The Guelph Black Heritage Society’s executive director, Kween, spoke candidly about the difficulties that the region’s Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) communities encounter in the workplace.

The disadvantages BIPOC-owned enterprises have in terms of entrepreneurship and ownership, according to Kween, were highlighted by 2020.

She said that many people of the underrepresented population face gaps in education, support, chances for scholarships and loans and even networking.

“2020, I think, really brought to light the disparities that happen to BIPOC-owned businesses when it comes to entrepreneurship and ownership,” Kween said in an interview with the Guelph Mercury. “The conversation about Black business is great, but I also want people to ensure adequate protection for the Black people they are trying to uplift.

“It shouldn’t be a month. It needs to be all year long. We need to be honouring and celebrating Black businesses just as much as everything else. It’s like giving us February again and saying, ‘Here’s your month. This is when you get to talk about your business,’” she said.

Also highlighted is Andrew Jones, who runs an online coffee delivery business, The Daily Grind 519, and a chemical-free cleaning company called Simple and Clean. And Alexis Charles, owner of Shyne Body Butter, a women’s wellness and skincare company.

Source: Guelph Mercury