The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) is a 2021 Climate Smart Certified business – transforming into a sustainability leader by cutting costs and carbon.

The award-winning program provides businesses with data and training to profitably reduce their carbon footprint.

Surrey, BC, March 3, 2023 – BBABC today announces its successful completion of the Climate Smart Training and Certification program. This award-winning greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions program from BMO Radicle Inc. enables businesses to transform into sustainability leaders while reducing business costs.

The Black Business Association of BC has achieved a full measurement of its 1st greenhouse gas inventory FY2022 (May 01, 2021 to Apr 30, 2022) by becoming Climate Smart Certified.

The Climate Smart program provides a unique combination of training, tools, and technical assistance to enable companies to measure and reduce their GHG emissions, make informed decisions to invest in efficiencies, and communicate their sustainability initiatives in a compelling and data-driven way. This unique approach equips companies with the tools to analyze, measure, and reduce emissions and develop the capacity to lead the emissions reduction charge internally.

Becoming a Climate Smart Certified business means joining other industry-leading companies making environmental stewardship and economic prosperity their new reality. Thanks to this accolade, BBABC is helping to move the Non-profit sector and the Black business community towards a brighter future, making a direct impact on the financial and environmental longevity in Surrey, BC.

Our reductions plan will include a waste assessment and audit, remote work, shipping promotions, and delivery alternatives.

B.C. is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 16% below 2007 levels by 2025, 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 80% by 2050. “We are proud to take the first steps towards becoming carbon neutral and taking the lead to inspire other non-profit organizations and Black owned businesses to action similarly”, says Nerissa Allen, President and CEO, of the BBABC.

The Climate Smart Training and Certification program has helped over 1200 businesses reach their GHG emissions reduction goals while balancing financial prosperity. Ultimately, businesses that invest in reducing their carbon footprint save money—often a lot of it. The Climate Smart program has enabled companies reach an average of 24% emissions reductions against baseline, and $4.7 million (CAD) in total cost savings.

“By completing the Climate Smart training program, companies are pioneering a new path towards Net Zero, making environmental stewardship and financial prosperity two sides of the same coin,” says Saj Shapiro, Head, BMO Radicle. “Climate Smart Certified businesses are among global industry leaders who have taken steps toward creating sustainable initiatives for their company’s long-term success, and showing they have a plan in place to make a positive impact for the environment for generations to come.”

In completing this program, the BBABC joins other industry leaders in meeting emissions reduction objectives that benefit the environment – and their bottom line.

About BMO Radicle

BMO Radicle helps guide today’s progressive companies toward tomorrow’s sustainable future. From our early beginnings in Calgary, Canada, when we developed one of the world’s first software platforms to measure, qualify, and aggregate greenhouse gas emissions, we’ve now taken root internationally to leverage data, insights, and technology to safeguard our shared tomorrow. In 2022, Radicle became a part of BMO Capital Markets.

BMO Radicle works with businesses and organizations across all industries and sizes to enable planet-positive solutions by increasing efficiency while lowering costs and emissions. We believe that financial and environmental sustainability are two sides of the same coin: balance between the two is possible. Visit radiclebalance.com to learn more.

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. As we emerge from the pandemic it is imperative, we continue to look for ways to support the business community through skills development, increased market access, and sustainability practices.

www.blackbusinessbc.ca

www.blackbizglobal.com

www.afroworldexpo.ca

www.blackexcellenceawards.ca  

IG: blackbusinessvancouver

PRESS RELEASE

The Black Business Association of BC launches the province’s first space dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses.

VANCOUVER, May 25th, 2022 - The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization, opens a new business centre designed to host Black-owned businesses. This space is the first of its kind in BC.

“When we created Canada’s first ever Black Entrepreneurship Program in partnership with Black communities, our vision was to foster spaces across the country where Black business owners and entrepreneurs could access critical support and resources needed to fuel their successes,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “The Black Business Association of BC’s new business centre is that vision in action. This new resource will build an inclusive community that will help Black Canadians advance their businesses to the next level.”

The space will not only provide Black business owners with a home base for their business, but also provide opportunities to collaborate with other Black business owners and access experienced entrepreneurs and advisors.  A vital step to growing any business community.

