CBCC hosts Canadian Black Expo 2023 in Toronto

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) made history with the launch of its inaugural Black Expo, a landmark event that brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders from across Canada and beyond.

More than 350 participants registered for the day-long celebration of Black excellence, which featured 38 vendor booths, thought-provoking panel discussions, and keynote speeches from both emerging voices and established leaders. The Expo served as a vibrant space for networking, collaboration, and community empowerment.

Attendees represented the rich diversity of the Black diaspora, including East and West African communities, Caribbean nationals, Francophone Canadians, and Black professionals from across the country. Delegations even traveled from Quebec to Toronto, underscoring the event’s growing national significance.

“I was so pleased to see the diversity within the Black community,” one participant noted. “We had students, entrepreneurs, established business leaders—people from all walks of life. The Expo was about unity, energy, and a shared commitment to uplift one another.”

Throughout the day, panelists and speakers emphasized themes of economic empowerment, generational wealth, and community development. Discussions explored how Black Canadians can harness existing systems, such as taxation and policy frameworks, to create long-term prosperity and build stronger legacies for future generations.

International voices added to the momentum. A business leader from New York City reflected on the similarities between challenges faced by Black communities in Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, and Africa. “It’s all about access to capital, networking, ideas, and strategy,” he said. “What I found here today was inspiration—and practical tools I can take back home.”

One of the central messages that resonated throughout the event was the “power of one”—the idea that when people unite behind a common cause, transformative change becomes possible. This philosophy was evident in the Expo’s collaborative spirit, which fostered both professional connections and a deeper sense of solidarity.

Leaders from the CBCC also called on more members of the Black community to step into leadership roles within business and civic organizations. “We are connectors,” a representative said. “But we need support and leadership from across Canada to serve our communities better.”

As the inaugural Black Expo came to a close, the atmosphere was one of pride and optimism. Organizers declared the event a resounding success, with many attendees already looking forward to future editions.

“This is only the beginning,” said one CBCC spokesperson. “The energy, the unity, and the vision we saw here today will carry forward. Together, we are building the future.”