Advocates Urge Continued Funding for Black Entrepreneurship Programs
On October 22, 2024, Black community leaders from across Canada came together at Parliament Hill in Ottawa to press the government for action. Their goal was to push for the renewal of critical funding for the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) and the Black Entrepreneurship Program.
These programs have been essential in fostering economic growth and supporting Black-led organizations across the country. The coalition of leaders stressed the importance of continued federal investment to keep these initiatives alive and thriving. They emphasized that without renewed funding, many of the positive impacts on Black communities, including increased access to resources and entrepreneurial support, could be lost.
Key figures present at the press conference included:
Sam Juru, Executive Director of Africa Centre, representing Western Canada
Liban Abokor, Co-CEO of the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC)
Matthew Martel, CEO of Black Business Initiative
Dr. Gerald Grant, Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
Tiffany Callender, CEO of FACE
Louis-Edgar Jean-Francois, CEO of Groupe 3737
Antony Grey, Board Chair of Tropicana Community Services
These leaders made it clear that their communities are counting on the government to make sustained investments in programs that uplift and empower Black Canadians. Their message was straightforward: if the federal government truly wants to support economic development and reduce inequality, the funding for these vital programs must continue.
To watch the full press conference, click on the video..