“We’ve seen similar dedicated business centre’s work at sparking economic development and improving business support access in the indigenous community across Canada so I am excited to see BC’s Black business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have a space to create the lives they want.” says Keenan Beavis of Longhouse Media

“Our mission to provide the Black business community a space to produce, conduct, and excel in business has been a priority for us. We are proud to realize another milestone in our journey to promote unity, propel excellence, and create a legacy”, says Nerissa Allen, President of the Black Business Association of BC.

Located at Unit 202-7327 137st, Surrey, the new centre also features: an executive studio, meeting rooms along with hoteling stations, which provides access to computers and additional business equipment.

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. As we emerge from the pandemic it is imperative, we continue to look for ways to support the business community through skills development, increased market access, and sustainability practices.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC launches their NATIONAL ONLINE DIRECTORY & ECOMMERCE MARKETPLACE.

The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) takes centre stage as it launches a national directory of Black owned businesses. 

VANCOUVER, January 27, 2022 – The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization, addresses a significant barrier faced by Black owned businesses, digital adoption to support global commercial visibility. The BBABC tackles this challenge with the launch of their National Online Directory & Ecommerce Platform.

"It was an honour partnering our Indigenous web design company with the Black Business Association in developing the 'National Black Business Directory and Marketplace'.  We are confident that users will find it easy to sign-up and a great tool to grow their business. During tough economic times, it is community support for local vendors that will keep our companies strong and growing.  The directory and marketplace is a great hub to find a business to support”, says Keenan Beavis - Founder of Longhouse Media.

The platform has been created with a multi-layered market access strategy, supporting B2C, B2B, and B2G sourcing. It will also support the diversification of the supply chain through vendor identification and vendor-buyer relationship building.

“We understand the challenge of trying to maintain an online presence as a small business or solopreneur, and wanted to increase value beyond a traditional directory. By providing a platform where businesses could also sell their products and advertise their services, means we can offer virtual retail space, lack of which is often a small business killer. Whether its the Nunavut Wellness Spa in Iqaluit, NT, or Tommies Jerk in Surrey, BC, we’ve created a space for them to be seen”, says Nerissa Allen, President of the BBABC. 

Join BBABC and the Honorable Minister Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Innovation, and Economic Recovery, on February 1st as we usher in Black History Month with the launch of the Online Directory and Marketplace. Register to attend the opening ceremony: https://www.blackbusinessbc.ca/blackhistorymonth 

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. As we emerge from the pandemic it is imperative, we continue to look for ways to support the business community through skills development, increased market access, and sustainability practices.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC partners with PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs to unleash the imagination of the youth.

The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) launches its partnership with PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs to bring the entrepreneurial mindset to children ages 9-12.

VANCOUVER, January 25, 2022 – The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization, leverages funding received through the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship National Ecosystem Fund to curate an entrepreneurial program designed by Powerplay Young Entrepreneurs. This 5-week program is designed to promote creativity and engagement through entrepreneurship, while building practical life skills that can be transferred to all areas of life. 

This initiative offers an exciting real-world program that empowers young people to create their own authentic business ventures. The young entrepreneurs will participate in a series of interactive workshops and have access to an online learning platform. They will also have the chance to learn from, be inspired by and connect with mentors as they move through the business planning steps. At the end, the young entrepreneurs will showcase their achievements in a dynamic community event.

“Empowering young Black Canadians to become the next generation of innovators will help drive economic diversity and build a better, more inclusive Canada,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “Congratulations to the Black Business Association of BC for launching this program to help address barriers, build confidence, and foster the dreams of young entrepreneurs in BC.”

“I am thrilled that the Black Business Association of BC and PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs have partnered to make entrepreneurship more accessible to young black Canadians in Surrey-Newton and across BC,” said Sukh Dhaliwal, MP for Surrey-Newton. “I look forward to hearing more about how this program is igniting new ideas and learning more about how we can help the next generation of Black business owners succeed.”

“Students today need to be flexible, adaptable and resilient. With this project, students take charge of their learning, treat mistakes as learning opportunities and use their critical thinking skills to solve problems that may arise along the way,” says Bill Roche, Co-Founder and Executive Director of PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs. “These tools will help them be more successful in school and in the future, regardless of what career path they choose.” 

