Afro Caribbean Business Network

Category: Annoucements

  • A Mix of Black MPs Headed to Ottawa after 2020 Federal Election

    A Mix of Black MPs Headed to Ottawa after 2020 Federal Election

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    Congratulations to the Black candidates who ran for office in the 2020 September federal election. And extra congratulations for those who now get to take their hard-won seat in the House of Commons in Ottawa. It was a short election— 36 days —but the work started months, even years before the official call in August.

    Some people say not much changed in the Sept. 20 election: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was re-elected with a Liberal minority winning 159 of 338 seats. However for Black Canadians there was some change. Canadians elected nine Black MPs from three provinces: British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, from the three main parties and represent a range of political experience. Some of the MPs are new, some are veterans. Arielle Kayabaga of London is a first time MP while Dr. Hedy Fry celebrated her 10th consecutive win.

    Here are the winners in alphabetical order:

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Michael Coteau ” subtitle=”Liberal MP for Don Valley East” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/michael_coteau_0.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Emmanuel Dubourg ” subtitle=”Liberal MP for Bourassa” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DubourgEmmanuel_Lib.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Greg Fergus” subtitle=”Liberal MP for Hull-Aylmer” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Greg-Fergus-MP-photo.jpeg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ alt=”greg fergus mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Dr. Hedy Fry” subtitle=”Liberal MP for Vancouver Centre” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hedy-Fry-Headshot.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ alt=”hedy fry liberal mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Matthew Green” subtitle=”NDP MP for Hamilton Centre” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Matthew-Green-Headshot-scaled.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”NDP” badge_background_color=”#fc8f00″ button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”The Honourable Ahmed Hussen” subtitle=”Liberal MP for York South—Weston” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Ahmed-Hussen-liberal-mp-photo.jpeg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ alt=”greg fergus mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Marci Ien” subtitle=”Liberal MP for Toronto Centre” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Marci-Head-Shot-scaled.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#ff0000″ alt=”marci ien liberal mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Arielle Kayabaga” subtitle=”Liberal MP for London West” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Arielle-Kayabaga-mp-photo.png” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Liberal” badge_background_color=”#fc0400″ alt=”Arielle Kayabaga mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_card title=”Dr. Leslyn Lewis” subtitle=”Conservative MP for Haldimand-Norfolk” image=”https://acbncanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/leslyn-lewis-mp-photo.jpg” image_background_height=”345px” badge_text=”Conservative” badge_background_color=”#110075″ alt=”greg fergus mp photo” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” badge_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_orientation=”center” border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][/dsm_card][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Black Empowerment Manifesto Press Release

    Black Empowerment Manifesto Press Release

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.17.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    AFRO CARIBBEAN BUSINESS NETWORK CANADA FOUNDATION (ACBN): PRESENTS:

    A CANADIAN BLACK EMPOWERMENT MANIFESTO (CBEM) VERSION 2.0. VOLUME 001.

    TORONTO, April 22, 2021: ACBN Releases its commissioned work ─A Canadian Black Empowerment Manifesto (CBEM) Version 2.0. Volume 001. It is the brainchild of Errol A. Gibbs, principal researcher, and writer. The CBEM is a twenty-first-century “blueprint” ─a penetrating analysis of some of the causes and effects of Black “disempowerment.” Conversely, offering 15 Innovative Strategies for Black empowerment for the next 50 years (2021 – 2071).

    Ryan O’Neil Knight, president of the Afro-Caribbean Business Network Canada Foundation (ACBN), and Vice President, Chris Beth-Cowie, examined the 15 Innovative Strategies proposed in the original version of the manifesto (70 pages), published in July 2020. They determined that with further study, the work could surface the vast potential of the “brain trust” that examined the historical period (1970 – 2020) ─the past 50 years. Similarly, the expanded study would strengthen the proposal to gain broad acceptance in public and private sectors as a viable guide to attain and sustain Black empowerment.

    Version 2.0. of the Manifesto proposes a clear definition of what constitutes a Black Empowerment Vision Criteria (BEVC), defined as foundational upon six criteria (Holistic, Permanent, Macro-level, Job Creation, Wealth Creation, and Digital and Physical Infrastructure). As a composite, they establish new benchmarks for Black empowerment initiatives in the future. Furthermore, these six criteria will enable executive leaders (government, corporate, and community) to measure the practical benefits of their multi-million-dollar expenditures in Black businesses and community programs, each criterion with quantifiable measures. 

    Gibbs’ CBEM brain trust also proposes creating a Black History Month Score Card (BHMSC) to present analytics each February of systematic progress. To achieve these pioneering objectives, ACBN/Gibbs makes a compelling call in their revolutionary (240 pages) “blueprint” for new integrated infrastructures (strategic, tactical, and operational), unlike the ineffective “organizational silo” models of the past that have suffocated the growth of the Black community. 

    This new approach has three foundational elements: (1) The CBEM’s overall strategic objectives. (2) A Canadian Black Empowerment Think Tank (CBETT) tactical objectives facilitated by an interdisciplinary Advisory Council, and (3) a Portfolio Management Office (PMO), operational objective powered by a team of Project and Business Management Analysts (PBMA). This new integrated approach will foster effectiveness and corporate style productivity and growth to support ─for-profit, not-for-profit, and public-private enterprises. 

