Black Entrepreneurship & Research Symposium
February 28, 2025, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm
Black Entrepreneurship Research Symposium, powered by Innovation UBC’s Black Advisory Hub and Simon Fraser University’s Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), brings together business leaders, academics, and policy makers committed to ongoing advocacy for Black entrepreneurship to discuss and initiate actionable policy changes.
Black entrepreneurship in Canada has roots that go back to the arrival of Black Loyalists in the late 18th century. Despite enduring systemic barriers, Black Canadians have a long history of building businesses across diverse sectors. The number of Black-owned businesses has been increasing exponentially, particularly in urban centers.
To amplify Black businesses, highlight their contributions, and address challenges and opportunities through informed dialogue, we are hosting a symposium titled "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice." This event is inspired by BEKH's regional research and the Black Advisory Hub at UBC's ongoing engagement efforts. The symposium aims to transform research insights into actionable policy recommendations and foster collaborative initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses.
Let’s bridge research, policy and practice and advance the ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs.
Our core thematic areas for the symposium
- Access to Capital
- Networking & Mentorship
- Combating Systemic Racism
- Education & Training
- Consumer Awareness & Support
