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Agenda: Elevate & Celebrate Black Excellence: Charting the Future for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada
Agenda: Elevate & Celebrate Black Excellence: Charting the Future for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Sir John A. Macdonald Building, 144 Wellington St. Ottawa, ON
Objective
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is proud to commemorate Black History Month by hosting an event that critically examines the state of Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Canada, specifically focusing on the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs. Through engaging panels and insightful keynotes, the event will foster discussions and propose actionable solutions to promote inclusive entrepreneurship.
Agenda
*All times are in ET and subject to change.
| 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:00 a.m. to 9:08 a.m. | Opening Remarks Introduction to the significance of Black History Month. Speaker: The Honourable Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
| 9:08 a.m. to 9:12 a.m. | Remarks by RBC Speaker: George Wamala, Director, Regulatory and Government Affairs, RBC |
| 9:12 a.m. to 9:20 a.m. | Remarks by the Liberal Black Caucus Welcome address by the Government of Canada. Speaker: MP Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of the Liberal Black Caucus |
| 9:20 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. | Keynote Address by Minister Khera The state of inclusive entrepreneurship in Canada, highlighting key progress and commitments made by the Government of Canada. Speaker: The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities |
| 9:35 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. | Fireside Chat Discussion between the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and the Minister of Small Business on the state of inclusive entrepreneurship in Canada. Moderator: Bryan Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Speakers: The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion & Persons with Disabilities The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business |
| 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Health Break |
| 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. | Panel Discussion 1: Entrepreneurs’ Perspectives Moderated discussion with successful Black entrepreneurs who have overcome barriers. Moderator: Catherine Leteinturier-Guissé, Business Center Manager, BDC Panellists: Alfred Burgesson, Founder & CEO, Tribe Network Cynthia Dorrington, President & CEO, Vale & Associates Human Resource Management and Consulting Inc. Muna Mohammed, Founder, Eight50 Coffee |
| 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. | Health Break |
| 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion 2: Black Business Associations’ Insights Moderated discussion with representatives from prominent Black business associations. Moderator: Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Panellists: Tiffany Callender, Co-founder & CEO, FACE Matthew Martel, CEO, Black Business Initiative Liban Abokor, Founder and Managing Director of Reimagine LABS & Co-Founder of Foundation for Black Communities Louis-Edgar Jean-François, Chairman & CEO, Groupe 3737 |
| 12:00 p.m. to 12:05 p.m. | Closing Remarks Speakers: Diana Palmerin-Velasco, Senior Director, Future of Work, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Bryan Detchou, Senior Director, Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainability, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
| 12:05 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch No programming. |
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