“The global issues of today and the future demands that we prepare our children to lead. Entrepreneurial skills and mindset are transferable life skills that will set the foundation for our kids to mobilize as global citizens,” says Nerissa Allen, President of the BBABC. 

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. As we emerge from the pandemic it is imperative, we continue to look for ways to support the business community through skills development, increased market access, and sustainability practices.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

About PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs

In 2017, Charles Chang and Bill Roche co-founded this registered charity to help young Canadians develop the entrepreneurial mindset, skills and relationships needed to thrive in our rapidly changing world. PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs is Canada’s largest teacher-facilitated entrepreneurial education program, having already reached over 85,000 students. Students explore their passions, talents and interests as they plan and implement their own business ventures.

Website: www.powerplay4success.com	Twitter: @PowerPlayYE
Email: bill@powerplay4success.com

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC partners with Small Business BC to provide major education and services access to Black entrepreneurs

The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) announces its partnership withSmall Business BC (SBBC) to provide barrier free access to education and advisory services for Black entrepreneurs and businesses.

VANCOUVER, Nov 30, 2021 – The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization, leverages funding received from the Black Entrepreneurship National Ecosystem Fund to offer barrier free courses, workshops, education, loan support and more.

On Aug 13^th, 2021, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic DevelopmentMinister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced the BBABC as a recipient of the first round of organizations to be selected for the Black Entrepreneurship Program's National Ecosystem Fund.  

One of the first initiatives to roll out is the BBABC-SBBC Education & Services Portal. This portal gives access to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses to a plethora of SBBC business and skills development training, and advisory services, which will support targeted business development and increased access to funding. A program designed to meet the individualized needs of each entrepreneur, to maximize the impact and success of their business.

“Congratulations to the Black Business Association of BC and Small Business BC for joining forces to reduce barriers for Black entrepreneurs across BC,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “By delivering the BBABC-SBBC Education & Services Portal, you are ensuring that Black business owners can get the tools and resources they need to unlock their potential and build a more diverse, inclusive economy.”

“SBBC has been an ally to the BBABC and the Black business community, this partnership is yet another creative and strategically implemented program where our two organizations have worked together to directly address and remove barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs”, says Nerissa Allen, President of the BBABC.

“We are privileged to work with Nerissa Allen and the BBABC,” said Tom Conway, CEO for Small Business BC. “SBBC provides entrepreneurs with resources and skills that fuel innovation, sustainability, and economic growth while striving to create an open, accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment in which every British Columbian has the opportunity to flourish.”

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. As we emerge from the pandemic it is imperative, we continue to look for ways to support the business community through skills development, increased market access, and sustainability practices.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE

The Federal Government invests $2.7 Million in Black Business Association of BC.

The Black Business Association of BC is announced as a recipient of the Black Entrepreneurship Program’s National Ecosystem Fund.

VANCOUVER, August 16, 2021 – The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and leadership development, receives $2.7 million in funding to deliver direct support and services to Black owned businesses in BC.

Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, was joined by Greg Fergus, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government and Chair of the Parliamentary Black Caucus, Marci Ien, Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, and Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament for Surrey–Newton, to announce that the first round of organizations have been selected for the Black Entrepreneurship Program's National Ecosystem Fund.  

Minister Ng announced that more than $2.7 million in Ecosystem funding has been allocated to the Black Business Association of BC to create and deliver a portfolio of business services for Black entrepreneurs, including programs for start-up, scale-up, market expansion and youth businesses. The funding will also enable the association to expand its online learning platform, create an incubator program, and open a physical business centre with skilled professional staff and contractors to support Black entrepreneurs.

The Ecosystem Fund is the backbone of the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund. These two programs will work hand in hand to provide the Black business community with access to capital and wrap around services to ensure their journey from ideation to launch and beyond, is fully supported.

