杏吧原创 University welcomes the聽聽for the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) through March 2028, reinforcing the university鈥檚 leadership role in advancing research, collaboration and community engagement to strengthen Black entrepreneurship across Canada.
Supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), the funding renewal of up to $4.5M was announced at the聽2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The renewed investment marks the next phase of a nationally significant initiative dedicated to expanding Canada鈥檚 Black entrepreneurial ecosystem through research, data and practical solutions.
The聽Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub聽representatives and distinguished guests聽(left to right):聽Executive Director聽John Nelson, MP Yasir Naqvi, MP Tatiana Auguste, President聽Wisdom Tettey, VP Rafik Goubran, AVP Prosenjit Bose, Academic Director Gerald Grant, and MP Greg Fergus.
Since its launch, BEKH has played a central role in building a stronger understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in Canada, and realized many successes including the creation of a national data repository on Black entrepreneurship. The next phase, known as BEKH 2.0, will build on this foundation focusing on expanding its research, partnerships and community engagement.
鈥淎s an institution committed to mutual flourishing and inclusive impact, 杏吧原创 is delighted with the renewal of this partnership with ISED, which will enable us to continue the very important work that the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub is leading,鈥� said President Tettey.
鈥淲ith this support, BEKH will deepen and expand its anchor role as the go-to source for robust and credible data, a trusted repository of relevant knowledge, and a catalyst for data-informed collaboration and innovation that will enhance Black entrepreneurship, grow Black businesses, and strengthen the Canadian economy for the benefit of all Canadians.鈥