Federal government helps Black entrepreneurs and artists through Artpreneur Program

BY PAUL JUNOR

The federal government in Ottawa has taken decisive steps to ensure that businesses and organizations across Ontario, especially in the south are supported. Through the work of the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), there have been many benefits to businesses. According to FedDev Ontario’s LinkedIn profile, it was created in 2009 to promote the development of a strong and diversified southern Ontario economy. It fulfils its mandate by engaging in the following:

• Deliver strategic investments to businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities
• Establish and strengthen collaborative partnerships with key economic stakeholders
• Represent the region’s interests at the national level

The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) was established through a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions that will oversee $265 million in the Black community over the next four years.

Many businesses have benefited from the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which dispenses up to $250,000 to Black businesses across Canada. It is through the national and bilingual, Black-led non-profit organization, FACE, that these organizations have been able to access the loan to fund their businesses.

According to its website: https://facecoalition.com/, the mission of FACE is to drive generational wealth powered by sustainable economic resources, capacity, and strategic partnerships. In addition, FACE has several other partners that help further the mission of providing Black Canadians with the necessary resources, knowledge, and confidence to not only operate successfully as Black entrepreneurs but to thrive as a community across the nation.

In a press release from the office of FedDev Ontario on Thursday, June 23^rd,2022, it was announced that Ya’ara Saks, MPP for York Centre will be making an important announcement with respect to providing assistance for Black entrepreneurs and artists.

It was revealed that Ogo Tawa Inc will be receiving over $2 million to help it increase the skills and opportunities available to Black artists and entrepreneurs. According to its website:ogotawa, Ogo Tawa provides irresistible, affordable, and high-quality contemporary art, crafted, by artists of African descent. These art pieces, created by gifted members of the Black community, illuminate people’s shared experiences with folks of African heritage.

This investment in Ogo Tawa is made possible through the BEP, which will enable it to deliver the Artpreneur program. This program will enable 315 creative Black entrepreneurs and artists to obtain training, mentoring, and advisory services to help them initiate and grow their businesses. Also, an online marketplace will be created to help these artists market their creations to North American customers.

Anyone interested in the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario can check:

Website: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/

Twitter: @FedDevOntario

Instagram:FedDev Ontario

LinkedIn: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

Facebook: FedDev Ontario