The Building Black Entrepreneurs Program held its 3rd symposium on Saturday, March 25, 2023, and hosted 125 entrepreneurs for an inspiring afternoon discussing the topics of Financial Literacy: Know Your Numbers and Marketing: Building Your Brand.
To enhance these topics previously covered in the weekly online curriculum, the symposium featured dynamic speakers including Louis Saldenah - 20-time winning Toronto mas band leader of the year, Edwina Greenaway, Fortune 500 marketing executive, Tanya Sam, technology company founder and former Real Housewife of Atlanta, Johanna Grant, founder of Freedom Mas Band and BBEP graduate and Noel Walrond, founder at My Dreams Work. Attendees were able to get insight and important questions answered by a panel of experts. It was a high-energy, power-packed afternoon.
The Sheraton Parkway North was transformed into a Caribbean-themed
business setting and included the sounds of steel pan played by Pan Angel (Rachel Walcott), a brand-new calypso / afro-beats fusion song debuted by Canada's reigning Calypso Monarch, Connector (Joel Davis), and Soca music brought to us by DJ SMEE. Freedom Mas Band and Official Costume Creators brought Caribbean carnival mas costumes up close and personal.
The BBEP takes pride in sourcing vendors from within our program to provide services for our events as well as from the broader Black and Caribbean business community as our first preference.
While the event showcased Caribbean carnival culture, elevating speakers and lunch, the BBEP symposium provided space for Black and Caribbean entrepreneurs to come together, network and build relationships. "This was my first time attending an event like this and I am so impressed and inspired!" said one first-time entrepreneur.
The compassion of the volunteers, the support of the Festival Management Committee Board of Directors, George Brown College and other collaborative partners and the support of the wider community, all lent to the of the standard of excellence shared that day.
Please save the date, Saturday, June 17 and stay tuned for more details to attend our 4th symposium which brings service providers and opportunities forward in an even more engaging and impactful way.
