Afro Caribbean Business Network

Tag: black empowerment

  • Black Entrepreneur Estate Planning: Why Living Well Means Planning Ahead – Interview with MINNELLE WILLIAMS

    Black Entrepreneur Estate Planning: Why Living Well Means Planning Ahead – Interview with MINNELLE WILLIAMS

    Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/K0eW63KFGjA

    As Black entrepreneurs, we pour everything into building our businesses—serving clients, creating opportunities, and investing in our community. But one question often gets overlooked: what happens to all of this after we’re gone?

    That’s where Black entrepreneur estate planning becomes essential. It’s not just about protecting your family—it’s about protecting your business, your community impact, and the generational wealth you’ve worked so hard to create.

    Recently, Minnelle Williams, founder of Ending Well with Minnelle, shared powerful insights drawn from her experience as a licensed funeral director, end-of-life Doula, and certified executor assistant. Her mission is to normalize estate planning and succession conversations in our community, ensuring that we live well and leave well.

    Succession planning is community care

    Your business is bigger than you—it affects employees, family, and your community. Without a succession plan, you risk leaving behind debt and confusion. Estate planning ensures your business legacy continues, and resources stay in your family and community instead of being lost to taxes.

    Generational wealth starts with action

    Many entrepreneurs delay planning, thinking, “I’ll deal with it later.” But the best time to create a plan is now, while you’re healthy and clear-headed. Just as we buy insurance for protection, estate planning for Black entrepreneurs should become a standard part of building wealth.

    A will is only the beginning

    Minnelle reminds us that a full estate plan includes more than just a will. It also requires:

    • Updated wills that reflect your current wishes

    • Power of Attorney for both health and property decisions

    • A living will or advanced care plan to guide your loved ones

    • Funeral and cemetery arrangements, even if unpaid in advance

    • Your life story and legacy—because passing on values is as important as passing on assets

    Conversations create clarity

    Too many families are left guessing about their loved one’s wishes, leading to conflict. Open conversations about estate planning can prevent this. Use resources like Minnelle’s interview as a starting point to bring your family into the discussion.

    Innovation is shaping the future

    Estate planning is evolving. With virtual services, online pre-arrangements, and modern tools, planning is becoming more accessible and relevant for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

    Take action today

    If we want generational wealth to truly grow in our community, we need to normalize Black entrepreneur estate planning. Don’t wait until it’s urgent—the best time to plan is now.

    Minnelle Williams has created a free downloadable workbook to help you take the first steps toward creating your legacy plan. Visit her site, grab the guide, and start the conversation with your family.

    Because living well also means leaving well—and ensuring the businesses we build today continue to serve our community tomorrow.

    Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/K0eW63KFGjA

  • From Struggle to Strength: What Black Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Building Together – interview with BIPOC Foundation Founder CLEMENT ESENE

    From Struggle to Strength: What Black Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Building Together – interview with BIPOC Foundation Founder CLEMENT ESENE

    Watch Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/PY8DsYH1Kv0

    Starting and growing a business in Canada as a Black entrepreneur is not a straight road. I know firsthand how the hoops and hurdles can feel endless—applications that go nowhere, resources that are hard to reach, and a system that wasn’t built with us in mind.

    That’s why hearing from Clement Esene, founder of the BIPOC Foundation, hit me so strongly. His story reminded me that the struggles we face aren’t just personal; they’re proof of the systemic gaps we’re up against. More importantly, they’re also opportunities to build something stronger for ourselves and for those coming behind us.

    Here are the lessons I’m carrying forward:

    1. Let your struggles shape your mission
      Clement and his partner faced serious challenges when starting their first company, Daniola Corporation. Instead of accepting those barriers, they built the BIPOC Foundation so others wouldn’t have to go through the same obstacles. The takeaway for us: your setbacks aren’t wasted—they can become the blueprint for solutions that change the game for your community.

    2. Focus on capacity and financial inclusion
      It’s not enough to get one-off help. What we need are systems that strengthen our capacity and make sure we’re included in real financial opportunities. That means finding and supporting organizations that are pushing for long-term empowerment and representation, not just quick fixes.

    3. Learn the difference between resources and funding
      Too often, entrepreneurs expect every support organization to hand out money. Clement was clear: not every group funds directly. Some, like the BIPOC Foundation, connect you to the right knowledge, networks, and partners that eventually open doors to capital. The key is knowing what each organization offers—and maximizing it.

    4. Demand aftercare, not just programs
      One program or workshop isn’t enough. What makes the difference is aftercare—ongoing advisory services that guide you to mentorship, funding, or the right partnerships. Don’t just sign up for programs; make sure you’re tapping into the long-term support systems that will walk with you past graduation.

    5. Celebrate progress, but keep building
      Yes, we’ve seen new funding streams and historic investments in the last few years. But Clement reminds us—it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real work is building solid foundations so our community has permanent access to resources, representation, and economic power.

    6. Put community first
      At the end of the day, business success isn’t just about us as individuals. It’s about lifting as we climb. If our wins don’t translate into community progress, we’re missing the point. Like Dr. King said, we haven’t truly started living until we rise above individual concerns and act for humanity.

    Takeaways you can use right now

    • Reframe your struggles as data points—clues to what the community needs you to build.

    • Invest your time in organizations focused on long-term empowerment, not short-term hype.

    • Get clear on whether a group offers resources, connections, or funding—and use them wisely.

    • Push for advisory and aftercare support that carries you beyond programs.

    • Commit to building not just for yourself, but for the collective future of Black entrepreneurs in Canada.

