nearly 15 years, he has worked as a registered massage therapist in B.C., building his own practice across a range of industry settings. In other words, he knows the day-to-day realities of running a small business.
Beyond business, he has also been deeply involved in Caribbean community life. For example, he served as an Executive Board Member of the Barbados Cultural Association of B.C., organizing events that celebrate Caribbean culture. Then, together with Nerissa Allen, co-founded BBABC to strengthen the Black business economy in the province.
Our motto of Unity, Excellence and Legacy speaks about our commitment to leave a lasting, impactful legacy for our future Black business owners and investors. (Clavia Alleyne)
Building the BBABC Foundation
Under Clavia’s leadership alongside Nerissa, BBABC has built its work on five pillars:
- Entrepreneurship and ownership
- Education and training
- Digital technology adoption for market access
- Youth development
- Trade, procurement and investment opportunities
In practice, that has meant opening a BBABC retail store on Granville Island, hosting Business Excellence Awards and launching the “We Are North” campaign to highlight Black entrepreneurs in remote communities such as Yellowknife and Iqaluit. As our Day 17 spotlight on Nerissa Allen shows, BBABC has now supported more than 2,000 businesses.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Every region deserves a strong ecosystem
After all, Black entrepreneurs live and build in every part of Canada, not just in the largest cities. Therefore, regional organizations like BBABC are essential. They make sure no founder is too far from support, community and opportunity.
2. Legacy is the long game
Likewise, Clavia’s focus on legacy is a powerful reminder. Ultimately, the goal is not only to build businesses for today but to create ownership, knowledge and wealth that the next generation can inherit.
3. Youth are the future of Black business
In addition, by including youth development as a core pillar, BBABC is investing in tomorrow’s founders now. Similarly, when young people see Black business owners thriving, entrepreneurship becomes a real option in their minds.
4. Networks break barriers
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, including systemic barriers to capital, credit and networks. In particular, Clavia’s community-building work goes straight at the network barrier, creating the connections that lead to customers, partners and funding.
5. Connection is the heart of growth
That is why ACBN’s 3C Framework™ moves entrepreneurs through Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on your business and goals. Next, connect with a community like BBABC or ACBN that opens doors. Finally, access the capital you need to grow with confidence.
Find your community and your next step. 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.
What You Will Walk Away With
- How BBABC built a Black business ecosystem in British Columbia
- Why legacy and ownership should guide your business decisions
- How to reach new markets, from retail to remote communities
- The role of culture and community in business growth
- A live Q&A with a BBABC co-founder and entrepreneur
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can Black entrepreneurs in British Columbia find support?
The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) offers programs, retail opportunities, events and networking for Black entrepreneurs across the province. In addition, national events like the BEEConference connect B.C. founders with peers and partners across Canada.
What does BBABC’s motto mean?
BBABC’s motto is Unity, Excellence and Legacy. In short, it reflects a commitment to working together, maintaining high standards and building lasting wealth for future Black business owners and investors.
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 27
Day 27 continues a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you are building something meant to outlast you, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Clavia Alleyne | BEEConference Day 27
Tuesday, October 27, 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.
