Empowering Black Entrepreneurs
2026 Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium
Join us for the second edition of the Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium, presented by RADIUS SFU and the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC).
Wednesday, March 25 | 1 to 5 pm
Surrey City Hall (13450 - 104 Avenue, Surrey)
Free event
Everyone is invited: We need entrepreneurs, government and policymakers, funders, social impact and community organizations, and researchers for real, meaningful economic inclusion.
Our Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub's three-year-research report and knowledge gathered at our 2025 Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium highlight the need for greater visibility and mentorship, as well as addressing bias and systemic barriers within policy and funding decisions.
This symposium moves the research recommendations into action.
Don't miss:
An exciting community panel with Black leaders across the Lower Mainland, joining voices to advocate for greater space, visibility, and support.
Community marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses
Community booths supporting entrepreneurs
Workshops for entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and Black community leaders
Networking and community connections
Light lunch from Wazobia African Catering
Live musical performance by Lordnation
And more!
We will bring together community organizations, entrepreneurs, policymakers, funders, government representatives, and academics for meaningful dialogue, relationship-building, and capacity-building sessions aimed at real and sustainable economic inclusion. Find out more about our speaker line-up!
In March 2025, RADIUS’ released the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) research report titled, Empowering Black Entrepreneurship: A Research Report of Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Recommendations for Western Canada.
This research done in partnership with the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) dives deep into the realities of Black-owned businesses in Western Canada. It surfaces not just the challenges such as the barriers to capital, mentorship, and market access but also the immense contributions Black businesses are making to innovation, job creation, and economic justice in Canada and their impact on the Canadian economy.
The report also offers policy recommendations and strategies for building a more inclusive, equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