After many months of planning, during which the government allowed the Black community leaders to develop strategies that would be impactful and meet the needs of the Black business community, we have been able to design programs that will directly support Black entrepreneurs through:

• ·         skills development,
• ·         supporting business plan writing
• ·         creating avenues to increase domestic and international market access
• ·         safe spaces for networking
• ·         supporting mental health for business owners and their staff
• ·         mentorship
• ·         driving youth engagement and interest in entrepreneurship

An economy is only as strong as the small businesses that work every day to bring their communities food, clothing, technology, services, and more. Businesses have had many challenges over the last 17 months. Now is the time to step up to ensure we support the sustainability of existing businesses. We must also celebrate small business and keep that flame alive for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In the Black community, business and culture are often intertwined. Investing in a small business, is investing in a local family, who is investing in their community and supporting the economic stability of our economy. This is an opportunity for us to amplify the beauty of diversity. “I often say, knowledge supports understanding, understanding fosters empathy, and empathy is the foundation of an inclusive culture, that is even more relevant today as we work to build back better”, said Nerissa Allen, President of BBABC.

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. With unemployment at an all-time high, giving people the tools to create and run a thriving business will not only uplift people and families individually, but also the community, and the Canadian economy as a whole.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) launches Marketplace at Bentall Centre as BC transitions into phase 2 of the restart plan.

The Black Business Association of BC implores support for local business.

VANCOUVER, June 15, 2021 – Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and leadership development, launches their inaugural Marketplace at Bentall Centre in downtown Vancouver.

We are excited to share that we officially opened the doors to our inaugural Marketplace Pop-up featuring five Black owned businesses over the next nine weeks.

Jun 14th -18th: Hogan’s Alley Clothing

Jun 21st - Jul 2nd: Organic Skin Therapies

Jul 5th - 16th: West African Fashion

Jul 19th - 30th: Kate and Frances Design

Aug 3rd - 13th: Grey Hearts Denim

LOCATION: 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver - Retail concourse of Bentall Centre between Canada Post and Purdy's (Burrard Skytrain Station)

Our Pop-up shop marketplace runs June 14 – August 13, 2021. We have teamed up with Bentall Centre co-owner and operator Hudson Pacific Properties to launch this amazing initiative to support local Black owned businesses as we enter Phase 2 of BC’s restart plan. This initiative:

• ·         Provides businesses a space to showcase & sell their products, increasing their market access.
• ·         Exposing the public at large to the products offered by the Black community that they may not have previously been aware of, promoting inclusiveness through awareness of diversity in culture and business.
• ·         Supporting the revitalization of the Vancouver downtown core as we enter phase 2 of the BC restart plan.

“We are thrilled to partner with and support the Black Business Association of BC with this pop-up series,” said Chuck We, Senior Vice President of Western Canada for Hudson Pacific. “This is a great opportunity to offer Bentall Centre tenants and visitors access to diverse retail offerings while increasing exposure for these talented entrepreneurs.”

“At the Black Business association of BC, we have been concentrating our efforts on strategies aimed at increasing market access while supporting an inclusive community through awareness. Knowledge supports understanding, understanding supports empathy, and empathy drives an inclusive culture. This collaboration with Hudson Pacific Properties will help to support economic recovery for small businesses, within our community” said Nerissa Allen, President of BBABC.

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. With unemployment at an all-time high, giving people the tools to create and run a thriving business will not only uplift people and families individually, but also the community, and the Canadian economy.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) sounds off on the Federal and BC Provincial Budget impacts to Black business.

The Black Business Association of BC asks, “Are we getting what we needed?”

VANCOUVER, Apr 20, 2021– Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and leadership development, sounds off on the recently announced proposed Federal and BC Provincial 2021 Budgets.

Over the last two days, we had an opportunity to compare the proposed budgets of the Federal government and that of the Province of BC. We think it is important to recognize, the clear funding that has been ear marked for the Black business community under the proposed Federal budget, including:

• An additional $51.7 million over four years, starting in 2021-22, to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the regional development agencies for the Black Entrepreneurship Program.
• $87.4 million over five years starting in 2021-22, and $18.6 million ongoing to modernize federal procurement and create opportunities for specific communities by diversifying the federal supplier base. Specifically, implementing a program focused on procuring from Black-owned businesses.
• $200 million in 2021-22 to Employment and Social Development Canada to establish a new Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and $100 million in 2021-22 to the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative.