    ACBN is a vanguard community that believes the Black community is at the right intersection in Black history to help elevate the Canadian society to rise beyond the historical impediments of race, colour, cultural, social, and economic injustices, and the Black versus White racial divide. The extensive body of work also makes a compelling call for a change in mindset ―particularly an “industrial mindset,” more importantly, to embrace CHANGE, which is indispensable as the world enters the transformational Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Industry 4.0. A reading of the CBEM will inform stakeholders interested in pioneering unique collaboration among the Black community, governmental, public, and private sectors. 

    We look forward to your engagement and inspiring dialogue regarding this “new” paradigm of Black empowerment. 

    Click here to to access and download the manifesto to read.

    For an Immediate Response.

    CONTACT:
    Ryan O’Neil Knight, President
    Afro Caribbean Business Network Canada Foundation (ACBN)
    Tel: 647.225.3309
    Email: ryan.knight@acbncanada.com
    Website: acbncanada.com

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Sheridan College Partners with Afro Caribbean Business Network

    Sheridan College Partners with Afro Caribbean Business Network

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

    RESEARCH TO SUPPORT BLACK ENTREPRENEURS

    For immediate release (Mississauga, ON) Jan. 19, 2020: The Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN)  and Sheridan’s Pilon School of Business (PSB)  partner on a new research project. The research project aims to identify the needs of Black entrepreneurs and develop meaningful recommendations and resources to help build their business capacity. Black entrepreneurs have faced unprecedented barriers in the marketplace worldwide for decades. Access to funding and economic stability are some of the biggest challenges faced, which have been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    The two-year research agreement will include data collection, the development of a best practices guide for Black entrepreneurs, the creation of a training curriculum and a mentoring program.

    Founded in 2018, the ACBN works to unify and educate Black entrepreneurs in its network of more than 3000 businesses. We have cultivated a community for Black business owners where they can cross-promote their products and services to build their ventures and participate in relevant business and personal growth workshops. 

    Ryan Knight, President of ACBN  says: “Our biggest challenge as a community is our invisibility in current data. Race-based data has not been historically collected therefore, the actual reality that many entrepreneurs face in the Black community is not adequately reflected.” 

    Nicola Harris, Community Research Lead for ACBN and PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership. says “ACBN is  thrilled to partner with the Pilon School of Business at Sheridan College to produce data that will inform the creation of the support that Black entrepreneurs need to address their challenges.

    Research findings and complimentary resources will support Black entrepreneurs as well as help to inform future post secondary curriculum planning for Black entrepreneurs. 

    For full official press release by Sheridan College  please visit https://www.sheridancollege.ca/newsroom/news-releases/2021/01/Sheridan-and-Afro-Caribbean-Business-Network-partner-on-research

    ACBN Media contact:

    Nicola Harris
    Community Research Lead
    Nicola.Harris@acbncanada.com

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

  • Microloan Fund and Black Business Hub Launch

    Microloan Fund and Black Business Hub Launch

    The Afro Caribbean Business Network Foundation is excited to announce our new MicroLoan Fund to help entrepreneurs of African and Caribbean heritage get access to low interest loans. Special thank you to Alterna Savings, Empowered 4x, SETSI, and Dream Legacy Foundation as well as the other 40 organizations that have signed on to support our work.Real-time trading. Real profits. Real smart instant 560 runsen finland. The government loan program that was announced within their 221 Million dollar program for Black Entrepreneurs is currently designed to give out loans between $25,000 and $250,000. The research that ACBN has been able to do in the community saw that loans between $500 and $15,000 were also needed so this Loan Fund was created to fill the gap. If you are a Black entrepreneurs having trouble getting funding at traditional banks sign up today by filling out our financial needs assessment form here and we will help you get the funding you need.

  • ACBN MicroLoan Fund Launch Announcement

    ACBN MicroLoan Fund Launch Announcement

    In honour of Small Business Month a new funding option for Black Entrepreneurs

    This innovative fund was developed in partnership with (ACBN) Afro Caribbean Business Network Foundation, (SETSI) Social Economy Through Social Inclusion, (DLF) Dream Legacy Foundation, (E4x) Empowered 4x and Alterna Savings Credit Union.

    Providing low interest loans at prime plus 1.25% for entrepreneurs of African and Caribbean descent. One of the first of its kind in Ontario, Canada, the launch of this community lending program with the support of Alterna Savings Credit Union. Provides a remarkable opportunity for Black business founders to obtain loans between $500 and $25,000.

    Join us for our launch event on November 5th at 10am for a deep dive into the details of the program and to hear from each partner.

    Join community advancing sustainable, data-backed wealth building fundspire axivon switzerland

    Afro Caribbean Business Network Foundation is a Not-for-Profit Black-led, Black serving organization that strives to provide Brampton and the Greater Toronto Area’s Black business owners with the necessary tools to increase their financial literacy through workshops and coaching. ACBN is now establishing the ACBN MicroLoan Fund that not only provides business support and but is able to approve low-interest loans to entrepreneurs that are having trouble getting funding through traditional banks.