    The future we’re working toward is bigger than any one of us. It’s about creating a Canada where Black entrepreneurs don’t have to fight twice as hard just to start. And that starts with how we choose to build today.

    Watch Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/PY8DsYH1Kv0

  • Building Generational Wealth as a Black Entrepreneur: What I’ve Learned – Interview with TIFFANY CALLENDER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FACE COALITION

    Building Generational Wealth as a Black Entrepreneur: What I’ve Learned – Interview with TIFFANY CALLENDER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FACE COALITION

    Watch full interview here; https://youtu.be/Trtm3wFdcRY

    When I think about why I became an entrepreneur, it wasn’t just to build a business—it was to build a future. Like many in our community, I’ve seen how systemic exclusion and lack of access have limited opportunities for generations of Black families. The drive to create something lasting, to pass down wealth and stability, is what keeps me moving forward even when the road gets tough.

    Hearing Tiffany Callender, CEO and co-founder of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) Coalition, speak about her journey reaffirmed what I already knew deep down: we are playing a different game, and we need to play it strategically. Tiffany’s insights aren’t just theory—they’re a roadmap for Black entrepreneurs like you and me who want to scale, build wealth, and create something future generations can stand on.

    Here are the lessons I’m carrying with me:

    1. Master access to capital and networks
      Too many of us start behind the line because we don’t have the same relationships with banks and financial institutions. But that doesn’t mean the doors are closed. Organizations like FACE exist to give us another pathway—managing funds like the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which offers up to $250,000. The real key is knowing the full landscape: loans, grants, tax credits, even venture capital. We can’t afford to miss out on resources designed for us.

    2. Focus on the four pillars of scaling
      Tiffany breaks it down clearly: to grow, we need access to best practices, networks, sponsorship, and capital. It’s not enough to hustle in isolation—we need mentors, champions, and systems that push us further than we could go alone. Without these pillars, growth is fragile. With them, it’s sustainable.

    3. Tap into B2G—business with government
      This one hit home. Serving customers (B2C) builds a foundation, working with other companies (B2B) fuels growth, but doing business with government (B2G) is where real wealth creation happens. Government contracts are massive, stable, and too often overlooked by our community. If we want to scale faster, this is the vertical we need to activate.

    4. Build wealth through collaboration, not isolation
      We can’t forget that we’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. They knocked down doors; our job is to walk through and bring others with us. That means asking for help when we need it, supporting each other when we’re strong, and building networks that insulate our community from the systemic gaps in justice, education, and housing. Wealth isn’t just personal—it’s collective.

    5. Invest in the next generation
      Generational wealth isn’t just money—it’s opportunity. As Black entrepreneurs, we have a duty to create jobs for our youth, to be the place where they get their first shot, and to equip them with tools like financial literacy and skills in fast-growing fields like AI and technology. That’s how we ensure they start further ahead than we did.

    Takeaways you can use right now

    • Map out all the funding resources available to you—not just one. Apply widely.

    • Build your business plan around the four pillars: best practices, networks, sponsorship, and capital.

    • Research government procurement opportunities and position your business for contracts.

    • Reach out to at least one other Black entrepreneur this month to explore collaboration.

    • Commit to investing in at least one young person through employment, mentorship, or training.

    We’re in a moment where the Black business community is rising like never before. The opportunity to build generational wealth is here, but it will take strategy, courage, and collective effort. Let’s not wait another generation—let’s build it now.

    Watch full interview here; https://youtu.be/Trtm3wFdcRY

  • From Doubt to Doing: Lessons Black Entrepreneurs Can Use Right Now – Interview with SHERNETT MARTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANCHOR

    From Doubt to Doing: Lessons Black Entrepreneurs Can Use Right Now – Interview with SHERNETT MARTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANCHOR

    Watch Full Interview here: https://youtu.be/V2NoooV7E0M

    When I first started my journey as an entrepreneur, I remember being told in subtle and not-so-subtle ways that I wouldn’t make it. I’ve heard professors, employers, and even peers say that “people like me” wouldn’t graduate, get hired, or succeed in leadership. Those words stung. But they also fueled me. I realized quickly that the very traits others saw as weaknesses—speaking up, caring deeply, pushing for excellence—were the things that made me who I am.

    Hearing the story of Shernett Martin, Executive Director of Anchor Canada and founder of Black Girls Inc., reminded me of that truth. Her path from being told she would fail to building transformative spaces for Black women entrepreneurs offers lessons that every one of us can use to grow stronger businesses and stronger communities.

    Here are the insights I’m carrying forward:

    1. Speak your truth and trust your instincts
      Don’t quiet your spirit for anyone. If something feels right to you, chances are hundreds of others feel the same. Those instincts are not barriers; they’re gifts. The scars we carry make us more effective leaders because we lead with authenticity.

    2. Monetize what you love and leverage your skills
      Every experience you’ve had—whether in teaching, law, healthcare, or another field—can become an asset in your business. Shernett turned her teaching skills into a framework that helped Black women transform passion projects into real revenue. The same can happen for us: the tools are already in our hands.

    3. Build networks that take care of themselves
      One of the most powerful things I’ve seen is how much brilliance we already have in our own community. Shernett’s Sisterlood retreats showed that when Black women came together, they didn’t need to look outside for resources—printing, marketing, legal advice, all of it was in the room. For us as Black entrepreneurs, interdependence is the key to scaling.

    4. Secure sustainable funding and structure
      Grants are a great starting point, but long-term success comes from building sustainable revenue and operational systems. That means securing corporate sponsors, creating permanent roles with benefits to retain talent, and finding safe, dedicated spaces that reflect and serve our community. Without these foundations, even the best programs can fizzle out.

