Programs
Culturally-Responsive Programs for BC's BlackEntrepreneurs
We empower Black entrepreneurs in BC to launch and scale sustainable businesses. Our programs—delivered with partners like ESDC, WAGE, and BCIT—provide the mentorship, tools, and networks to drive real economic growth.
Supporting entrepreneurs with tools, capital access, and growth infrastructure.
Business Acceleration & Formalization
Bilingual support empowering newcomer and Francophone entrepreneurs to thrive in the BC business ecosystem.
Program Components:
- 12-week intensive cohort program with structured curriculum
- Supplier diversity certification preparation and support
- Personalized 1:1 advisory sessions with industry experts
- Business plan development and refinement
- Financial modelling and projections guidance
- Legal structure and compliance support
Perfect for business looking to expand beyond local markets and taps into international opportunities.
Francophone Entrepreneurship
Bilingual support empowering newcomer and Francophone entrepreneurs to thrive in the BC business ecosystem.
Program Components:
- French-language business workshops and training
- Cultural navigation and integration support
- Youth-focused entrepreneurship programming
- Bilingual mentorship matching
- Community networking events in French
- Access to Francophone business resources
Perfect for business looking to expand beyond local markets and taps into international opportunities.
Ecosystem Infrastructure
Building the permanent Pacific Black Entrepreneurship Hub to provide ongoing support and resources.
Program Components:
- Access to co-working space with modern amenities
- Digital collaboration platform for community connection
- Network of 50+ experienced mentors across industries
- Resource library and business tools
- Event space for workshops and networking
- Technology infrastructure and support
The Hub will serve as a permanent home for Black entrepreneurs in the Pacific region fostering collaboration and growth.
Export & Market Access
Prepare entrepreneurs for global markets and international partnerships through training and connections.
Program Components:
- Export-readiness assessment and training
- International market research and analysis
- B2B matchmaking events via ACBC partnerships
- Trade compliance and documentation support
- Cross-cultural business communication training
- Access to export financing resources
Perfect for business looking to expand beyond local markets and tap into international opportunities.
Expanding pathways to capital, markets, and policy influence
Capital Mobilization & Access
This component ensures Black entrepreneurs can secure the necessary financing for start-up and growth, utilizing the partners’ networks and resources.
Program Components:
- Provide Access to events developed in collaboration with FACE (Federation of African Canadian Economics) African Canadian Business Chamber and Financial Institutions to utilize their mandate for capital access and loans.
- Working with partners to advocate for specific government programs grants and lending policies tailored to Black entrepreneurs.
We work with multiple financial partners to increase access to capital for Black-owned businesses.
Market Expansion & Networking
This component aims to open doors for Black businesses to access larger supply chains, new markets, and robust networking opportunities.
Program Components:
- Corporate procurement access.
- Shared Market Intelligence:- Leveraging the collective knowledge of all intermediaries to identify emerging sectors and new domestic/international market opportunities. Working closely with our partners like Trinity Western University and BCIT.
Connect with major corporations and expand your market reach through strategic partnerships and procurement opportunities.
Cultivating civic leadership, governance capacity, and research-driven impact.
Community Research & Data
Initiatives that empower community leaders to conduct or utilize race-based data and research to identify needs, inform program development, and advocate for specific policy changes
Program Components:
- Youth leadership development curriculum
- Community issue identification and engagement
- Civic action project planning and execution
- Public speaking and advocacy training
- Mentorship from community leaders
- Scholarship opportunities for program graduates
Build the skills needed to conduct rigorous community research and use data to drive change.
Black Youth Civic Leadership Fellowship
This program is designed to transform potential youth leaders into active civic agents capable of addressing local community issues.
Program Components:
- Youth leadership development curriculum
- Community issue identification and engagement
- Civic action project planning and execution
- Public speaking and advocacy training
- Mentorship from community leaders
- Scholarship opportunities for program graduates
Open to youth age 15-25 who are passionate about creative positive change in their communities.
The Professional Board & Governance Institute
This component ensures Black entrepreneurs can secure the necessary financing for start-up and growth, utilizing the partners’ networks and resources.
Program Components:
- 1. Governance Mastery: Focus/Activity :- ‘ Intensive training on non-profit law
- fiduciary duty
- strategic planning
- fundraising compliance
- and equity auditing (using a racial equity lens).
- Key Outcome:- Leaders equipped to serve effectively on senior governance bodies.’
- 2. The Art of Influence: Focus/Activity:-‘ Training in meeting facilitation
- conflict resolution
- presenting financial reports
- and persuasive communication to advance equity goals within boards.’
- Key Outcome:- Increased confidence and ability to influence board decisions.
Graduates receive certification and ongoing support for board placement opportunities in non-profit and corporate sectors.
Ready to Make Your Impact?
Your community needs leaders like you. Take the first toward creating the change you want to see in the word.