June 3, 2025
Application for Manitoba Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business Program Now Open
– – –Program will Help Grow Black-Led Businesses, Create Jobs: Moses
The Manitoba government and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce are now accepting applications for the Manitoba Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business Program grants, Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.
“Our government is proud to work with the Black business community in Manitoba to create good jobs and grow our economy,” said Moses. “This program will help Black-owned and Black-led small businesses in Manitoba overcome systemic barriers and grow successful businesses in Manitoba.”
Manitoba entrepreneurs and small business owners who self-identify as part of the Black community are eligible to apply for one project grant annually, between $5,000 and $20,000. The goal of this grant program is to address the realities, barriers and opportunities specific to Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Manitoba, noted the minister. The grants will be awarded depending on the specific needs and merits of the application, with focus on three main areas:
- training on capital acquisition
- assistance with building connections to experienced professionals
- building capacity through skills development
A steering committee of representatives from the Black and business communities in partnership with the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce will administer the program.
The members of the steering committee are:
- Maggie Yeboah, executive director, African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI)
- Donna Taylor, president, Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba Inc.
- Diane Dwarka, vice-president, Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba
- Chuck Davidson, president and chief executive officer, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
“ACOMI is proud to have contributed to the development of this important initiative,” said Maggie Yeboah, executive director, African Communities of Manitoba Inc. “The launch of the Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business Program represents a promising opportunity to uplift Black-owned businesses and create lasting pathways to success. This is a significant milestone for our community, and we are excited for what lies ahead.”
“I fully endorse this program which supports Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Manitoba and helps tackle the systemic barriers and specific challenges that Black entrepreneurs and business owners face,” said Diane Dwarka, vice-president, Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba (CCOM). “By offering targeted business development resources, mentorship and entrepreneurial guidance, this initiative will help build sustainable and thriving enterprises in Manitoba.”
Completed applications are due on July 4.
For more information and to apply for the Manitoba Black Entrepreneurs and Small Business Program, visit https://mbchamber.mb.ca/programs/manitoba-black-entrepreneurs-and-small-business-program/.
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