Following protests over systematic racism, the federal government has announced new funding worth $221 million to support Black business owners.
Teneile Warren, a member of the African Caribbean and Black Network of Waterloo, and Marc Lafleur, the CEO of the Kitchener-based TruLocal, say the program is a good first step, but that the problems of Black entrepreneurs go further than the access to money.
They would also like to see local governments start doing their part – either financially or by helping to remove other obstacles Black business owners are facing in the region, such as access to attractive locations.
The Region has no immediate programs specifically for Black entrepreneurs, Regional Chair Karen Redman said in an interview with Spoke, but she’s ready to listen.
