An impressive list of speakers – including Canadian celebrities and business leaders – will take the stage this month at the first-ever Black Business Summit organized by the B.C.-based Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) – an organization that seeks to empower Black entrepreneurs and helps foster the next crop of Black businesses across Canada.
Hundreds of Black leaders from across Canada are expected to gather for the virtual summit to help celebrate Black success and work on dismantling discrimination while helping to empower the Black business community to build generational wealth through entrepreneurship and business.
“This is just the beginning of changing the game for Black business,” says Candace Lauren, summit host and director of communications at the BEBC.
“It is our hope that within a year of the summit," Lauren says, "attendees will be more likely to access mainstream support, create jobs, and significantly grow their revenues and export activities. This is part of systemic change the world needs to see.”
Attendees of the summit will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual trade show, workshops, networking, mentorship and more. Financial literacy, e-commerce, digital adoption and procurement are just a few of the topics being covered by Black business leaders.
Scheduled speakers include three-time Grey Cup Champion, Michael "Pinball" Clemons, as well as actor, comedian and playwright, Trey Anthony. The Summit seeks to help change the country’s mainstream business landscape, where Black youth and Black entrepreneurs have been historically underrepresented and marginalized, according to the BEBC.
A number of executives from presenting sponsor TD Bank Group will also be speaking at the event including, vice president of LGBTQ2+ and Black Customer Segments, Al Ramsay; managing director and head of Global Real Estate Investments at TD Asset Management, Colin Lynch; and district vice president, Calgary North, Shawnnette Fraser.
"TD is committed to amplifying Black voices and supporting Black success, building a future that is inclusive for everyone," says Gelila Mast, One TD regional manager, Black Community Business Development for Western Canada. "With diversity and inclusion at the heart of our values, we’re committed to driving positive, sustainable change for Black customers, communities and colleagues."
"TD is proud to be a presenting sponsor of this first Black Business Summit and our speakers look forward to connecting with attendees," says Mast.
The Black Business Summit is designed specifically for Black entrepreneurs, youth and businesspeople. However, anyone interested in Black business is welcome, including people from Indigenous and racialized communities and allies.
For more information and to register, visit www.blackentrepreneursbc.org.
TD is a purpose-driven bank that's committed to helping enrich the lives of Black customers, colleagues and communities. Learn more by visiting www.td.com/blackexperiences.