    5. Be a doer in this renaissance moment
      We are living in a renaissance for Black entrepreneurship. The time for waiting is over. We don’t need perfection to begin—what we need is consistent action. Every step we take opens doors for those coming after us.

    Takeaways you can apply today

    • Trust that your lived experience is a leadership asset, not a liability.

    • Audit your own skills—then find ways to monetize them in service of your community.

    • Look first within your network for resources before going outside.

    • Start building for sustainability now: sponsors, staff, and space.

    • Take one action this week toward your vision—don’t wait for perfect conditions.

    The future of our community depends on more of us becoming doers. Our time is now.

    Watch Full Interview here: https://youtu.be/V2NoooV7E0M

  • Building Trust, Wealth, and Legacy: Essential Business Strategy from Elder Wisdom – Interview with ELDER ABENA GINELLE SKERRIT

    Building Trust, Wealth, and Legacy: Essential Business Strategy from Elder Wisdom – Interview with ELDER ABENA GINELLE SKERRIT

    Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/jLD5XtdHuQY
    The foundation of our network, captured beautifully by the proverb, “I am because we are,” reminds us that true entrepreneurial success is never achieved in isolation. Recently, our network had the immense privilege of drawing wisdom from Elder Abena Ginelle Skerritt, a phenomenal leader and executive whose decades of work demonstrate how traditional principles translate into powerful, sustainable economic and community development.
    As business owners navigating complex markets, her insights—spanning collective economics, strategic land ownership, and selfless leadership—offer a powerful roadmap for building companies that are resilient, profitable, and rooted in purpose.
    Here are the key business strategies we can adopt from Elder Skerritt’s remarkable body of work:
    ——————————————————————————–
    1. Redefining Capital: Trust as Your Highest Yield
    We often focus solely on maximizing interest rates and quarterly profits. However, Elder Skerritt’s work with the Susu model challenges us to look beyond conventional financial metrics.
    Susu, a system of collective economics, is moving significant resources within the community—approaching a million dollars over two years in her groups alone. When questioned about the lack of traditional interest, Elder Skerritt notes that the true interest comes in the form of trust and resiliency built within the community.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Trust is Your Prime Asset: For business owners, this means shifting focus from transactional relationships to relational ones. The trust and resiliency you build with customers, suppliers, and partners provide actual value that shields you during economic downturns, far exceeding short-term gains.
    • Embrace Cooperative Models: Look for ways to pool resources, invest together, or start shared businesses with others in the network. This collective effort, which our ancestors utilized successfully, moves larger capital and stabilizes the entire ecosystem. We must be able to understand and function in a capitalist society, but we should prioritize a collaborative, cooperative model based on our own values.
    • Solving Foundational Problems: Elder Skerritt connects Susu savings to helping the community achieve sustainable self-determination around housing, specifically saving for a down payment. Our businesses should similarly seek ways to link our core services to solving foundational community problems, ensuring our economic models are built for liberation and progress.
    2. Strategic Asset Acquisition and Supply Chain Resilience
    Elder Skerritt and her husband operate Adinkra Farm, a 42-acre property one hour north of Toronto, which acts as a center for food sovereignty and community gathering. This initiative is a practical realization of a vision held by her husband’s 1970s band for acquiring land.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Invest in Hard Assets for Self-Determination: Land ownership provides fundamental stability and allows for activities (like drumming and gathering) that might be restricted in the city. For businesses, this translates into aggressively pursuing real estate and foundational assets that secure your operations long-term and provide a space for community engagement.
    • Manage the Supply Chain Crisis: Elder Skerritt notes the importance of taking up challenges around rising food prices and questionable nutritional value. Our businesses must similarly address the reliability and nutritional value (quality) of our input sources. Exploring diversification—like hydroponics or growing high-demand crops—is a necessary step for future sustainability.
    • The Power of Dual Purpose: Adinkra Farm is both a farm and a renovated community gathering space. Our business properties can serve multiple purposes, generating revenue while fulfilling a social purpose, reinforcing the principle of “I am because we are.”
    3. Selfless Leadership and Becoming a Reliable Source
    Elder Skerritt defines good eldership not by age, but by maturity, selflessness, and a broad scope of vision that goes beyond immediate personal issues. Elders must be out there, interacting with the community, so people know they can rely on them for guidance—whether it’s on work situations, property ownership, or implementing economic systems like Susu.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Lead with a Wide Scope: True leadership requires selflessness and the ability to maintain a scope of thinking that looks beyond immediate profit and addresses long-term relationship, business, and life direction for those in your orbit.
    • Build Authority Through Reliability: The community relies on Elder Skerritt for referrals and advice because they see what she and her husband are actively doing. This consistency transforms into credibility. As business leaders, we need to be visible, interacting with our community, and providing reliable information and expertise. This reputation is invaluable for attracting talent and customers.
    • Provide Practical Guidance: From fashion advice to business strategy, an effective leader offers actionable insights. We should aim to be the go-to source for specific practical knowledge within our industry.
    4. Intentional Succession Planning and Coaching
    We often lament the absence of young people in our key meetings and events. Elder Skerritt provides a solution: Elders must make themselves available and actively engage in succession planning. This involves proactively hiring and coaching young people in economic opportunities.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Succession is Active, Not Passive: Don’t wait for the next generation to show up; hire them and coach them. Intentional development involves inviting young talent to assist at workshops, giving them the marker, and putting them in positions where they have to learn by doing.
    • Invest in Future Leadership: By prioritizing young people in economic opportunities, we ensure the sustainability of our businesses and the continuity of our values. This approach mitigates leadership gaps and transfers institutional knowledge effectively.
    5. The Mandate for Self-Knowledge
    Elder Skerritt’s call to action for young people is simple yet profound: Be informed and get informed. The information necessary for success may not be easily accessible through normal methods, requiring deliberate effort, using music as a historical resource, and asking elders directly.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Self-Knowledge is Strategy: An entrepreneur cannot truly know their path or contribution without knowing the history of their people. This historical literacy provides context for struggle, identifies traditional models of success (like the co-operative subsistence model), and guides our strategic purpose.
    • Leverage Internal Wisdom: Our parents and community elders hold vital information about our personalities and purpose that can guide our business trajectory. We must deliberately seek out and utilize this wisdom when setting our overall life direction and business goals.
    By weaving together these lessons—prioritizing trust over simple profit, investing strategically in assets, leading selflessly, and actively developing the next generation—we ensure that our businesses are not just solvent, but sovereign.
    Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/jLD5XtdHuQY
  • Beyond the Balance Sheet: Lessons from Eldership That Will Transform Your Business

