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Canadian Black Expo 2023 Powered by the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
DRIVING THE BLACK BUSINESS RENAISSANCE
Welcome to the inaugural 2023 Canadian Black Expo, powered by the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce. SHOWGUIDE
This groundbreaking event, supported by a contribution from Global Affairs Canada's CanExport Associations program and sponsored by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev), is an opportunity to showcase local and global Black commerce exhibitors, dynamic industry experts and speakers. Our theme, Building Resiliency and Promoting Black Business, is a call to action — a reason for Black entrepreneurs and consumers to meet and do business, engage in a day of trade, innovation, networking, D R Ieducation, V I N G T Hwealth-building, E B L A C K B U Sinclusivity, INESS RE NAISSANCE and more.
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Table of Contents About__________________________________________4 Message from Co-Chairs_______________________5 Greetings from Mayor Patrick Brown___________7 Our Sponsors__________________________________8 Agenda________________________________________9 Floor Plan & Index_____________________________14
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About the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce is a national, nonS H O Wdedicated G U I D Eto and supporting the profit, bilingual organization Black business ecosystem that creates value, collaboration and opportunities for all firms in our growing community. Incorporated on August 21, 2018, the CBCC provides resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for Black businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, including access to the global Black diaspora and the mainstream international markets. We promote local and bilateral trade, resources, information, and cultural exchange for business. About the Elevate Black Business Project The Elevate Black Business Project is a collection of programs funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) at no cost to Black entrepreneurs. This initiative seeks to create a sustainable D R Ibusiness VING T H E B L Ahub C KforBBlack-owned U S I N E S SorRBlack-led ENAISSANCE ecosystem businesses, either in start-up or established, while serving participants nationwide.
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Message from Michael Forrest Canadian Black Expo Co-Chair, Founder at CBCC
On behalf of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, our dedicated staff and advisors on-site, I welcome you to the inaugural Canadian Black Expo. Your presence and participation at this unique trade fair and conference symbolize how eager, vested, and export-ready Black entrepreneurs have become. At the same time, while this Expo will offer Black entrepreneurs and consumers a chance to initiate business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) relationships, this is also a celebration of you and how far we’ve come as a community. Take pride in this historic moment. We hope you find this Expo both informative and enjoyable, that you can make valuable connections, and learn new things that will ultimately benefit your future. Congratulations to everyone involved. I am excited to see you on the show floor later today.
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Message from Dr. Jamila Aman Canadian Black Expo Co-Chair, Executive Director at CBCC
With immense pride and gratitude, I welcome you to the inaugural Canadian Black Expo. Today, we’ve made history. Our inaugural trade fair and conference is the first of its kind in Canada, bringing Black entrepreneurs and consumers together on a scale like never before. I thank Co-Chair and Founder Michael Forrest, past President Michelle Meghie, the Board of Directors, management, staff and volunteers for building the foundation that would lead us to this day. The achievements of CBCC will shine on the pages to follow, and I am grateful to everyone involved — including you, the Black entrepreneurs and consumers, here at the Expo. We have a fantastic lineup of vendors, speakers and panellists to keep you engaged. Thank you for your contribution, care and effort as we look to expand the Black business ecosystem.
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Greetings from Mayor Patrick Brown
DRIVING THE BLACK BUSINESS RENAISSANCE
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Thank You Sponsors for your commitment to driving the Black business renaissance. SHO WGUIDE Title Sponsors
Key Sponsors
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Agenda 10:00 AM Canadian Black Expo Open 10:30-11:00 AM Welcome Ceremony Ambrosia Main Stage Host: Jacqueline Dixon, CEO and Founder of New Era Communication, Meet the Motivators Founder, Host with Rogers TV, Certified Sales Trainer Land Acknowledgement Opening Remarks Michael Forrest, Canadian Black Expo Co-Chairs, Founder, CBCC Dr. Jamila Aman, Canadian Black Expo Co-Chairs, Executive Director, CBCC Congratulatory Letter from Mayor Patrick Brown Sponsor and Vendor Acknowledgement
Agenda 11:00 - 11:45 AM Reducing and Eliminating Barriers for Black, Racialized Exporters | Ambrosia Main Stage Black exporters experience a disproportionate level of access to trade. During this panel, we evaluate the barriers affecting the Black community and discuss the policies to improve internal and global trade through federal, provincial and territorial government support. Keynote and Moderator: Graham “Skip” Dillard, Career Broadcast Executive, WBLS-FM/ WlIB-FM Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce Panelists: Cassandra Dorrington, President of the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) Bojan Opsenica, Investment Specialist U.S. Consulate General Toronto Gwyn Chapman, Founder of the Canadian Black Caucus and Senior Advisor, Economic Empowerment & Anti-Black Racism, City of Brampton
