Investment of $2.4 million in Black Creek Community Health Centre to help Black entrepreneurs start and grow their companies
Black entrepreneurs make invaluable contributions to communities across southern Ontario, and their success plays a crucial role in shaping Canada's future economic growth. The Government of Canada recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and is dedicated to supporting their success by creating an economy that works for everyone, promoting innovation, growth and equity.
Today, the Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River-Black Creek, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the Black Creek Community Health Centre (BCCHC) to announce an investment of $2.4 million to expand and enhance the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) initiative.
Launched in 2021 with support from FedDev Ontario, BEA is helping Black entrepreneurs and professionals to build successful companies through curated programs, partnerships and innovative tools. Through this new investment, BEA will offer a range of new programs, including an 11-week Business Process Improvement training program, a 12-week program aimed at helping businesses become export-ready, and an annual forum in partnership with York University, City of Toronto, City of Mississauga, York Region and the City of Brampton through Entrepreneur Centre and Export Development Canada for Black-led businesses to share new ideas. Together with existing programming, these new activities aim to support the success of Black-led entrepreneurs, including promoting digital innovation, expanding global market access, and driving broader economic development across southern Ontario and beyond.
This project is expected to support over 350 businesses, while also providing mentorship or training to more than 350 professionals across the Greater Toronto Area.
The Government of Canada is committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs to access the tools, training, and support they need to grow their businesses and help to strengthen southern Ontario's economy.
