Bridges to Business event to support BIPOC entrepreneurs
This month, Kingston Economic Development is hosting an event aimed at supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs.
The Bridges to Business – Challenges and Opportunities for BIPOC Entrepreneurs will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021. According to a release from Kingston Economic Development Corporation (Kingston EcDev) dated Monday, Feb. 8, 2021, this event is made possible through support from Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
With February being Black History Month, Kingston Economic Development say they are proud to be participating in an event that honours the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
According to the release, the goal of this year’s Bridges to Business event is to discuss how to support BIPOC entrepreneurs, highlight existing resources for BIPOC entrepreneurs, celebrate success stories, recognize what kind of support is needed but does not yet exist for BIPOC entrepreneurs and ultimately promote inclusivity and diversity in the Kingston community.
The virtual event is for entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, business advisors, members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, community leaders, and the general public to take part in this panel discussion.
These speakers from the Kingston BIPOC entrepreneurs’ community will join the panel:
- Yassmine Nasserdine, Owner of Sabaya Spa
- Brian M. Dodo, CEO/Founder of MAPP Africa Inc.
- Rajita Nandylala, Founder of Food Dance Motivate
- Jimmy Hassan, Franchise Owner of Pizza Pizza
- Rye Barberstock, Co-Founder and Vice President of Okwaho Equal Source
“Kingston is increasingly seeing entrepreneurs and business owners from different backgrounds and all corners of the world. Some entrepreneurs seem to have settled in and running amazing businesses, while others are still facing huge challenges,” says Norman Musengimana, Business Development Manager – Small Business & Entrepreneurship, Kingston Economic Development Corporation. “Kingston Economic Development Corporation is ready to support BIPOC entrepreneurs who might be facing unique challenges in their entrepreneurial journeys. While at the same time accelerating and opening more opportunities for those who are finding success.”
Visit the eventbrite page to register for this free event, and for more details on each panelist.
Other EcDev workshops and events are listed on their website: KingstonEcDev.com/Workshops-Events