Canada's first BLACK chamber of Commerce I UNLOCK BUSINESS POTENTIAL I GET FINANCED

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) is redefining the landscape of entrepreneurship in Canada. Founded from a vision in 2013 to unify the Black community across the country, the organization is today a powerful platform driving growth, innovation, and global connections for Black-owned businesses.

“Canada is home to over one and a half million Black Canadians, but we are not always connected coast to coast,” said a CBCC leader during a recent gathering in Montreal. “Our community is incredibly diverse—by language, culture, religion, and background. The Chamber exists to bring that diversity together, strengthen the Black economy, and, by extension, grow the Canadian economy while linking to the Afro-global community.”

The Chamber’s journey is rooted in the lived experiences of its members and leaders. One speaker, a former college professor, described leaving the security of academia to pursue entrepreneurship through a talk show venture 15 years ago. “I didn’t have all the tools,” they admitted, “but I pushed forward. When I connected with the Chamber three years ago, I immediately saw the value of programs teaching business planning, financial literacy, and growth strategies. I only wish I had found them sooner.”

For others, the Chamber provided both knowledge and confidence at pivotal career crossroads. A former emergency department nurse shared how they transitioned into full-time business ownership, launching a hair care line and salon. “With the help of the Chamber, I gained the tools and network to elevate my brand,” they said. “It has been transformative.”

The CBCC has developed a comprehensive suite of initiatives tailored to entrepreneurs at all levels—whether starting with an idea or scaling a mature business. Offerings include:

Business planning workshops

Financial literacy programs

Mastermind groups and master classes

Specialized support for women founders in STEM, tech, and clean-tech sectors

The Chamber also places a strong emphasis on youth entrepreneurship. “You are never too young—or too old—to pursue business,” one CBCC representative said.

Youth-focused programs cover everything from building a website and creating a social media brand to negotiation skills, public presentations, and pitch competitions.

Speakers at the Montreal event encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to stay committed to their ideas. “Have an idea, write it down, and hold yourself accountable,” advised one business leader. “A business only grows if you keep feeding the fire. Don’t give up.”

While the Chamber is rooted in supporting Black entrepreneurship, it also positions itself as an entry point for the wider business community seeking to engage with Canada’s Black market. “Business has no color,” said one leader. “But our role is to galvanize and mobilize our community so we can trade, innovate, and build great companies for Canada and for the Black world. At the same time, we welcome partnerships with non-Black businesses who want to engage and grow with us.”

As the Chamber expands its presence in Montreal and across the country, its leaders remain committed to their founding vision: uniting Black businesses, empowering entrepreneurs, and ensuring that the Canadian Black economy is not just thriving but also connected to opportunities worldwide.