The Government of Canada is investing $400-million to address long-standing barriers with its first-ever Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) to support the long-term success of Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
The Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury will receive $1,150,000 through FedNor to establish the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program in communities throughout Northern Ontario, jointly announced by Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages.
“ By helping Black entrepreneurs participate in and benefit from the regional economy, we all win.” said Viviane in a news release.
The announcement was made on behalf of Patty Hajdu, Minister responsible for FedNor, and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North.
Designed to address systemic racism and discrimination, this program is created to provide greater pathways to opportunity in gathering, developing, and delivering culturally appropriate support to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to address the gaps in the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
This funding will allow the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury to coordinate workshops, training seminars, and trade shows, provide mentorship and consulting services, and support various events and activities that showcase Black talent, excellence, success, and businesses. This strategic investment also allows the association to create four full-time high-quality jobs to support the administration of the program.
The support is provided through the National Ecosystem Fund, which was created to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada.
“Through the National Ecosystem Fund, the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury will be able to expand…government’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and supporting the contributions of Black Canadians in our economy,” said Patty Hajdu in a news release.
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