Black Business

Breaking Barriers: Groundbreaking Job and Resource Fair for Criminal Justice System Impacted Individuals

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Urban Rez Solutions presents a Job and Resource Fair, providing invaluable opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2024) - As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering individuals impacted by the Criminal Justice System, Urban Rez Solutions Social Enterprise is proud to announce the upcoming "Inside-Out Job and Resource Fair.
  • According to recent industry data from the Prison Policy Initiative, formerly incarcerated individuals face disproportionately high barriers to employment, housing, and education, perpetuating cycles of poverty and recidivism.
  • I have not forgotten the skills you taught me, and I'm eager to apply them in my life and business."
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    For media inquiries and further information, please contact:

Lianne Hannaway Appointed New CEO of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA)

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024

Canada's leading Black professional organization sets the stage for continued growth and transformative impact.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 25, 2024) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), the leading national organization supporting Black professionals and entrepreneurs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lianne Hannaway as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 22, 2024.
  • I am deeply committed to advancing the organization's mission and working collaboratively with the Board, Staff, and Partners supporting Black businesses and professionals," said Lianne Hannaway.
  • The BBPA is dedicated to promoting equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education, and economic development.
  • "The appointment of Lianne Hannaway as our new CEO marks a pivotal moment for the BBPA.

Black Business and Professional Association CEO Nadine Spencer to Step down from Her Role This Fall

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 18, 2023

Departure sets the stage to drive the organization's continued growth strategy.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 18, 2023) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) announced today that Nadine Spencer, the organization's interim CEO will step down from the role later this fall.
  • Nadine Spencer was elected President of BBPA in 2017 and played a transformative role in shaping the organization's growth strategy.
  • Together, we have grown exponentially, and we are poised to reach even greater heights," expressed Nadine Spencer.
  • Under her leadership, the BBPA implemented innovative solutions-based strategies including initiatives that illuminated important issues facing the Black business community.

Black Business Program BAIDS Celebrates Second Anniversary and Launches New Initiatives to Empower Black Entrepreneurs

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, July 11, 2023

It will also mark the start of the highly anticipated "Hear our stories: the Black entrepreneurs journey with the BBPA's BAIDS program."

Key Points: 
  • It will also mark the start of the highly anticipated "Hear our stories: the Black entrepreneurs journey with the BBPA's BAIDS program."
  • This initiative aims to provide a platform for BAIDS participants to share their inspiring stories, shed light on their entrepreneurial journeys and the transformative impact of the BAIDS program.
  • In addition, following the anniversary event, BAIDS will relaunch the new season of the "BAIDS Thursdays" program.
  • She will be providing guests with a taste of success while celebrating the collective accomplishments of the BBPA's BAIDS program.

Northeastern Illinois University's Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center opens first physical location

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, May 2, 2023

CHICAGO, May 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeastern Illinois University is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the first physical location of the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, May 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Northeastern Illinois University is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the first physical location of the Business Innovation & Growth (BIG) Center at the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS), 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
  • "The BIG Center has a history at Northeastern of being an incubator business program and serves our diverse population of students and entrepreneurs," Northeastern President Gloria J. Gibson said.
  • "I am thrilled to be leading the future of business development through the community-focused Business Innovation & Growth Center," said Mueller, the executive director of Adult Education, Advancement and Business Innovation at Northeastern's CBT.
  • "It has been nothing short of amazing to build out this Center as well as lead hopeful founders on their new business ventures!"

Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell to Attend 41st Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards Gala

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 28, 2023

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 27, 2023) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) is proud to announce that Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell will attend the 41st Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards Gala on April 29th, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 27, 2023) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) is proud to announce that Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell will attend the 41st Annual BBPA Harry Jerome Awards Gala on April 29th, 2023.
  • "We are pleased to have Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell attend our Awards Gala.
  • The BBPA is proud to honour and celebrate the following 2023 award honourees:
    Leadership Award - Rosemarie Powell - Sponsored by E.J.
  • "We are pleased to have Her Honour Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell share this special moment with us and and thank all of our guests, sponsors, and partners who have made this event possible.

Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotypes: Meet the 2023 BBPA Harry Jerome Award Winners

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 3, 2023

The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards acknowledge and celebrate the evolution, innovation and leadership of key individuals in the Black community.

Key Points: 
  • The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards acknowledge and celebrate the evolution, innovation and leadership of key individuals in the Black community.
  • "We are honored to announce the 2023 BBPA Harry Jerome Awards honorees, who represent the best and brightest in Canada's Black and Ally community.
  • The BBPA Harry Jerome Awards presented by TD Bank, is recognized as the most prestigious national awards in the Black community in Canada.
  • Established in 1983 in memory of the late Harry Jerome, a Canadian Olympian and social advocate, the BBPA Harry Jerome Awards recognize and honour achievements within the Canadian Black community.

Distinguished Business Owner Ken Ampy is Recognized as a Leader by Virginia Business Magazine

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 28, 2023

RICHMOND, Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Making his mark in history, Ken Ampy, CEO of Astyra Corporation, was featured in Virginia Business Magazine as one of the prominent Black Business Leaders in the state. 17 executives were chosen out of 108 dynamic leaders, based on factors such as leadership, professional achievements, community impact, and mentoring. The honorees of the Black Business Leader award are the first recipients to be nominated and acknowledged for their many achievements by readers.

Key Points: 
  • RICHMOND, Va., March 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Making his mark in history, Ken Ampy, CEO of Astyra Corporation, was featured in Virginia Business Magazine as one of the prominent Black Business Leaders in the state.
  • The honorees of the Black Business Leader award are the first recipients to be nominated and acknowledged for their many achievements by readers.
  • Currently, Ken serves as the chair of the board for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
  • To learn more about Virginia Business Magazine's 2023 Black Business Leader award, visit https://www.virginiabusiness.com/article/making-strides .

BAIDS, Part of the Black Entrepreneur Program, to Offer Personalized Support to Black-Owned Businesses in Calgary

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 27, 2023

This marks the fourth city that the outreach program has visited this year, with previous stops in Yellowknife, St John, and Vancouver.

Key Points: 
  • This marks the fourth city that the outreach program has visited this year, with previous stops in Yellowknife, St John, and Vancouver.
  • "BAIDS is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs across Canada, and we are pleased to bring our expertise to Calgary," said Frances Delsol, VP of Partnerships, Outreach and Procurement.
  • That's why we are here to provide personalized support and advice to help Black-owned businesses in Calgary thrive."
  • "We believe that by providing tailored support and resources to entrepreneurs, we can help build a stronger, more resilient Black business community in Calgary and across Canada."

Black Business and Professional Association BBPA Continues Outreach Program in New Brunswick to Support Black Entrepreneurs

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 2, 2023

St John, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - March 2, 2023) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) continues its outreach program in New Brunswick to support Black entrepreneurship.

Key Points: 
  • St John, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - March 2, 2023) - The Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) continues its outreach program in New Brunswick to support Black entrepreneurship.
  • As part of the Black Entrepreneurship Program funded by the Federal government, BBPA will again deliver its BAIDS (Business Advisory Implementation Development Services) program, a national outreach initiative aimed at providing resources and support to Black entrepreneurs.
  • We want to level the playing field for Black entrepreneurs, one business at a time"
    Frances Delsol, VP Partnership, Outreach and Procurement at the BBPA, said, "Our outreach in New Brunswick is part of our continued efforts to support Black entrepreneurship across Canada.
  • For more information on the BAIDS program and BBPA's work to support Black entrepreneurs, please visit the BBPA website at www.bbpa.org .