History Behind Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce | Founder’s Lifestyle

Toronto, ON — Michael Forest, founder of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), is leading a national mission to transform economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs across Canada. Now entering its fifth year, the CBCC has emerged as a vital hub for business development, mentorship, and advocacy within Black communities from coast to coast.

Since its official launch in 2018, the organization has experienced rapid growth and engagement. Its inaugural event in April 2019 drew over 600 attendees with minimal promotion—proof, Mike says, of a long-standing need for such an institution. “There was a clear demand,” he explains. “We’re here to build wealth and trust within our community—two foundations that have been too often undermined.”

At the heart of the chamber’s current work is Elevate Black Business, a federally funded program providing free access to workshops on business planning, financial literacy, and mentorship. The initiative supports both startups and established enterprises across sectors including technology, retail, and food services. Entrepreneurs can enroll through the program’s website, elevateblackbusiness.ca.

A core challenge many Black business owners face is access to capital. To address this, the CBCC has partnered with major financial institutions like BMO and CIBC, along with the Black Opportunity Fund, to create wraparound support for those who’ve been denied loans. Participants undergo intensive 90-day training programs designed to strengthen their applications and improve financial readiness.

“We’re not giving out funds directly,” Mike clarifies, “but we are connecting people to resources, investors, and opportunities they might otherwise miss. We act as a conduit through a complex system.”

The chamber also plays a critical role in advocating for systemic change. During the early days of the pandemic, the CBCC was among the first organizations to lobby the federal government for targeted support, contributing to the creation of the Black Entrepreneurship Program. This advocacy underscored the unique barriers Black Canadians face, including racial profiling in lending practices—a reality banks have since acknowledged.

As a cultural chamber of commerce, the CBCC transcends geographic boundaries, aiming to establish chapters nationwide—from Newfoundland to the Yukon. With approximately 1.3 million Black Canadians connected to global diasporas spanning Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond, Mike emphasizes the chamber’s role in fostering international trade and cultural exchange. “Our diversity is our strength,” he says. “We’re a bridge between communities here and abroad.”

Membership is open to all, though programmatic support remains focused on Black entrepreneurs. The organization operates under a strong governance model, with a board composed of professionals in law, accounting, and community development, ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.

Mike attributes his perseverance through challenges to resilience, faith, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in pan-African values. Inspired by Marcus Garvey, whose legacy informs the chamber’s vision, he speaks of reconnecting African peoples globally. “My ‘why’ is simple: to reunite the African family scattered by history,” he says.

Looking ahead, the CBCC plans to expand its impact through increased awareness, corporate partnerships, and new initiatives like the upcoming Garvey Prize, set to celebrate global Black excellence in 2024.

For Mike, leadership is not about personal recognition but collective progress. “When one of us wins,” he says, “we all rise.”