    Beyond the Balance Sheet: Lessons from Eldership That Will Transform Your Business

    As business owners, we’re constantly searching for the secret sauce—the strategy, the technology, the market edge—that guarantees success. We chase profits, optimize processes, and worship the metrics that drive the bottom line. But what if the deepest insights for long-term health and growth don’t come from a textbook on corporate strategy, but from a profound understanding of community, relationship, and human nobility?
    I recently encountered the work of Dr. Joy DeGruy, author and dedicated healer, and her perspective on eldership and community—a concept deeply rooted in the principle “I am because we are”—offers a radical reorientation for how we should lead our teams and engage our customers.
    Here are the critical lessons I’m integrating into my business right now, and why you should too:
    ——————————————————————————–
    1. Relationships Are Your Highest Value Asset
    The Western world often encourages “ego worship” and materialism, prioritizing “stuff” and titles over genuine connection. But an 85-year Harvard study found the cause of happiness is good relationships. This aligns perfectly with the primary value system (axiology) of African descent, where the highest value lies in the relationship between people.
    What This Means for Leadership:
    We must stop treating our staff, partners, and clients as transactional resources. If your team is only focused on degrees, trophies, or the size of their next bonus, they will never find real happiness, and your company culture will remain brittle.
    • Focus on the Core: At the end of the day, success is defined by “who you love and who loves you.” We need to do the foundational work of building strong internal relationships.
    • Dethrone the Ego: Leadership isn’t about having the final word or holding onto the mic forever. As Dr. DeGruy notes, true eldership involves humility—knowing when to step back from the leadership spotlight and serve the community (even if that means offering to “wash the dishes” or “fold up the chairs”). This models “us and not me.”
    2. The Presence of the Elder Brings Order
    Dr. DeGruy shared a fascinating story about young bull elephants acting destructively until the mere presence of a powerful, experienced bull restored “order and appropriate balance” to the group. The young elephants needed the elder to know their place.
    This is a biological necessity that translates directly to the workplace:
    • Value Wisdom and History: Our long-term employees and experienced leaders are the “bull elephants.” They have wisdom gained from long experience, having “seen some things” and made plenty of mistakes.
    • Listen Intentionally: Emerging leaders must give the honor of their conversation to Elders. If we don’t listen, we risk repeating known failures, just like leaders who believe they “got this” only to realize a year later they didn’t.
    • Be a Stabilizing Force: Your presence as an experienced leader or owner should bring a sense of order to the space. When things feel chaotic or “out of order,” the intentional leadership of an experienced person is what restores balance.
    3. Acknowledgment Cultivates Intrinsic Nobility
    Eldership is fundamentally about making people feel seen, special, worthy, and capable. Dr. DeGruy described the casual nod exchanged between strangers as a powerful act of recognition: “I see you.”
    What This Means for Your Employees:
    • The “Juicy Face” Principle: When an employee walks into the room, do you “light up” for them? Your intentional smile and encouragement are essential to affirming their self-worth.
    • Combat Alienation: Dr. DeGruy shared an anecdote where Elders crossed the street to avoid rambunctious young men, sending a harmful message of alienation. In business, we harm our employees and future talent when we avoid engagement or fail to acknowledge their potential.
    • Bring Them Back to Their Best Selves: A leader’s role is to bring people “back to your intrinsic nobility” when they have forgotten it. Instead of moving away from difficult or inappropriate behaviour, we must lean in and gently remind individuals of the high standards and capabilities we expect from them.
    4. Rites of Passage Must Define Contribution, Not Just Independence
    Rites of Passage (ROP) is often misunderstood as simply gaining independence. Its true significance, however, is helping young people recognize their contribution to the wholeness of the village. The goal is to “excavate a person’s abilities” so they understand what they can bring to their people.
    • Prevent Destructive Behaviour: Dr. DeGruy cites the proverb: “If a child is not embraced by his village, he will burn it down to feel its warmth.” If your business doesn’t give young staff a clear, meaningful role, they will seek that warmth and validation elsewhere—potentially causing friction or leaving entirely.
    • Hone Individual Gifts for the Collective: Think of your business as an orchestra. While the collective sound is beautiful, sometimes the string section has to meet alone to hone its skill before contributing. Our training and mentorship programs should be designed to focus and excavate each person’s unique gifts, preparing them for their role in the company’s “collective sound.”
    5. Courage and Vulnerability Build Trust
    Dr. DeGruy’s biggest lesson learned is courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but doing what you have to do even when you are afraid. Courage requires vulnerability—trusting that when you fall, someone will catch you and help you get back up.
    • Make Failure an Opportunity: We must create a culture where staff feel safe to admit, “I’m not okay” or “I was wrong and I own it.” If employees are punished for not being perfect or for demonstrating humanity, they will never innovate or take necessary risks. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn.
    • The Power of Connection: Dr. DeGruy demonstrated courage by stopping a group of rambunctious young men and asking them about their life dreams, forging a relationship. By creating that relationship, she guaranteed they would protect her because she had validated them. In business, forming genuine relationships protects the organization far better than rigid rules.
    Dr. Joy DeGruy reminds us that our most vital call to action today is to address the assault on truth. This means embracing ourselves, honoring those who came before us, and standing in that truth despite global struggles with anti-Blackness.
    For us, the truth is that the human element—the relationship, the inherent worth, the courage to be vulnerable—is what builds an enduring, meaningful enterprise. If we focus on building up and healing relationships within our teams and communities, we will find the peace, and success, we all need.
  • Beyond Capital: A New Vision for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada

