Program to support Black entrepreneurs announced
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/02/2025 (218 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Manitoba government is set to invest up to $110,000, in addition to $90,000 through the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, to develop a new pilot program to support Black entrepreneurs and business owners in the province.
The program, in partnership with a steering committee made up of representatives from the Black and business communities, seeks to better understand and address the realities, barriers and opportunities specific to business owners in Manitoba, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced Thursday.
“As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize that we still have work to do to ensure everyone has a seat at the table and an opportunity to succeed,” said Moses. “This funding will help to address the under-representation of Black entrepreneurs and business owners in our economy, as well as deliver on our mandate to support and help grow small businesses in our province.”
Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. (The Brandon Sun files)
African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI) takes great pride in fostering unity and economic empowerment within Manitoba’s diverse African, Black and Caribbean communities, executive director Maggie Yeboah said.
“This initiative will strengthen our efforts to provide vital resources, business development support and entrepreneurial guidance that will empower individuals to build sustainable enterprises and contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
Potential business owners face several obstacles while aspiring to launch in Manitoba, Dark Shugar Corp. chief executive officer Alexis Ojo said.
“I truly hope this new fund empowers others to chase their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their families,” she said.
Moses explained that only 2.3 per cent of business owners in the province are Black.
“This underrepresentation in business networks leads to cultural biases, difficulties in building successful businesses, as well as difficulties accessing financial capital, such as business loans,” he said. “This program is a step in helping to ensure that we live up to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and representation that we all share as Manitobans.”
» The Brandon Sun