Montreal business network provides 'supportive tools' to Black entrepreneurs
Black entrepreneurs face unique barriers when it comes to the business world.
In one 2021 survey from Abacus Data, 76 per cent of Black Canadian entrepreneurs said their race makes it harder for them to succeed, and 55 per cent said they don't know where to look for support or advice when challenges arise.
Black Business Atlas (BBA), a Montreal-based network of businesses, is trying to change that.
The network connects Black businesses with customers and provides them with "supportive tools to grow," according to the BBA website.
Members held a popup market in Lachine this weekend to promote their products and services.
"By seeing other people who have faced or are facing the same struggles as them [...] it makes you feel a little bit better to know that, 'Ok, I'm not the only one going through these challenges,'" said BBA co-founder and CEO Fatoumata Barry.
The network has been an important tool for people like Christine Duverger, owner of skincare line Atelier Meroe.
"It's a very nice feeling to know you can help uplift people who have the same experiences and lived the same kind of barriers that you do," said Duverger.
Duverger says BBA allows her to access the support she needs -- and that need for support is universal.
"Communities need support to succeed. I don't think that's unique to the Black community."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.