When BBPA chair Ross Cadastre visits a new Canadian city, the first thing he does is find a Black barbershop.

An institution for Black professionals and Canadians, the Black barbershop is where Cadastre can feel the city's pulse, network with hometown business owners, and learn about all the Black-owned spots to eat and drink.

He discussed a recent trip to Yellowknife, where dozens of Black business owners are setting up shop in Canada’s north.

“I went to LJJ Barber Shop (in Yellowknife), and it was very inspiring to see (owner Jonel Louis-Jean's) entrepreneurial journey because he’s not just a barber. He is a painter, poet, and musician too.”

The Black Business and Professional Association, known as the BBPA, provides entrepreneurs with the skills they need to scale their businesses and overcome barriers to entry. It offers more than 20 programs for Black business growth and scholarships for new entrepreneurs.

The BBPA helps tackle issues such as access to capital and racial discrimination in finance. It also provides access to networking and business planning services for Black entrepreneurs.

LJJ Barber Shop is just one of the businesses with which the BBPA works. Cadastre said there are Black-owned spas, restaurants and beauty shops all setting up shop in the Northwest Territories too.

What's fascinating about Black business owners in the North is the demographics. With few Black businesses in Canada’s Arctic, founders are forced to rely on each other, and the urge to patronize their businesses is palpable, Cadastre said.

He added the BBPA is ensuring partnerships between businesses are established by connecting with Black entrepreneurs.

Outreach to other parts of Canada has been the focus of the group this year. Recently, several BBPA representatives travelled to New Brunswick, and trips to B.C. and Alberta are in the works, Cadastre said.