2 minute read
Training Report
“Being involved in the Customer Relationship Management course has made me more attentive to our customer needs. This has improved the acquisition and retention of clients. Having the opportunity to continue my education as an entrepreneur is imperative for growth in my business. Without the courses held by BBI this would not be possible for me.”
— Dennis Mbeba, Delectable Desserts Inc.
Boost program supports Black founders
Since its inception, BBI has been well-known for its Training Department. Our programs are strategically selected to accommodate the market trends and our clients’ needs to help build the skills, knowledge, and confidence of our participants. Training offerings are delivered through 11-week programs, workshops, webinars, conferences, business consultations, and more. Our training department provides a variety of learning opportunities throughout the year. These activities engage and support our clients’ business growth, professional networks, leadership, and skills. Some of these training opportunities include workshops and lunch & learns co-hosted with partners who have expertise on various topics. We subsidize costs and — thanks to the generosity of our partners — provide tickets to educational and empowering conferences or networking events. We have offered programs on topics such as sales, financial management, digital marketing, and e-commerce, among others. One recent success was the BOOST program. The Boost cohort was created in partnership with Volta, Black Business Initiative, Ulnooweg, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The partnership resulted in a 16-week period of expert-led, intensive training sessions with 21 active participants. We received many interesting and excellent applications, only some of which we were able to accept for the first installment of the Boost program. Workshop topics ranged from validating your business idea to pitching and everything in between. The objective of this program was to help support the growth and development of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs within Atlantic Canada. Increased representation is so pivotal in this sector. During the selection process, emphasis was placed on applicants who identify as women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
To celebrate the end of the Boost Program, Volta hosted an in-person event. This gave everyone the chance to meet face-to-face and connect, which was very refreshing considering the bulk of online meetings required during these uncertain times. Boost participants and facilitators were able to mingle and network with the BBI and Ulnooweg teams. We are optimistic about the continuation of this program and the opportunity that it brings to the Nova Scotia business community. “I participated in the Foundations for Success course. I received much more out of this experience than I was expecting. The most valuable thing for me was learning how to use new marketing tools which have really helped my business reach more people. I also loved having the opportunity to learn and network with other local Black business owners. The instructor was very fun and
“I think the most powerful thing to do is to engaging — I especially enjoyed learning through help someone know themselves or their paths. his personal business successes and failures. It has This course helped me shift my perspective inspired me to see all of the talent and creativity and analyze my audience, website, and other from the other entrepreneurs in our community. topics related to online marketing. Thank you I look forward to taking more classes with BBI to the Black Business Initiative.” and would recommend them to anyone starting or looking to enhance their business!”
