The federal government is investing $1.9-million to support Black entrepreneurs in Hamilton and Windsor.
The grant was awarded to Empowerment Squared to create the Southwestern Ontario Black Business Network. The consortium will give Black entrepreneurs advisory services, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
“Through the Black Entrepreneurship Program, the Government of Canada is working alongside Black-led, not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions to ensure Black Canadian entrepreneurs have access to critical knowledge, capital, tools, and supports they need. This is just one part of our whole-of-government approach to taking action against anti-Black racism and supporting an inclusive future for all Canadians,” said Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development.
The grant is expected to create 80 new jobs, and support 275 Black entrepreneurs in Windsor and Hamilton.
“As the Black community continues to deal with the historical deficits caused by marginalization, we are pleased to have a partner in FedDev Ontario that is willing and intentional about providing the resources and investment required to empower Black entrepreneurs," said Leo Nupolu Johnson, founder and executive director of Empowerment Squared. "This initiative will also support the COVID-19 recovery efforts where businesses in the Black community were disproportionately affected.”
Empowerment Squared is a registered Canadian charitable organization dedicated to empowering newcomer, racialized, and marginalized youth and communities.