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Agenda 12:00 - 12:45 PM Lunch-and-Learn Series Elevate Black Business Project (EBBP) Masterclass: The Art of Pitching Successfully | Ambrosia Main Stage This isn’t your average elevator pitch. Learn how to create and deliver a compelling business pitch. During this segment, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the key elements of a successful pitch, including market, competition, and potential customers. Moderator: Jemima Osei-Kissi, Senior Project Manager, CBCC Panellists Emeka Onuoha, FedDev Project Director, CBCC Gideon Oti-Gyamfi, Elevate Administrative Support, CBCC Deparse Cottrell, Regional Business Development Manager, CBCC EBBP Participants
1:00 - 1:45 PM Resilient Women in Business – Her Story Ambrosia Main Stage Black women still encounter unique obstacles in business as it undergoes constant change and development. Black women are historically underrepresented in leadership positions, too. Each woman has challenges finding the balance between her profession and family life. All women have a story. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jamila Aman, Canadian Black Expo Co-Chair, Executive Director, CBCC Moderator: Audrey Parks, Community Legal Worker & Justice Advocate, Chair, CBCC Panelists Dr. Helen Ofosu, HR Consultant, Executive & Coach, Speaker & Corporate Trainer, Board Member, CBCC Nene Akintan, Relator, Vice Chair, CBCC Tricia McCool, Director of Change Management, Board Member, CBCC
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Agenda 2:00 - 2:15 PM Musical Intermission Steel Drums Performance 2:30 - 3:30 PM Resiliency of Black Women in the Media Ambrosia Main Stage Black women are leading the change to ignite political and social impact in the media industry. During this panel, learn about advocacy shaping a more inclusive and equitable environment and industry. Keynote and Moderator: Patricia Jaggernauth, EMMY award-winning TV Host, Media and Lifestyle Personality Panellists Patricia Bebie Mawa, CEO and Co-Founder of Afroglobal -Television Executive, Filmmaker & Motivational Speaker Jacqueline Dixon, CEO and Founder of New Era Communication, Meet the Motivators Founder, Certified Sales Trainer Graham “Skip” Dillard, Career Broadcast Executive, WBLS-FM/ WlIB-FM Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
4:00 - 5:00 PM Youth Leading the Next Generation - Youth Entrepreneurship in this Economy and Beyond Ambrosia Main Stage Emerging from an unprecedented period in economic and global affairs is our youth —the next generation who will be the most-impacted stakeholder. Establishing the fundamental skills to compete in tomorrow’s market is crucial to overcoming the barriers and challenges they face. Learn how young Black entrepreneurs look to ensure a successful future for themselves. Moderator: Camille Clarke, Membership & Administrative Support, CBCC Panellists Ehi Agbonlahor, University Graduate, CEO and Founder of Anutio Patrick Douglas, Grade 12, Clothing Line Owner Brianna Maitland-Husends, Grade 12, Esthetician, Nail Art Specialist
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Agenda 5:15 - 6:15 PM The Legacy Lives On — the Work Continues! Ambrosia Main Stage As we look to expand the Black business ecosystem, let’s trace a path that will continue and inspire the next generation of leaders. Members of the Canadian Council of Black Elder Trailblazers and Black professionals will discuss the state of affairs, our economic status, and what Black people need to build a better financial foundation. Learn why this work is critical to our overall well-being and the Canadian economy. Keynote and Moderator: Gwyn Chapman, Build Black Canada Director, Economic Initiative and Youth Entrepreneurship Lead Panellists Ms. Zanana Akande, Former Community and Social Services Minister, First Black Female Cabinet Minister in Canada Ken Jeffers, Access & Diversity Manager, Community Engagement Specialist, City of Toronto David Peart, David Peart Logistics Entrepreneur & Consultant JSV SHIPR INC. Dr. Winston Larose, Jane-Finch Concerned Citizens Organization (JFCCO) Executive Director
6:30 - 7:30 PM Lunch-and-Learn Series Balancing Health Wealth and Wellness – A Black Man’s Perspective Ambrosia Main Stage Investing in your wellness can help your financial future. This panel explores the intersection between physical, emotional and financial health — and how to find a sustainable balance. We bring clinical experts and community leaders together to engage and dissect its impact on personal and professional lives. Moderator: Michael Forrest, Co-Chair, Founder, CBCC Panellists: Dr. Vidoll Regisford, Psychotherapist, DEI Specialist Ivor Christopher, ASC Director of Finance
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Agenda 7:30 - 8:00 PM Closing Remarks Ambrosia Main Stage Michael Forrest, Canadian Black Expo Co-Chair, Founder, CBCC
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Floor Plan & Index
1. Peel Regional Police 2. Afroglobal Television 3. Brampton Literacy Centre 4. CIBC 5. City of Brampton 6. Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School 7. Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School 8. BBPA 9. SIMKHA Biocosmétiques 10. Souls of Liberty 11. Elemental Notes 12. KEAN Real Estate Group 13. Douglas Law 14. DHCS Tech 15. Hearts of Gems 16. Alphabetland 17. Editions Touana 18. Belobio/Kazeiba 19. BBPA 20. Mel's 101 Services & Mel's Consultation Team
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20. Belobio & Kazeiba 21. Lady Shy Natural Products 22. Canada Black Owned Marketplace 23. Clear Custom Printing 24. Nique x Boutique 25. Sip & Play 26. DES Haircare 27. Gosdebbie 28. Invex Foods Canada Corp 29. Quantuity Analytics Inc. 30. Sagewise Capital Corporation 31. Keep 6ix 32. Casafoundation 33. Futurpreneur 34. Robinson Global Management 35. Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) Public Services and Procurement Canada - Ontario / Government of Canada 36. Frequency Event Promotions 37. Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) 38. Save Max International Inc.