Programming & Education for Black Entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada

Out of 280 registrants for the Black Start-Up Project, 21.6% told us that they need to access education and training resources and opportunities for skill development. While there is no shortage of programming and skills training available for entrepreneurs to learn to run a successful business, there are significantly fewer programs that address the unique needs of Black entrepreneurs or which create safe spaces to learn and share.

Participants in Halifax, NS, discuss challenges and opportunities in programming and education.

Lumi Studios

What we heard

We asked entrepreneurs to identify the top challenges they face in accessing programming and education.

Nicole Johnson Community Specialist, Halifax Public Libraries

Tribe Network

Many entrepreneurs don’t feel confident they know the basic skills or steps to start running a business and want to build their capacity in essential skills such as marketing, networking, financial management, and raising capital.

Entrepreneurs have not had a safe space to learn these skills or the permission to learn and fail.

Entrepreneurs need flexible programming that offers both in-person and virtual options, as well as regular programming that keeps them motivated and growing.

There is a lot of information and resources available, but finding the right program and supports is difficult. This is compounded by programs that have a eurocentric focus and do not feel inclusive to Black entrepreneurs’ needs and experiences.

Eberechi Okwuwolu, Mindfulness Coach at Inclusifyy

Slick Photography

What can Tribe do?

When we asked roadshow participants what Tribe can do to help solve these issues, these were the key recommendations.

Provide regular workshops that focus on topics relevant to Black entrepreneurs’ interests and needs. Engage experts, ideally from within the Black community, who can facilitate topics such as legal needs, marketing, and financial management.

Build capacity in Black entrepreneurs to become facilitators and educators. Workshop facilitators should include diverse representation and community members.

Connect entrepreneurs with ecosystem partners, supports, and mentors that offer a safe and inclusive environment, as well as information on programing offered by local organizations and innovation hubs.

Build partnerships with key ecosystem allies and government leaders so that Black entrepreneurs are supported through provincial and federal programming and policy.

I think any program or opportunity that allows Black people space to further their skills and knowledge is important. Programs like this encourage us to try new things and ask questions along the way.

Vanessa "Nessy" Thomas, Founder and Creator of Mxse

Vanessa Thomas