Black Entrepreneurship & Research Symposium

February 28, 2025

Black Entrepreneurship Research Symposium, powered by Innovation UBC’s Black Advisory Hub and Simon Fraser University’s Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), brings together business leaders, academics, and policy makers committed to ongoing advocacy for Black entrepreneurship to discuss and initiate actionable policy changes.

​Black entrepreneurship in Canada has roots that go back to the arrival of Black Loyalists in the late 18th century. Despite enduring systemic barriers, Black Canadians have a long history of building businesses across diverse sectors. The number of Black-owned businesses has been increasing exponentially, particularly in urban centers.

​To amplify Black businesses, highlight their contributions, and address challenges and opportunities through informed dialogue, we are hosting a symposium titled "Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice." This event is inspired by BEKH's regional research and the Black Advisory Hub at UBC's ongoing engagement efforts. The symposium aims to transform research insights into actionable policy recommendations and foster collaborative initiatives to support and empower Black-owned businesses.

​Let’s bridge research, policy and practice and advance the ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs.

Our core thematic areas for the symposium

  • ​Access to Capital
  • ​Networking & Mentorship
  • ​Combating Systemic Racism
  • ​Education & Training
  • ​Consumer Awareness & Support

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Location

800 Robson Square
Vancouver BC V6Z 2E7
Canada

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Locations

We are located across UBC Point Grey and Robson Square Campus. Learn more about our locations

We acknowledge that the UBC Point Grey and Robson Square campuses are situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations.

About us

entrepreneurship@UBC propels UBC innovations out into the world through venture creation, providing UBC students, faculty members and staff with the resources, networks, and funding they need to succeed.

We are a part of Innovation UBC in the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) portfolio

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