    Beyond Capital: A New Vision for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada

    The Future of Black Entrepreneurship in Canada: Beyond Financial Solutions

    A compelling response from the Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) challenges conventional approaches to supporting Black entrepreneurs in Canada. Authored by Executive Director Ryan O’Neil Knight and Project Management Consultant Errol A. Gibbs, this September 2024 document offers critical insights on recent reports including “The Entrepreneurial Potential of Black Canadians” by Senator Colin Deacon and “Progress On Black Entrepreneurship Initiatives” by Senators Amina Gerba and Colin Deacon.

    Rethinking Support for Black Entrepreneurs

    While access to capital remains crucial for Black entrepreneurs, the ACBN argues that focusing solely on financial solutions is insufficient. Drawing on 50 years of combined experience, Knight and Gibbs contend that this limited approach has failed to create sustainable pathways for Black entrepreneurs over the past five decades.

    Their analysis reveals that many Black entrepreneurs operate nano and micro enterprises that traditional banks might not consider “bona fide” small businesses. Moreover, the ACBN emphasizes that for Black entrepreneurs, “capital growth” and business sustainability serve as vital success multipliers beyond initial funding. They question the viability of Black-owned businesses dependent on continuous grants and financing.

    The Canadian Black Empowerment Initiative: A Comprehensive Solution for Black Entrepreneurs

    In response to these limitations, the ACBN introduces their Canadian Black Empowerment Initiative (CBEI) (2025-2075), designed to foster an “industrial mindset” among Black entrepreneurs. This pioneering approach encompasses:

    • A Canadian Black Empowerment Manifesto (CBEM) Version 3.0: A commercial blueprint for broader sector acceptance
    • A Canadian Black Empowerment Think Tank (CBETT): Intellectual infrastructure dedicated to addressing Black entrepreneur disempowerment
    • A Portfolio Management Office (PMO): Digital infrastructure supporting structured project management

    Building a Sustainable Ecosystem for Black Entrepreneurs

    The ACBN emphasizes that Black entrepreneurs need more than financial resources to achieve long-term success. Their vision includes:

    • Physical and digital infrastructure development
    • Appropriate data collection and analysis specific to Black entrepreneurs
    • Formation of Black entrepreneur consortiums to secure significant contracts
    • Increased Black corporate ownership and leadership
    • Capacity building for Black entrepreneurs to become Tier 1, 2, or 3 suppliers
    • Strong collective resolve within the Black entrepreneurial community

    Addressing Critical Gaps for Black Entrepreneurs

    The ACBN highlights several overlooked areas essential for Black entrepreneurial success:

    • Establishing Black small-cap corporations to provide leadership and mentorship to emerging Black entrepreneurs
    • Emphasizing procurement engagement to achieve equitable wealth distribution
    • Developing an “industrial mindset,” project management skills, and infrastructure within the Black Entrepreneurial Economic Ecosystem
    • Moving beyond non-profit community organizations as sole mentors for Black entrepreneurs
    • Helping nano, micro, and small Black entrepreneurs meet supplier requirements for government and large corporations
    • Investing in research and development while understanding broader market needs beyond the Black consumer market
    • Adapting educational approaches to prepare Black entrepreneurs for an AI-driven business landscape
    • Addressing “siloism” within the Black entrepreneurial community

    The Path Forward: A Four-Phase Implementation

    The ACBN outlines a structured implementation strategy for supporting Black entrepreneurs:

    1. Phase I (4-6 months): Create a commercially viable Manifesto Version 3.0
    2. Phase II (4-6 months): Conduct a rapid feasibility study assessing project viability
    3. Phase III (6-8 months): Prepare design, development, and implementation strategies
    4. Phase IV (ongoing): Establish parameters for launch, execution, and long-term operations

    The ACBN anticipates immediate benefits for Black entrepreneurs throughout all implementation phases due to the integrated nature of these initiatives.

    A Holistic Vision for Black Entrepreneurial Success

    The ACBN’s response provides a valuable alternative to the traditional focus on capital financing as the primary solution for Black entrepreneurs in Canada. Their Canadian Black Empowerment Initiative presents a comprehensive, long-term strategy addressing systemic issues while building robust infrastructure for sustainable Black entrepreneurial success. The ACBN has expressed keen interest in discussing this initiative further with the Senators.

  • Assessing Progress: Key Insights into Black Entrepreneurship Initiatives in Canada

    Assessing Progress: Key Insights into Black Entrepreneurship Initiatives in Canada

    Progress and Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Stakeholder Interviews

    Between July and December 2023, Senators Amina Gerba and Colin Deacon conducted extensive interviews with key stakeholders to assess the progress and remaining obstacles in supporting Black entrepreneurs in Canada. This initiative builds upon their 2021 report, which revealed that 76% of Black entrepreneurs feel their race makes success harder, and 75% struggle to find even $10,000 for their business. This blog post summarizes their findings and recommendations for fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs across Canada.

