The State of Black Entrepreneurship in Canada: An Intersectional Perspective

This chapter explores the state of Black entrepreneurship in Canada. We present recent data on Black entrepreneurship and business ownership and explore the multifaceted challenges that Black individuals experience at the societal, organizational, and individual levels of the entrepreneurial ecosystem including systemic anti-Black racism and other forms of discrimination. Research shows Black entrepreneurs face stereotypes and the absence of role models, policies, biased programs and services, as well as capacity issues. In addition, Black entrepreneurs with intersectional identities, such as Black women, experience additional barriers. This chapter also provides an overview of Canadian government initiatives and other support programs for Black entrepreneurs. While gaps in data and empirical analysis remain, this chapter aims to contribute to the growing research on Black entrepreneurship in Canada and the development of a more inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.