As a result of the racial uprising of 2020, which shed light on widespread and systemic anti-Black racism, people in positions of power began to listen and take tangible steps in building more equitable opportunity and access for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). One such industry is the Canadian film and television industry.

Reelworld Screen Institute is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and showcasing Indigenous and racialized voices in the screen industry. Founded in 2000 by award-winning actress and producer Tonya Williams, Reelworld has been a catalyst for change, fostering diversity and inclusion within the film, television, and digital media sectors.

Ian Tolliver of Tolliver International Incorporated & Founder of the Ontario Black Contractors Association (OBCA).

Jamaal Amir Akbari, stage name JustJamaal ThePoet, is a celebrated figure whose entrepreneurial pursuits have positioned him as a prominent voice within the Black community.

BEP Ecosystem Funded Organization

As of 2018, Canada has approximately 66,880 Black business owners, which accounts for 2.1% of all business owners. The provinces with the highest percentages of Black-owned businesses are Ontario (2.8%), Quebec (2.5%), and Alberta (2.2%).

On February 22, 2023, Bassirou Gueye from Statistics Canada published his study, “Black Business Owners in Canada.” The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) team used the lens of Black women entrepreneurs to outline the most salient facts from the study.

Moe's role as the founder and owner of Hibiscus Realty, the only Black-owned real estate brokerage in Ottawa, illustrates the power of resilience, determination, and perseverance to conquer adversity.

Dr. Helen Ofosu believes that in good times and bad, career resilience is one of the major keys to success.

Andrea decided to close the store and set her sights on purchasing a franchise. Today, she owns five Jiffy Lube locations across Alberta and British Columbia that have generated over $30 million in revenue.

“My source of funding is my own money. I’m an avid saver. I save my money, even with six children, we know how to budget properly,” Suzette explains.

Jeanne's commitment to empowering Black women entrepreneurs has made her a role model and beacon of hope for future generations. Her exceptional contributions to the community were recognized in 2022 when she was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal.

Dr. Jennifer Njenga has been revolutionizing the healthcare industry through her work as the CEO and founder of the Canada Homecare Group (CHG), an after-hours mobile clinic bringing primary care services to Albertans at their doorstep.