Black startup market provides opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in York Region

By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

The York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) and Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) Coalition joined forces to feature Black-owned startups through a market and expo at Upper Canada Mall.

The market, known as “Innovate. Network. Thrive: Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs in York Region,” featured 18 York Region-based organizations ranging from food, jewellery, financial services, event planning, and more. Businesses paid zero fees to be featured. It occurred on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor arrived around noon to provide some opening remarks, along with Bernise Springer from FACE, Charles Banfield from YSBEC, and Christine Seidman from Upper Canada Mall.

Singer DebonayR serenaded both visitors and vendors from 1 to 2 p.m.

Oil painter Adubi “Dubi” Akinola held a live painting session from 3 to 4 p.m., in which he allowed anyone to add a few brush strokes to his landscape.

Banfield said that this event was YSBEC and FACE’s second edition of York Region’s Black startup market and expo. He said that both organizations made several changes to improve from their first event last April, such as creating a more dynamic floor plan and promoting the market more.

“Oftentimes, we’re underrepresented by – or the businesses are underrepresented by – people of various ethnicities,” he said. “So, it’s important that we make it known that we support everyone.”

Several entrepreneurs provided their perspectives on the Black entrepreneurial landscape in York Region.

Ukachi Koja, owner of Make It Happen Event Services in Markham, said that she only started her business last year. She said that by participating in the market, she hopes to address some of her biggest challenges: marketing her brand and financing her activities.

Ruben Fox from Island Gurl Foods said that it’s not uncommon for Black entrepreneurs to face obstacles with marketing, finances, and networking. However, he added that events like this market can provide assistance in a cost-effective way.

Both Koja and Fox highlighted the importance of supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

“We [as Black people] are putting our footprint in York Region to make people know that we exist and are here to make an impact,” Koja said.

YSBEC, a subsidiary of Small Business Centres Ontario, supports businesses with fewer than 10 employees in Stouffville, Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, and King.

Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan each have their own Small Business Centre.

FACE is a national bilingual non-profit organization that aims to provide Black businesses with the funding, tools, education, and supports necessary to generate wealth for their communities.

Photo: Ukachi Koja hands out her business card to a market visitor. Based in Markham, Koja is the owner of Make It Happen Event Services. (David Yin photo)