Government of Canada supports enhanced programming for Black entrepreneurs

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Investment of $2.4 million in Black Creek Community Health Centre to help Black entrepreneurs start and grow their companies

September 3, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario

Black entrepreneurs make invaluable contributions to communities across southern Ontario, and their success plays a crucial role in shaping Canada’s future economic growth. The Government of Canada recognizes the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and is dedicated to supporting their success by creating an economy that works for everyone, promoting innovation, growth and equity.

Today, the Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River–Black Creek, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the Black Creek Community Health Centre (BCCHC) to announce an investment of $2.4 million to expand and enhance the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) initiative.

Launched in 2021 with support from FedDev Ontario, BEA is helping Black entrepreneurs and professionals to build successful companies through curated programs, partnerships and innovative tools. Through this new investment, BEA will offer a range of new programs, including an 11-week Business Process Improvement training program, a 12-week program aimed at helping businesses become export-ready, and an annual forum in partnership with York University, City of Toronto, City of Mississauga, York Region and the City of Brampton through Entrepreneur Centre and Export Development Canada for Black-led businesses to share new ideas. Together with existing programming, these new activities aim to support the success of Black-led entrepreneurs, including promoting digital innovation, expanding global market access, and driving broader economic development across southern Ontario and beyond.

This project is expected to support over 350 businesses, while also providing mentorship or training to more than 350 professionals across the Greater Toronto Area.

The Government of Canada is committed to empowering Black entrepreneurs to access the tools, training, and support they need to grow their businesses and help to strengthen southern Ontario’s economy.

Quotes

“Black entrepreneurs are a testament to Canadian ingenuity, and their success is integral to Canada’s future prosperity. This investment will help hundreds of Black entrepreneurs and professionals turn their ideas into successful businesses, creating jobs and driving innovation. By supporting Black-led businesses and organizations, like the Black Creek Community Health Centre, we are building a stronger economy so that Canada, and Canadians, come out on top.”

- The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“We’re seeing the impact of BCCHC’s work in our community with new businesses, new jobs, and new opportunities. This funding will help Black entrepreneurs turn ideas into action and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.”

- The Honourable Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament for Humber River–Black Creek

"Together, we are helping to unlock the potential of Black innovators. Our shared investment provides the tools, mentorship, and resources to build sustainable businesses. This isn’t just about fostering economic independence—it’s about strengthening community resilience within Northwest Toronto and creating equitable opportunities for all Black Ontarians to succeed and lead."

- Cheryl Prescod, Executive Director, Black Creek Community Health Centre & Olu Villasa, Manager, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, at Black Creek Community Health Centre and York University

Quick facts

Incorporated in 1989, Black Creek Community Health Centre is a community-based not-for-profit organization that delivers comprehensive and integrated programs and services to Toronto’s northwest communities.
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is a co-designed initiative by Black Creek Community Health Centre, York University’s YSpace, TD Community Engagement Centre, and Schulich ExecEd.

Associated links

Contacts

Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
sofia.ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca

Stay Connected: FedDev-Ontario.Canada.ca

Subscribe to FedDev Ontario's Southern Ontario Spotlight newsletter, featuring economic development news and updates from across the region.

Page details

Date modified:: 2025-09-03