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
Air quality alerts issued as wildfire smoke spreads east from Western Canada
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
LIVE UPDATES Michael Cohen will face a bruising cross-examination by Trump's lawyers at the hush money trial
Donald Trump’s fixer-turned-foe returns to the witness stand Tuesday for a bruising round of questioning from the former president’s lawyers.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Risks of handcuffing someone facedown long known; people die when police training fails to keep up
For decades, police across the United States have been warned that the common tactic of handcuffing someone facedown could turn deadly if officers pin them on the ground with too much pressure or for too long.
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.