Manitoba delivers pilot program to support black entrepreneurs

The Manitoba government will work in partnership to deliver a new pilot program to support Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Manitoba with a steering committee made up of representatives from the Black and business communities.

Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses said 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. This funding will help to address the underrepresentation 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.”

The Manitoba government will provide up to $110,000, in addition to $90,000 through the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, to develop the pilot program, with direction from a steering committee made up of representatives from the Black and business communities, said the minister.

“At ACOMI, we take great pride in fostering unity and economic empowerment within Manitoba’s diverse African, Black and Caribbean communities,” said Maggie Yeboah, executive director, African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI). “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.”

“As a Black female entrepreneur in Manitoba, I am very aware of the challenges faced by anyone aspiring to launch their own business amidst numerous obstacles,” said Alexis Ojo, CEO, Dark Shugar Corp. “I truly hope that this new fund empowers others to chase their dreams and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.”

“In Manitoba, we know that only 2.3 per cent of business owners are Black and that 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,” said Moses. “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 goals of the pilot program seek to better understand and address the realities, barriers and opportunities specific to Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Manitoba, noted the minister.