About us
Maximize Our Potential
The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association (ACANEA) is a Black Francophone Entrepreneurs non-profit organization in western Canada, headquartered in Edmonton and was founded in 2020.
About Us
Empowering Black Francophone Entrepreneurs
The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association (ACANEA) is a Black Francophone Entrepreneurs non-profit organization in western Canada, headquartered in Edmonton and was founded in 2020. The ACANEA was formed to develop and create economic development and Employment through entrepreneurship within the underserved Black community through education, mentoring, workshops, training, networking, referrals to funding resources, and access to capital opportunities. The ACANEA entrepreneurs’ members and partners include a wide range of organizations that provide capital and services to assist underserved entrepreneurs in creating and expanding their businesses.
Our Mission
The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACANEA) mission is to create and grow successful businesses while overcoming the unique challenges and systemic barriers faced by Black people in the business. Black entrepreneurs often strive to build businesses that provide products or services that meet the needs of their communities, and to create employment opportunities for other Black people.
In addition to pursuing Black Entrepreneurs own success, Black entrepreneurs often seek to empower and uplift other Black people through their business endeavors. The ACANEA involves mentoring, training, business networking or providing support to other Black entrepreneurs, investing in community development projects, or advocating for policies that support Black-owned businesses.
Ultimately, the mission of ACANEA is to use their skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit to build successful businesses that not only generate wealth and opportunities for themselves, but also contribute to the economic growth and empowerment of the Black community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to transform the foundation and development of Black business by educating and encouraging Entrepreneurs to be the Black Entrepreneur leader in Francophone Economic Development in Alberta and across Canada. We support Black Entrepreneurs every step of the way-from start-up and development to growth and expansion.
However, black entrepreneurs may face unique challenges due to systemic racism and discrimination that can limit their opportunities and access to resources. As a result, some black entrepreneurs may have a vision that includes creating businesses that not only generate profits but also uplift their communities and provide opportunities for other black people. This could include creating jobs, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, and supporting social and economic initiatives that address issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to education.
Our Purpose
The ACANEA purpose of black entrepreneurs is to create and grow successful Black businesses that provide value to their customers and generate profits for the owners.
However, there are some unique challenges that black entrepreneurs may face, such as limited access to capital and resources, discrimination, and bias in the business, and historical and systemic barriers to entry. As a result, some black entrepreneurs may have a particular focus on creating opportunities for themselves and their communities, building wealth and economic power, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world.
Black entrepreneurs can also serve as role models and mentors for other aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities and can help to inspire and empower future generations of black business owners. Ultimately, the purpose of ACANEA is to contribute to the overall economic growth and prosperity of their communities and the broader society.
What we Do
The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association (ACANEA) is the Black Francophone Nonprofit Organization. We’re committed to growing a successful Black business community in Alberta and all Canada. We develop and create economic development through entrepreneurship and employment. We provide mentorship, counselling, workshops and courses for aspiring and current Black business Entrepreneurs, Black youth, and Black Professionals in Alberta.
Our Passion
The Afro-Canadian Entrepreneurs Association’s passion is to educate and inspire Black communities Entrepreneurs and Professionals to excel in leadership, Entrepreneurship, Employment and to support the development of a Canadian Economic strength that is dynamic and innovative and enhances the mobilization and commitment of Black Francophone Albertans.
Extraordinary Experiences
Experience in starting a business, Training, Business networking, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Black youth and Kids in Entrepreneurship, and establish professional network or expertise in a certain field
- Promote business relations, trade, tourism and investment opportunities between Canada and Africa.
- Provide a platform for businesses and trade delegation to exchange experiences and visits
- Facilitate meetings, networkings, business transactions and promotions with Black Business communities.
- Act as a business resource to provide current information and data on investment opportunities in Canada.
Our Core Values
We invest in Black community through training and workshops to grow their businesses and provide our members wonderful services that are filled with a positive and comfortable business environment.
- Excellence
- Empowerment
- Collaboration
- Resilience
We don’t know where we'll be in a week or in a month. We do what we want for as long as we want, always trying out new experiences.
— Amanda & Shawn —
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