Covid-19 Business Empowerment Webinar

Objective
The objective of the webinar was to provide visible minority entrepreneurs, including Black entrepreneurs with information about available COVID-19 benefits and grants as well as expert advice about how to adapt and build resilience in the face of the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

Summary
The webinar kicked off with a presentation on KCA, its objectives, programs and initiatives by Ephraim Mwaura, the President of KCA. Mwaura also presented an overview and achievements so far under the Canadian Red Cross project which included distribution of grocery cards to 40 beneficiaries from marginalized groups across the greater Toronto area (GTA).

The social and economic director, Fatma Nadhir provided an overview of the social and economic program and the upcoming activities under the program in 2021. Hon Ruby Sahota,Member of parliament, Brampton North, opened the panel discussion by providing an in-depth overview of the available resources for businesses at the Federal and Provincial level, including the new funding of $221m for Black owned businesses.

Clare Barnett, the director, economic development and lead Mayors’ COVID-19 economic support task force, City of Brampton followed with a presentation that provided
information about what the City of Brampton was doing to support businesses in the city. Andria Barrett, the President, Canadian Black chamber of commerce in her speech advised businesses to collaborate, be nimble and pivot where necessary in order to thrive in the current pandemic situation. She provided examples of how businesses can collaborate across industries to create greater value of their offerings. The final presentation was by Aldeen Simmonds -Thorpe, a certified transformation business coach that provided practical ways on how businesses can look for funding on the internet and how to effectively apply for business grants.

The Panelists:

• Hon. Ruby Sahota - Member of Parliament,Brampton North
• Clare Barnett - Director, Economic Development and Lead Mayors’ COVID-19 Economic Support Task Force, City of Brampton
• Andria Barrett - President, Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
• Aldeen Simmonds -Thorpe - Certified Transformation Business Coach