Black Business Initiative

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) provides training and financial assistance to the Nova Scotia African-Canadian Business Community and supports a diverse range of business sectors including high-tech, manufacturing, tourism, and the cultural sector.

Our Mission: To positively influence the Nova Scotia business culture by promoting and assisting in the development of Nova Scotia owned Black businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

Nova Scotia African-Canadian Business Community.

Eligible Area

Nova Scotia

Summary

BBI Goals:

• To help create economic independence for individuals.
• To further entrepreneurial development, education, and training in the African-Canadian community.
• To build partnerships and linkages to the broader business community.
• To create and improve access to private and public sector business support.
• To improve standards of living and develop pride in communities.

The four components of the BBI are:

• Strategic Planning for Communities
• Operating the Black Business Centre
• Regional Business Development
• A Loan Fund

What can the BBI do for you?

• Support in setting up your business structure;
• Provide financial assistance by partnering with our Loan and Development Funds, and assistance in accessing other funding resources;
• Assist in developing your business plan, marketing plan or advertising plan;
• Assist with business research; and
• Provide training opportunities, consulting, mentors and after-care.

BBI Principles:

• Every Black person who expresses an interest in starting a business is important to this initiative.
• The Black community needs business know-how, information and skills development - not charity.
• The Black business community should be fully integrated with the larger business community in order to access the necessary resources.
• Direct financial assistance is only one component of this Initiative.
• The merits of a project depend on the viability of the business case.

For further information or for a representative in your area, please contact the Black Business Initiative, or visit their Web site at: Black Business Iniative Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Contact(s):
Ms. Starr Francis
Black Business Initiative
1575 Brunswick street
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2G1
Telephone: 902-426-2224 ext. 0
Fax: 902-426-6530
Toll-free (information): 1-800-668-1010
E-mail: bbi@bbi.ns.ca
Web site: http://www.bbi.ns.ca