‘Today is recognition. Today is visibility’

Recipients of new federal government funding meant to support Black entrepreneurs in Manitoba are calling the investment “historic” and a step toward “a more inclusive economy.”

Federal Minister for Women and Gender Equality Rechie Valdez announced on Wednesday more than $3.2 million in funding for three Manitoba organizations through Prairies Economic Development Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program.

The investment aims to help Black entrepreneurs in the province strengthen their skills, develop business plans and access financing.

“This investment is so important,” Valdez said during an event at the Black-Manitobans Chamber of Commerce office in Winnipeg. “Our government here is really focused on making sure we can build a strong economy — and we’re not going to be able to achieve that goal without inclusivity.”

Investing in Black entrepreneurs has a “multiplier effect,” she added. “Black entrepreneurs engage with the whole community, and (when everyone) rallies together and builds together, it’s incredible what you can achieve together.”

The federal government is investing $1.5 million in the Black-Manitobans Chamber of Commerce. Through the investment, the chamber will launch Ubuntu Forward, a Black-led business growth program.

Zita Somakoko, founder and president of the four-year-old chamber, said it’s the first time her organization has received government funding. She called it a “historic moment for Black entrepreneurship in Manitoba.”

“Today is more than a funding announcement,” she said. “Today is recognition. Today is visibility. Today is the statement that Black businesses in Manitoba matter. Our ideas matter. Our leadership matters. Our contributions matter. Our safety matters and our future matters.”

Black entrepreneurs face unique challenges, including systemic racism affecting their ability to conduct business, Somakoko added.

Rooted in the Bantu African principle of Ubuntu, which is sometimes translated as “I am because we are,” the Ubuntu Forward program will provide cohort-based training, one-on-one advice and connections to business leaders, lenders, investors and service providers, she said.

“Ubuntu Forward is not only about business skills,” Somakoko said. “It is about restoring confidence. It’s about opening doors. It’s about telling Black entrepreneurs, you belong in the economy … You belong in the future of Manitoba. You belong in the future of Canada.”

In addition to the chamber funding, the federal government is investing $1.25 million in Amicale de la Francophonie Multiculturelle du Manitoba Inc. (AFMM) to support business growth programming for Black francophone entrepreneurs in the province.

The Winnipeg-based non-profit will deliver annual cohorts offering training in management, finance, marketing and digital transformation, along with personalized advisory support, mentoring and networking opportunities.

“This funding represents more than financial support,” said president Alphonse Lawson-Héllu. “It is a concrete step toward advancing economic equity, reducing barriers and building a more inclusive economy where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

Meanwhile, the federal government is investing $500,000 in Rahma Community and Youth Centre Inc., a non-profit in Winnipeg’s Munroe West neighbourhood.

The organization will create and deliver an entrepreneurship and business growth program for youth ages 15 to 24. Participants will receive hands-on training, coaching, mentorship, financial literacy support, and opportunities to connect with lenders and suppliers.

For Black and marginalized youth, access to these opportunities can be transformative, said Obsi Neggussa, program manager at Rahma.

“It can help young people see possibilities where they may have previously seen limitations,” she said. “It can help them develop the confidence to pursue their goals and contribute their unique talents to our communities.”

Valdez said the $3.2 million funding is in part the result of a September 2024 visit to Winnipeg where she met with Black-Manitobans chamber members.

“My visit here was very important for me to really hear (about what’s happening) on the ground,” she said.

The projects announced on Wednesday are anticipated to create 225 jobs and train 650 individuals in Manitoba, according to a release.

PrairiesCan launched its Black Entrepreneurship Program in 2021. Since then, it’s supported 24,000 entrepreneurs, Valdez said.

aaron.epp@freepress.mb.ca