What is BWIE?

Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society NS & BC is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Black women entrepreneurs. With a mission to foster economic growth, facilitate equitable opportunities, and amplify the voices of Black women in business within Canada, Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society NS & BC provides a comprehensive ecosystem of resources, mentorship, and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships, educational programs, and targeted initiatives, Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society NS & BC aims to bridge the gaps and disparities that hinder the success of Black women entrepreneurs, driving positive change and building a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

 

Since the creation of the organization, Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE) has successfully completed training for 87 Black women and established a name within all of the local Black communities in Nova Scotia. The organization successfully delivered 9 entrepreneur start-up programs and 8 mentorship initiatives. This training, along with networking and other supports, such as the BWIE Pitch Competition in 2022 & 2023. Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE) helped the women to get their businesses started and to keep them going despite financial and other challenges - including the realities of a Pandemic, systemic racism & gender bias.

 

In addition, the organization has established partnerships with various community organizations & financial institutions including the Mulgrave Park Tenants Association, Canada Start up,  Delmore Buddy Daye Institute, Canadian International Women of Excellence (Ontario), Connecture ( Ontario) Tribe Network, Cente for Women in Business, Atlantic Growth for Women in Business, Emera, Common Good Solutions, Black Cultural Center , Scotia Bank, INOVA Credit Union, KWIB (BC)and more 

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Blk Women in Excellence (BWIE) has been compiling data on the status of businesses that have been supported through their work. The following indicators show that the participating business owners have made progress toward establishing sustainable businesses.

• 87 Black women, 100% who participated in the program have registered their businesses with Joint Stocks 

• 87 Black women, 100% who participated in the program have completed business plans and three year financial projections 

• 37 Black women, 73% who participated in the program are operating their businesses 20 - 40 hours a week 

• 12 Black women, 12% who participated in the program have reached out to gain assistance with  preparing to do their taxes as a business owner for the 2022 fiscal year. 

 

In addition to these figures, there has been considerable feedback from Black women about the impact the program has made on their personal and professional lives. 

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It is clear that the BlK Women in Excellence  (BWIE) has built a foundation and platform for the engagement and support of Black women in Canada toward reaching their goal of self-employment in sustainable businesses. 

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" I really appreciate it and it's been such a pleasure getting to know you these past few months. I did an interview for a Dalhousie study about barriers racialized business owners face yesterday and realized and talked about how if it wasn't for meeting you I don't think I would have finished my business plan, even going through the ANSEP with a different mentor. Working with you, who actually listens and gets what it is like emotionally to be a Black business owner and woman also navigating this world has been life-changing for me and helped me step up to the plate. I know I been putting in work, and it is largely due to having the support I've been searching for for YEARS finally this year from your mentorship and network.

 

Your leadership is so valuable and is making huge waves. Never let the people talkin' grind you down because we need you in this province and beyond. You are doing nothing but good. "

                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                      Bria Miller Owner of BriaMakesThings

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