At the recently held inaugural Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium in Vancouver at the UBC Robson Square, the Western Hub of the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), based at RADIUS, Simon Fraser University, made a clear and urgent call: closer collaboration between researchers and policymakers is needed to better support Black entrepreneurs.
Hosted on February 28, 2025, in partnership with UBC’s Black Advisory Hub, the event, titled Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Bridging Research, Policy, and Practice, was a landmark gathering dedicated to advancing Black entrepreneurship and research in Canada.
The symposium brought together researchers, business leaders, and community advocates to explore the challenges and opportunities within the Black business ecosystem, with a strong focus on actionable policy recommendations informed by BEKH Western Hub’s regional research report titled Empowering Black Entrepreneurship: A Research Report of Comprehensive Analysis of Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Recommendations for Western Canada (stay tuned for its publication this spring 2025).
The Absence of Policymakers: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the event’s significance, policymakers and government officials were notably absent, having declined invitations due to various reasons. Their absence underscored a key issue: while research on Black entrepreneurship is gaining momentum, strong institutional support and informed policy are essential to turning knowledge into action.
“We need the presence of policymakers in future symposiums to complement the voices of academic institutions, Black business leaders, and entrepreneurs,”
Raphael’s statement emphasized a recurring theme throughout the event—the need for decision-makers to be actively engaged in shaping policies that directly impact Black-owned businesses.
Strengthening Collaboration for Real Impact
The enthusiasm and high engagement at the symposium reinforced the growing demand for networking and collaboration opportunities among researchers, business leaders, and policymakers. Ochil’s call to action signals a critical next step: turning research insights into tangible policy changes that foster economic opportunities and resilience for Black entrepreneurs.
As Black History Month came to a close, the symposium highlighted the significance of collaboration in strengthening the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem. Engaging speakers included:
- Dr. Olutoyin Oyelade, President of Casa Foundation,
- Dr. Sarah Lubik (SFU) and Sean Lumb (UBC),
- Abigail Okyere (Black Advisory Hub lead),
- Raphael Tachie (Private Legal Practitioner),
- Jackee Kasandy, (President of BEBC Society),
- Rohene Bouajram (Associate Director, IBPOC Strategic Initiatives, UBC),
- Elena Yugai (Executive Director, Table of Impact Investment Practitioners), and
- moderated by Andrea Lyod, Innovation UBC’s engagement lead.
The speakers shared valuable insights on innovation, business resilience, and the intersection between research and entrepreneurship.
However, the conversation must now shift to action—building stronger partnerships, coordinating collective efforts, and producing real-world outcomes that benefit Black-owned businesses across Canada.
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