September 21, 2024
BMCC Advocacy Leads to Dedicated Black Entrepreneurship Program Funding for Manitoba
A historic milestone for Black entrepreneurs and Black-led economic
development in Manitoba
The Ubuntu Forward Program is supported by the Government of Canada through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan).
Following sustained advocacy by the Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce, Manitoba’s Black entrepreneurs will now benefit from dedicated federal support through the renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program.
This milestone marks an important shift in how federal Black entrepreneurship funding reaches Manitoba. For years, Black business owners in the province faced barriers accessing national programs intended tosupport Black entrepreneurs across Canada. BMCC’s advocacy helped bring this gap forward and
secured recognition that Manitoba’s Black entrepreneurs deserve direct, locally grounded access to federal support.
Why This Matters
Black entrepreneurs in Manitoba have long contributed to the province’s economy by creating
businesses, jobs, services, and community wealth. Yet many have faced systemic barriers, limited
access to capital, and gaps in business development support.
Although national initiatives such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program were created to support Black
entrepreneurs across Canada, Manitoba’s Black business community was not always fully reached by
these programs. In many cases, funding and program delivery were channelled through organizations
outside the province, limiting local access and reducing opportunities for partnership with Manitoba-
based Black-led organizations.
BMCC raised these concerns directly with the Government of Canada and called for a dedicated BEP
allocation for Manitoba.
Dedicated BEP Access
Federal support designed to better reach Black entrepreneurs and Black-led businesses in Manitoba.
Local Partnerships
Stronger collaboration with Manitoba-based Black-led organizations and business networks.
Capital Readiness
Support to help entrepreneurs prepare for funding, financing, and long-term business growth.
Economic Growth
Greater recognition of Black entrepreneurship as a driver of Manitoba’s economic future.
BMCC’s Advocacy
On September 21, 2024, BMCC and its members met with the Honourable Rechie Valdez, then Minister of Small Business, to discuss the urgent need for stronger federal support for Black entrepreneurs in Manitoba.
Following this engagement, BMCC mobilized its members and submitted a formal petition requesting that Black Entrepreneurship Program funding be allocated directly to Manitoba rather than being funnelled through other Prairie provinces.
BMCC’s position was clear: Manitoba’s Black entrepreneurs should not have to access opportunity through another province’s doorway. Our businesses, our communities, and our economic contributions deserve to be recognized and supported here at home.
At the center of BMCC’s proposal was the Ubuntu Forward Program, a culturally responsive initiative designed to support Black entrepreneurs through mentorship, business training, capital readiness, leadership development, ecosystem navigation, and community-driven support.
Rooted in the African principle of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — the program reflects BMCC’s belief
that business success is collective. When Black entrepreneurs thrive, families are strengthened,
communities grow stronger, and Manitoba’s economy becomes more inclusive and resilient.
From Advocacy to Action
Following BMCC’s advocacy and petition, the Government of Canada confirmed in December 2024 that
a dedicated funding allocation for Manitoba would be included within the renewed Black
Entrepreneurship Program.
This followed the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, released on December 16, 2024, which proposed $189
million over five years for the renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program to help Black entrepreneurs and
business owners thrive.
The renewed program was later announced in October 2025 as a $189 million investment to help Black entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and build Canada’s economy. For BMCC, this is more than a funding announcement. It is a recognition that Manitoba’s Black business community is not an afterthought. It is a vital part of the province’s economic future.
Founder’s Statement
“Today marks a historic turning point for Black entrepreneurship in Manitoba. For years, Blackbusiness owners in our province have been building, innovating, creating jobs, and contributing to the economy — often without equitable access to the dedicated supports available elsewhere.
The Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce advocated for BEP funding to be allocated directly to Manitoba because our entrepreneurs should not have to access opportunity through another province’s doorway.
This decision recognizes that Manitoba’s Black business community is not an afterthought; we are a vital part of this province’s economic future. Through the Ubuntu Forward Program, we are transforming advocacy into action by creating pathways to mentorship, training, networks, capital readiness, and sustainable growth.
This is Ubuntu in practice: when Black businesses are seen, supported, and given room to thrive, families are strengthened, communities prosper, and Manitoba rises with us.”
Dr. Zita Somakoko, Founder President -Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce
Advocacy Timeline
BMCC meets with the Honourable Rechie Valdez to raise concerns about Manitoba’s limited access to federal programs designed to support Black entrepreneurs.
BMCC mobilizes its members and submits a formal petition requesting dedicated Black Entrepreneurship Program funding for Manitoba.
The Government of Canada releases the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, which proposes $189 million over five years for the renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program.
Minister Valdez informs BMCC that the request to ensure Manitoba’s Black business community receives dedicated access to federal BEP support has been approved.
The Government of Canada announces the renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program investment to support Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
What This Means for Black Entrepreneurs in Manitoba
Through the renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program and BMCC’s Ubuntu Forward Program, this milestone will support:
A Historic Step Forward
BMCC was founded to ensure that Black businesses in Manitoba are seen, supported, represented, and included in the province’s economic future.
This milestone shows what becomes possible when Black-led organizations advocate boldly, organize collectively, and bring forward solutions rooted in community knowledge.
The dedicated BEP allocation for Manitoba is not only a funding achievement. It is a step toward economic justice, local empowerment, and long-term prosperity for Black entrepreneurs across the province.
Through Ubuntu Forward, BMCC will continue working to ensure that Black businesses in Manitoba do not simply access opportunity — they help shape the future of Manitoba’s economy.
Are you a Black entrepreneur or Black-led business in Manitoba?
Connect with BMCC to learn more about Ubuntu Forward, upcoming supports, mentorship opportunities, and ways to participate inManitoba’s growing Black business ecosystem.
Phone: +1-888-973-8403
Email: info@bmbcc.ca
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