​​

About This Project

The BWIE Black Women Entrepreneur Ecosystem: From Idea to Income is a regional initiative led by BLK Women in Excellence, designed to support Black women across Atlantic Canada in starting, growing, and sustaining successful businesses.

​

This program provides a structured, step-by-step pathway that takes participants from idea stage through to launch and beyond. Through a combination of entrepreneurship training, coaching, mentorship, digital and AI skills, and mental wellness support, participants are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to build real, sustainable businesses.

​

The program is delivered across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador, using a hybrid model that combines virtual learning with in-person community engagement in key regions.

​

Rather than offering disconnected services, this ecosystem brings everything together in one place, addressing the real barriers Black women face in entrepreneurship, including access to knowledge, support, networks, and resources.

​

This initiative is supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem across the region.

​

Pan-Atlantic Project Initiative Highlights

The BLK Women in Excellence Pan-Atlantic Project is a regional entrepreneurship initiative designed to support Black women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Running from Summer 2026 to Spring 2027, this initiative provides a combination of virtual learning, in-person business development, community engagement, and regional relationship building to strengthen the Black women entrepreneurship ecosystem across Atlantic Canada.

​

​

Key Highlights of the Initiative

Pan-Atlantic Reach & Community Building

This project expands entrepreneurship support beyond one location by creating access across all four Atlantic provinces.

The initiative focuses on:

• Building stronger networks between Black women entrepreneurs

• Reducing geographic barriers to entrepreneurship training

• Creating connections between rural and urban communities

• Increasing access to business resources, experts, and mentorship

• Strengthening Black women-led businesses across Atlantic Canada

​

Workshop-Based Learning Model

Rather than a traditional weekly classroom program, this project uses a flexible workshop model that better supports entrepreneurs with different schedules, responsibilities, and business stages.

The program includes:

• 17+ virtual workshops

• Provincial in-person entrepreneurship workshops

• Community networking events

• Expert-led training sessions

• Business development resources

Workshop lengths include:

• 1-hour expert sessions

• 2-hour workshops

• 3-hour deep-dive workshops

• 4-hour provincial in-person workshops

This structure allows participants to access high-quality training while balancing business ownership, employment, family, and community responsibilities.

​

Virtual Workshop Topics

Participants will have access to expert-led training in areas including:

Business Foundations

• Business idea validation

• Building sustainable business models

• Entrepreneurship readiness

• Business skills development

Financial & Operational Readiness

• Financial literacy

• Small business accounting

• Introduction to bookkeeping

• CRA readiness

• Business systems

• Grant readiness and funding preparation

Digital Growth & Innovation

• Branding and marketing

• Social media strategy

• AI tools for entrepreneurs

• Automation

• Digital transformation

Leadership & Wellness

• Self-care for entrepreneurs

• Health and wellness

• Leadership development

• Mindset and confidence

• Journaling and reflection

• Building sustainable success

​

Provincial In-Person Workshops

Each province will include an in-person activation designed to bring entrepreneurs together beyond the virtual space.

Locations include:

• Nova Scotia

• New Brunswick

• Prince Edward Island

• Newfoundland and Labrador

Each provincial activation includes:

Evening Networking Event

• Community connection

• Relationship building

• Business networking

• Collaboration opportunities

In-Person Business Workshop

• Hands-on learning

• Localized support

• Business development activities

• Connection with regional partners

​

Accessibility

Entrepreneurs from different regions can participate without needing to travel weekly.

Stronger Relationships

In-person events allow participants to build trust, partnerships, collaborations, and long-term business connections.

Continued Engagement

Virtual workshops keep participants connected between provincial gatherings.

Regional Representation

Each province has a local partner who understands their community and helps ensure the project reflects regional needs.

Sustainable Growth

Participants receive ongoing support over several months instead of attending a single event and leaving without continued resources.

​

​

Overall Impact

The Pan-Atlantic Project is creating a connected network of Black women entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada by combining education, community, mentorship, wellness, and business development.

The goal is not only to help entrepreneurs start businesses but to help them build businesses that are sustainable, financially prepared, visible, and positioned for long-term growth.