Client Spotlight

The York Small Business Enterprise Centre (YSBEC) and Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) Coalition recently joined forces to feature Black-owned startups through a dynamic market and expo at Upper Canada Mall.

Known as “Innovate. Network. Thrive: Celebrating Black Entrepreneurs in York Region,” the event featured 18 local organizations ranging from food and financial services to professional event planning.

"We are putting our footprint in York Region to make people know that we exist and are here to make an impact." — Ukachi Koja, Owner of MIH Event Services

Ukachi Koja, who launched Make It Happen Event Services in Markham last year, shared her journey during the expo. For Koja, participating in the market was a pivotal step in addressing core entrepreneurial challenges: marketing her brand and building a network within the community.

Several key figures attended to provide support, including Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, Bernise Springer from FACE, and Charles Banfield from YSBEC. Banfield noted that this second edition of the startup market featured a more dynamic floor plan and increased promotion to ensure diverse ethnicities are well-represented in the local business landscape.

“Oftentimes, businesses are underrepresented by people of various ethnicities,” Banfield said. “So, it’s important that we make it known that we support everyone.”