    Key Insights from Stakeholder Interviews

    Trust and Access Barriers for Black Entrepreneurs

    The interviews confirmed a critical challenge: only 19% of Black entrepreneurs trust banks to act in their best interests and that of their community. This trust deficit has historically limited Black entrepreneurs’ access to crucial resources like capital, procurement opportunities, mentorship, and business networks.

    Financial Literacy Challenges Facing Black Entrepreneurs

    Stakeholders identified financial and business literacy gaps among some Black entrepreneurs as a significant hurdle. These challenges include:

    • Difficulties providing necessary documentation
    • Challenges building comprehensive business plans
    • Limited understanding of loan requirements

    These issues often slow down the loan adjudication process for Black entrepreneurs and create additional barriers to accessing capital.

    Persistent Systemic Bias Against Black Entrepreneurs

    Despite various initiatives, systemic biases continue to affect lending and adjudication processes for Black entrepreneurs. Traditional reliance on credit scores can disproportionately disadvantage Black entrepreneurs, especially newcomers who may lack:

    • Established credit history
    • Generational wealth
    • Traditional collateral

    Stakeholders called for more modern tools to assess creditworthiness, focusing on cash flow, payment activity, character, and other qualitative metrics that better reflect the reality of Black entrepreneurs.

    Capital Deployment Issues Affecting Black Entrepreneurs

    The slow deployment of capital was noted as a significant issue for Black entrepreneurs, often linked to:

    • Incomplete applications
    • Misunderstandings about requirements
    • Varying levels of institutional understanding regarding the specific needs of Black entrepreneurs

    Technology and Support Needs for Black Entrepreneurs

    The report highlighted several areas where technology and comprehensive support could improve outcomes:

    • New approaches to data collection to combat systemic biases
    • Investment in technology to streamline processes
    • Caution regarding AI-based loan adjudication potentially entrenching existing biases against Black entrepreneurs
    • Recognition that financial support alone is insufficient for Black entrepreneurs
    • Need for pre- and post-loan support, including financial literacy training
    • Acknowledgment that social factors like transportation, healthcare, and childcare—often neglected in program design—can be significant barriers for Black entrepreneurs

    Current Initiatives Supporting Black Entrepreneurs

    The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP)

    This collaborative effort involves the Government of Canada, Black-driven businesses, and financial institutions to support Black entrepreneurs. The program includes:

    Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (BELF)

    • Administered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE)
    • Capital contributions from the Government of Canada and BDC
    • FACE offers loans up to $100,000 for Black entrepreneurs
    • BDC funds and disburses loans between $100,000 and $250,000
    • Includes a microloan pilot program through Alterna Savings and Vancity for smaller loans

    Other BEP Components

    • National Ecosystem Fund supporting Black entrepreneurs
    • Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub

    Bank Initiatives for Black Entrepreneurs

    Several major banks have launched dedicated programs to support Black entrepreneurs:

    • CIBC partnerships and funding programs
    • National Bank of Canada (NBC) initiatives
    • TD Bank mentorship and financial education programs

    Additional Support Programs

    • BKR Capital: The first Black-led VC fund in Canada, focused on investing in technology companies founded by Black entrepreneurs
    • Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI): A federal grants program aimed at building capacity for Black entrepreneurs and their communities

    Challenges and Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs

    Information and Coordination Gaps

    Despite best efforts, information-sharing gaps persist between organizations supporting Black entrepreneurs, potentially causing some to “fall through the cracks.” Stakeholders suggested developing a centralized, customer-centric solution to better serve Black entrepreneurs.

    Program Sustainability Concerns

    The uncertain future of the BEP raises concerns about long-term support for Black entrepreneurs. Stakeholders overwhelmingly emphasized the need for permanent funding to create lasting change and support Black entrepreneurs effectively.

    Funding Adequacy and Structure

    While initial investments have shown promising results for Black entrepreneurs, many stakeholders believe:

    • The current funding amounts need significant increases
    • Support organizations may need structural adjustments
    • Equity financing remains underutilized for Black entrepreneurs

    Growth and Scaling Challenges

    Current support programs often focus on startups, with insufficient attention to helping established Black entrepreneurs scale their businesses. This represents a significant gap in the support ecosystem.

    Social Factors and Data Collection

    • The impact of social factors on Black entrepreneurs’ success needs greater consideration
    • More comprehensive data gathering is crucial to understand the nuances and challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs
    • Non-profit organizations supporting Black entrepreneurs require stronger capacity building

    Market Access Opportunities

    Expanding market access for Black entrepreneurs presents significant opportunities through:

    • Domestic market development
    • International trade opportunities
    • Leveraging diasporan connections
    • Increasing government procurement opportunities

    Public Policy Recommendations for Supporting Black Entrepreneurs

    Based on stakeholder insights, the report offers several recommendations to better support Black entrepreneurs:

