Government of Canada invests $1.2 million to support Black entrepreneurs and businesses across Northern Ontario

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $1.2 million in the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury (AHA) to support the ongoing delivery of the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP) until March 2030. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Using a business-first approach, NOBEEP is designed to address systemic racism and discrimination by creating greater pathways to opportunity. The program will gather, develop and deliver culturally appropriate support to Black entrepreneurs and business owners to address the gaps in the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Specifically, the funding will allow the AHA to coordinate workshops, training seminars and trade shows, provide mentorship and consulting services, and support various events and activities that showcase Black talent, excellence, success and businesses.

Provided through FedNor’s Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), this strategic investment will help create 25 business start-ups and support the expansion and modernization of 40 more. The program will also support more than 1000 participants attending 40 training and capacity-building events, while ensuring up to 150 Black entrepreneurs receive the business support they need to be successful via networking, matchmaking, or mentorship activities. In 2025 alone, NOBEEP helped launch 26 start-ups, supported the expansion or sustainability of 41 businesses, and hosted or participated in close to 50 events reaching over 1,300 people.

Identified as a strategic priority in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada aims to provide an additional $189 million over five years, starting in 2025-26, for the Black Entrepreneurship Program to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada thrive. In Northern Ontario, FedNor will administer the program.

Quotes

“The Government of Canada is building a strong and resilient economy that includes everyone. This investment in the NOBEEP will expand the program’s reach so it can help more Black entrepreneurs and businesses start-up, scale up, or modernize their operations. The leadership, innovation, and dedication shown by the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury, Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Northern Ontario are not only inspiring, it’s a major driving force that will fuel the economy for years to come. – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor

“We are investing in the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury to support a strong and diverse regional economy because Canada is strongest when we succeed together. This $1.2 million investment will continue to strengthen a foundation for lasting change that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Black entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario. We have seen first-hand the tremendous success NOBEEP has cultivated in the past four years, and I look forward to witnessing the evolution of this important resource." – Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

"This strong show of support from FedNor and the Government of Canada means we can continue to address some of the long-standing challenges Black entrepreneurs face when launching or expanding a business. This $1.2 million will ensure the program remains sustainable, impactful, and provides long-term value for Northern Ontario and the Black community.” – Chamirai Charles Nyabeze, CEO, Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program