In contrast, we unfortunately are not seeing that same clarity identified in the proposed 2021 BC Provincial budget. We would have loved to have seen funding ear marked to:

• New specific funding allocated for BIPOC businesses under the $195 million for small and medium business recovery grant.
• Specific funding ear marked to non-profit BIPOC associations whose mandate is to support community and economic development.
• Specific funding ear marked for mental health to support businesses, including owners and their staff.

Welcomed supports from the proposed BC Provincial budget:

1. $195 million for small and medium business recovery grant. Obviously, that will make a huge impact on supporting businesses as we transition out of the pandemic.
2. $120 million for tourism and art sector. These sectors are in crisis right now, and funding dedicated to their recovery we think goes without saying, is a must. Whether this amount will be sufficient is left to be seen.
3. $10 million to Support Farmers and Agricultural sector. This aligns with our vision of the path forward.

“At the Black Business association of BC, we have been concentrating our efforts on strategies aimed at increasing market access and bolstering supplier chain diversity.  These are pathways that can support strong economic recovery for businesses, particularly within the Black and BIPOC business community” said Nerissa Allen, President of BBABC.

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. With unemployment at an all-time high, giving people the tools to create and run a thriving business will not only uplift people and families individually, but also the community, and the Canadian economy.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) and Small Business BC (SBBC) partner to build a resource hub and highlight Black owned businesses.

The Black Business Association of BC and Small Business BC partner to create a resource hub for the Black business community and highlight Black owned businesses in British Columbia.

VANCOUVER, Feb 17, 2021– Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and leadership development, announced today their partnership with Small Business BC.

Today we are proud to partner with Small Business BC to create a hub where Black entrepreneurs can find and access resources specific to the community. These resources range from business services to opportunities for grants and loans. In addition, we have created a space to highlight and share the stories of some wonderful Black owned businesses in BC.

“Small Business BC’s strategic mandate is to support British Columbia’s entrepreneurs to start and grow successful and resilient businesses through educational services, professional resources and engaging community events in an open, accessible, inclusive and equitable environment where every individual and business in BC has the opportunity to flourish,” said Tom Conway, CEO of SBBC. “It is a privilege to work with the Black Business Association of BC on this joint venture.”

This initiative is another partnership the BBABC has worked on in support of building and supporting the Black business community in Canada. This partnership is complimentary to various initiatives underway at the Black Business Association of BC which includes collaborations with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC).

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. With unemployment at an all-time high, giving people the tools to create and run a thriving business will not only uplift people and families individually, but also the community, and the Canadian economy.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

IG: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca

PRESS RELEASE

Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) teams up with Amazon Canada

BIPOC businesses have been disproportionately hit hard by COVID-19, the BBABC opens market access through its business support service with Amazon Canada.

VANCOUVER, Jan 29, 2021 – The Black Business Association of BC, a non-profit organization supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through education, mentorship, and leadership development, announced today their multi-tiered collaboration with Amazon Canada. Many entrepreneurs and small businesses have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 and are looking for ways to stay afloat. Whether it is through pivoting an existing business or starting a new business, new strategies and supports are needed. Through 2021 the Black Business Association of BC will be working with Amazon Canada to support the start-up and scale up of Black owned businesses on Amazon.ca, which will include guidance and expertise on how best to use Amazon to grow their businesses This will include, among other things, individualized business support for each company and a live “how to” webinar.

This announcement comes on the heels of the roll out of the Government of Canada Black Entrepreneurship Program, through which Black entrepreneurs and small businesses will have access to loans of up to $250,000.

We are excited to announce that we have already referred 9 prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners to this Amazon Canada Collaboration in the first week.

This initiative is one part in an ever-evolving crisis and is designed to bring resiliency into a concerned business community. This collaboration is complimentary to various initiatives underway at the Black Business Association of BC including our Women in Leadership program, our Financial Literacy Workshops with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC).

About the Black Business Association of BC

Co-Founded by Nerissa Allen and Clavia Alleyne, the BBABC provides tangible operational support to Black entrepreneurs and small businesses in Canada. Programs designed to engage and inspire new interest in entrepreneurship. With unemployment at an all-time high, giving people the tools to create and run a thriving business will not only uplift people and families individually, but also the community, and the Canadian economy.

Website: www.blackbusinessbc.ca

Instagram: @blackbusinessvancouver

Facebook: @blackbusinessbc

Email: info@blackbusinessbc.ca