    1. Permanent Funding: Establish a permanent BEP with substantially increased funding for Black entrepreneurs
    2. Financial Literacy: Provide access to high-quality financial literacy programs to improve loan readiness among Black entrepreneurs
    3. Inclusive Metrics: Include key performance indicators in federal programs to track progress on inclusivity for Black entrepreneurs
    4. Diverse Capital: Promote access to equity financing, including angel and venture capital for Black entrepreneurs
    5. Procurement Reforms: Ensure Black entrepreneurs gain access to government procurement opportunities
    6. Standardized Reporting: Implement consistent standards for reporting success metrics across BEP organizations serving Black entrepreneurs
    7. Knowledge Sharing: Prioritize forums to share learnings and improve program outcomes for Black entrepreneurs
    8. International Connections: Develop strategies to foster business partnerships and trade opportunities for Black entrepreneurs internationally
    9. Complementary Policies: Prioritize policies like Consumer-Driven Banking to support credit history building for Black entrepreneurs
    10. Innovation Programming: Develop innovation programs in collaboration with Black entrepreneurs and their businesses

    Conclusion: Building an Equitable Future for Black Entrepreneurs

    The report recognizes notable progress in supporting Black entrepreneurs in Canada over the past three years. However, it emphasizes that this work remains far from complete. Creating a truly equitable environment where Black entrepreneurs can reach their full potential requires:

    • Continued collaboration among all stakeholders
    • Addressing persistent systemic barriers facing Black entrepreneurs
    • Enhancing data collection to better understand the needs of Black entrepreneurs
    • Ensuring sustainable and adequate funding for programs supporting Black entrepreneurs

    The insights and recommendations in this report serve as vital guideposts in the ongoing journey to foster an inclusive ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs can thrive and significantly contribute to Canada’s economic growth and diversity.

  • Unmasking Barriers: Key Findings on Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Black Canadians

    Unmasking Barriers: Key Findings on Inclusive Entrepreneurship for Black Canadians

    Black Entrepreneurs in Canada: Senator Study Reveals Barriers and Opportunities

    A groundbreaking study commissioned by the African Canadian Senate Group and Senator Colin Deacon has shed critical light on the challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in Canada’s business landscape. Led by David Coletto of Abacus Data and Alfred Burgesson, this comprehensive research surveyed 342 Black entrepreneurs across Canada in May 2021, documenting their experiences with accessing capital, navigating support systems, and confronting systemic racism.

    Profile of Canadian Black Entrepreneurs

    The survey captured a diverse cross-section of Black entrepreneurs across the country:

    • Gender distribution: 54% of Black entrepreneurs identified as female and 45% as male
    • Age demographics: The majority (52%) of Black entrepreneurs were between 30-44 years old
    • Geographic reach: Black entrepreneurs participated from various provinces, with highest representation from Ontario (44%) and Quebec (37%)
    • Business maturity: 45% of Black entrepreneur ventures were relatively new, operating for 0-2 years
    • Revenue patterns: A significant majority (52%) of Black entrepreneur businesses reported under $50,000 in revenue for 2019

    Key Challenges Facing Black Entrepreneurs

    Systemic Racism Creates Significant Barriers

    The study revealed that 76% of Black entrepreneurs believe systemic racism directly hampers their business success. This perception was consistent regardless of how established or connected the Black entrepreneurs were. Many reported experiencing direct discrimination in their daily operations:

    • Customers refusing services from Black entrepreneur businesses
    • Financial institutions denying loans to Black entrepreneurs based on racial factors
    • Racial bias affecting everyday business interactions for Black entrepreneurs

    Capital Access: The Primary Obstacle for Black Entrepreneurs

    Access to funding emerged as the most significant challenge, with 75% of Black entrepreneurs identifying financing and capital constraints as their primary barrier:

    • Nearly 80% of Black entrepreneurs reported difficulty securing even modest funding of $10,000
    • Self-financing (“bootstrapping”) remains the predominant funding method for Black entrepreneurs
    • Traditional funding channels remain largely inaccessible to many Black entrepreneurs

    Network and Support Deficits Among Black Entrepreneurs

    The research highlighted significant gaps in networking and support resources:

    • Only 45% of Black entrepreneurs know how to access business supports when challenges arise
    • Black entrepreneurs often lack strong connections to mentors and advisors compared to their non-Black counterparts
    • Knowledge gaps about available resources create ongoing challenges for Black entrepreneurs

    Trust Issues with Financial Institutions

    Trust in banking institutions remains remarkably low among Black entrepreneurs:

    • Only 19% of Black entrepreneurs expressed trust in banks generally
    • Banks ranked as the least trusted financial institutions among Black entrepreneurs
    • This trust deficit significantly impacts Black entrepreneurs’ willingness to engage with mainstream financial services

    Daily Business Operations Challenges

    Many Black entrepreneurs struggle with fundamental business operations:

    • Difficulty meeting payroll obligations
    • Challenges paying suppliers on schedule
    • Cash flow constraints affecting overall business stability
    • “Unempowered” Black entrepreneurs face particularly acute operational challenges

    The Value of Representation and Relationships

    The study found that Black entrepreneurs with established relationships at financial institutions are twice as likely to trust them, highlighting:

    • The importance of diverse representation in banking
    • The value of relationship-building for Black entrepreneurs
    • The need for more inclusive practices by financial institutions serving Black entrepreneurs

    Resilience and Optimism Despite Challenges

    Perhaps most remarkably, despite facing significant systemic barriers, 87% of Black entrepreneurs reported being somewhat or very optimistic about their business future, demonstrating exceptional resilience.

    Empowered vs. Unempowered Black Entrepreneurs

    The research distinguished between “empowered” and “unempowered” Black entrepreneurs based on several key factors:

    Empowered Black entrepreneurs typically:

    • Know how to navigate support systems
    • Can access funding channels more effectively
    • Have developed essential business skills
    • Demonstrate confidence in problem-solving
    • Recover more quickly from business setbacks

    Unempowered Black entrepreneurs generally experience:

    • Limited access to support networks
    • Significant funding challenges
    • Skill gaps in key business areas
    • Less confidence in handling business challenges

    What Black Entrepreneurs Need Most

    When asked directly about their most pressing needs, Black entrepreneurs overwhelmingly identified funding and capital access (32%) as their top priority.