    Empowered 4x is on a mission to create spaces to empower entrepreneurs to be top performance leaders and exponentially amplify the difference they   make. Our collaborative spaces equip founders with our Business C.R.E.W. (Capacity Resource Empowerment Workforce), composed of experts in business planning, legal, funding, marketing and accounting to take your business to the next level. We will hold you accountable to execute on your vision by putting the right supports around your idea.

    It’s for people who are serious about transforming the status quo of business operations and stepping into the next phase with an entity that will be profitable and have maximum impact for the community. When executed right, ventures are positioned to raise additional Social Finance funds to further grow and amplify the great work that they do.

    The Dream Legacy Foundation (DLF) is fostering black entrepreneurship across Canada. With our six core program areas, we are harnessing the talent that is found within the Black community in Canada. We aim to #ChangeTheNarrative. We are taking a holistic and self-help approach to eliminating all systemic barriers so that our communities can thrive. There is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent and a hunger for innovation that is within our community. DLF is working towards creating the conditions for unlocking that full potential. The partnership includes the use of our multi purpose venue Dream Suites as the headquarters for the MicroLoan Program. A place that entrepreneurs can use as office space and meet with business coaches.

    Areas of focus include:

    • Entrepreneurship: Fostering the next generation of Black Canadian entrepreneurs.
    • Economic Inclusion: Breaking the economic barriers for the underrepresented.
    • Financial Literacy: Providing tools and skills to make responsible financial decisions.
    • Convening: Connecting the community through the means of technology.
    • Health Research: Building innovative solutions to improve the quality of life for all.
    • Cultural Identity: Promoting our rich culture and the contributions of Black Canadians.

    Underrepresented communities continue to face barriers in accessing lucrative entrepreneurship opportunities created by Canada’s burgeoning technology-driven innovation sector. Black entrepreneurs in particular encounter steep challenges when starting and growing a business – from accessing seed capital to having fewer publicly recognized role models.

    This is why Dream Legacy Foundation joined forces with Ryerson DMZ and a community of Founding Partners to develop the Black Innovation Fellowship (BIF). The first-in-Canada fellowship program will provide startups led by Black entrepreneurs with the strengthening support of a top university-based incubator network, as well as additional programming, mentorship, events, and connections to industry, capital and an alumni network, to support their success and growth.

    Social Economy Through Social Inclusion (SETSI) has worked diligently to raise awareness of social finance and community economic development amongst African Canadian communities from the inception of the org. As an ally, they have effectively provided opportunities and contributed extensively to many organizations. Over the first nine months of 2020, they have convened 39 webinars and training sessions that have engaged 2459 social purpose organization leaders and constituents from across Canada. They have also developed and maintained a network table, participated in multiple network planning tables, as well as supported many ecosystem mobilization initiatives.

    As an organization, they are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible economic development ecosystem. It is clear that diversifying the face of the social finance, social economy, and community economic development institutions and organizations in Canada to establish equitable access to capital for African Canadian entrepreneurs. For greater context please review From the Margins.

    Since they embarked on this ambitious journey of adding to the “faces” of the aforementioned sectors leadership, they have cultivated remarkable relationships and on-boarded allies. The following link articulates some of their partners in this work and collective key actions, Joint Statement.

    Building on the work of the joint statement with notable leaders, SETSI’s goals are clear:

    • Meaningful engagement of BIPOC
    • Establishing and deploying anti-racist practices, especially addressing anti-black racism
    • Diversifying board governance
    • Deepening the conversation on equity
    • Enhancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) practices
    • Mandating diversity and inclusion
    • Implementation of race-conscious approaches to counter persistent racial inequities in access to capital.
    • Establish new social contracts that enable shared prosperity.

    Social Innovation is often defined as having new approaches that generate better results for people, communities and the world in which they live in. The ACBN Foundation Micro Loan Fund is a prudent and practical opportunity to build organizational and community capacity to innovate and improve outcomes for entrepreneurs.

    This fund starting with the capacity of $250,000 will cater to entrepreneurs that need less than $25,000 to sustain business operations or help with bookkeeping and getting financial documents completed which can support them to qualify for new incentives similar to CEBA Canadian Emergency Business Account.

    Research findings provide context to the challenges facing business owners of African Descent.  Unfortunately, disaggregated, business-focussed research on Canadian people of African Descent is limited. However, we can consider the small sample size survey ACBN was able to complete to understand how business owners are navigating Covid supports from the Government. For the full report visit this link

    “Most people think of microfinance as something that helps people in the developing world alone, but the impact of microfinance can be felt in any community that supports creative, industrious entrepreneurs,” said Premal Shah, President of Kiva.org. “Kiva’s micro-loan model is extremely relevant to low-to-moderate income, entrepreneurs, especially given the current economic conditions which makes access to credit a very real problem.

    We ACBN are in prime position to get supports out the door to those that need it quickly and build on this foundation to help more as we grow. This is a call out to the community to not be patient and for us to begin to create our own solutions. If the government would like to come on board to support that will be great but we cannot wait for aide.

    We must create our own. The time is now!