News Release
FedNor funding will help 35 Black-led businesses start-up, scale-up or modernize their operations
February 19, 2025 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced that the Government of Canada is investing $389,197 in the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury (AHA) to support the continued delivery of the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP). 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 Northern Ontario Development Program, this strategic investment will help create 20 business start-ups and support the expansion and modernization of 15 more. It will also allow the AHA to host 25 events and engage in outreach activities through a series of events and roadshows. Since its inception under the Black Entrepreneurship Program in 2022, NOBEEP has helped over 120 businesses start-up, scale-up or modernize their operations. It has also created 4 full-time jobs and helped 29 partners participate in roadshows, while allowing AHA to host 37 events that reached close to 3,500 people within its target audience.
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
“Communities know what works best for them, and the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury has deep roots and strong connections across Northern Ontario. With these additional resources, they can expand their great work supporting Black entrepreneurs and helping local businesses grow and succeed. The leadership, innovation, and dedication shown by Black business owners and entrepreneurs make Northern Ontario’s economy stronger and more vibrant for everyone.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“This $389,197 investment represents an important step forward as we continue to build a strong foundation for lasting change that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Black entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario. We have seen first-hand the tremendous success NOBEEP has cultivated in the past four years, and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish into the future. We are investing in Black entrepreneurs to support strong and diverse regional economies because Canada is strongest when we are succeeding together.”
– Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“Progress has shown that when we support one another, it fosters favourable outcomes and growth. Today’s funding will enable the NOBEEP team to further build upon the great work they have achieved. This will allow them to broaden their scope to further help Black entrepreneurs cultivate viable and profitable enterprise that will benefit Northern Ontario communities as well as local economies.”
– Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages
“Today’s announcement means we can continue to address some of the long-standing challenges that Black entrepreneurs face when they start-up, scale-up or modernize their businesses. Through the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program, we have helped over 120 Black-led businesses achieve their goals, while creating jobs and promoting opportunities for people of Afro-heritage in Northern Ontario. This funding will ensure the program remains sustainable, impactful, and provides long-term value for Northern Ontario and the Black community.”
– Charles Nyabeze, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program