    Moving Forward: Creating an Inclusive Ecosystem for Black Entrepreneurs

    This landmark research provides crucial insights into the challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in Canada. The findings clearly demonstrate how systemic racism, capital access barriers, and networking limitations create an uneven playing field.

    To build a truly inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs can thrive, stakeholders across government, financial institutions, and business communities must address these systemic issues with targeted solutions. The remarkable optimism displayed by Black entrepreneurs despite these challenges underscores their resilience and untapped potential.

    By removing these barriers, Canada stands to benefit tremendously from the full participation and contribution of Black entrepreneurs to the national economy and business landscape.

  • Uncovering Opportunities and Addressing Disparities: Key Insights from the ACBN Labour Market Needs Assessment

    Uncovering Opportunities and Addressing Disparities: Key Insights from the ACBN Labour Market Needs Assessment

    Black Labour Market Assessment Reveals Critical Gaps and Opportunities in Ontario

    A groundbreaking report titled “ACBN Rapid Labour Market Needs Assessment” has uncovered significant disparities facing Black workers and entrepreneurs in Ontario’s labour market. Prepared for the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) in February 2023 by Dr. Cleophas Justine Pierre of Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company Canada Ltd., this assessment provides crucial insights to inform policy development and targeted interventions for Southern Ontario’s Black communities.

    The Importance of Black-Focused Labour Market Research

    Despite growing corporate and governmental commitments to diversity and inclusion, this report highlights why a dedicated Black Labour Market Needs Assessment (BLMNA) remains essential. Black communities face unique structural barriers within Canada’s labour market that require tailored solutions.

    The report emphasizes a striking paradox: while Black Ontarians have made significant contributions to Canada’s principles of justice and equity, they remain among those who benefit least from these values in practical economic terms.

    Ontario’s Black Workforce: Key Insights

    Demographics and Immigration

    • Gender dynamics: Women constitute 51.2% of Ontario’s Black workforce, despite being a smaller percentage of the overall provincial workforce
    • Immigration impact: Nearly 60% of Black workers in Ontario are immigrants, compared to just 32.8% of the general Ontario workforce

    Occupational Distribution

    • Black men are most heavily represented in trades, transport, and equipment operation sectors
    • Black women predominate in sales and service, health occupations, and education, law, and social services
    • Underrepresentation of both genders persists in highly compensated fields such as science and technology, engineering, and senior management positions

    Education vs. Income: A Troubling Disconnect

    • Educational parity: 70% of Black Ontarians hold post-secondary credentials, slightly exceeding the rate for white Ontarians (69.3%)
    • Persistent wage gap: Despite comparable education levels, Black men earned a median income of $45,200 compared to $63,600 for white men (2019)
    • Credential devaluation: Many Black Ontarians require advanced degrees to achieve earnings comparable to white workers with only high school diplomas

    Unemployment Challenges

    • Black men face 16.5% unemployment rates, with Black women at 17.5% (2021)
    • Black youth unemployment exceeds 30%, representing a critical concern
    • Interestingly, within Black communities, immigrants typically experience lower unemployment rates than Canadian-born workers

    Ontario’s Black Businesses: Growth Barriers and Opportunities

    Business Landscape

    • Black-owned businesses represent 2.3% of all Canadian businesses
    • Scaling challenges: 85.9% of Black-owned businesses in Ontario employ fewer than five people, compared to 56.5% of all Canadian businesses

    Industry Concentration

    73% of Black businesses operate in five key sectors:

    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    • Accommodation and food services
    • Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing services
    • Retail trade

    Hiring and Growth

    • Business expansion drives 26% of new hiring
    • 38% of new positions require certification
    • Sales and service positions account for 30% of new hires

    Critical Resource Gaps

    Black business owners face significant operational challenges:

    • 78% lack resources to hire qualified professionals
    • 76% need assistance with proposals and bidding processes
    • 32% require IT and website development support
    • 37% need graphic design assistance
    • 89% do not have access to trusted financial advisors
    • 41% encounter ongoing financial challenges
    • 87% report that accessing finance is excessively difficult for Black-led businesses

    Recommendations for Meaningful Change

    Data Collection and Analysis

    • Governments and financial institutions must collect more detailed, disaggregated data on Black-owned businesses and workers to better understand systemic inequities

    Government Interventions

    • Fund specialized professional support services for Black businesses
    • Return to proactive employment equity approaches
    • Regularly consult with Black advocacy organizations
    • Promote apprenticeships in male-dominated skilled trades
    • Adjust loan and grant eligibility criteria to better align with Black business characteristics
    • Actively procure from and do business with Black-owned enterprises

    Advocacy and Coalition Building

    • Black advocacy groups should form stronger coalitions
    • Monitor and report on employment figures to promote equitable hiring practices
    • Raise broader awareness of systemic inequities

    Moving Forward: From Assessment to Action

    The “ACBN Rapid Labour Market Needs Assessment Report” provides an evidence-based foundation for addressing persistent inequities faced by Black workers and entrepreneurs in Ontario. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and systemic reforms to create a truly inclusive economic environment.

    By implementing the report’s recommendations, policymakers, advocacy organizations, and business communities can work together to unlock the full potential of Black Ontarians and build a more equitable and prosperous province for everyone. Continued research into the key areas identified in this assessment remains critical for addressing these systemic challenges effectively.