‘I want to build the ecosystem’: New online resources aim to help Black women in business

Tia Upshaw shares details on a free entrepreneurship initiative designed to encourage Black women to start and strengthen their businesses.

An Atlantic Canadian non-profit is launching a new program to support Black women entrepreneurs.

Blk Women in Excellence has released its “Idea to Income: Pan Atlantic” project, which offers digital mentorship and resources to women across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

“I’m more than thrilled. I’m honoured, excited,” CEO and founder of the organization Tia Upshaw told CTV Your Morning Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett.

She says the biggest barriers Black entrepreneurs face are access to mentorship, resources and capital.

Upshaw says, by going to the Blk Women in Excellence Website and registering for free, entrepreneurs will be able to access workshops to learn about content marketing, AI and grants, among other topics.

“If you’re a Black woman in business… I don’t care if you have an idea and you haven’t really planted the seed, I want you to register. If you’re already in business for three to five years, I don’t care, I want you to register,” says Upshaw. “I want to build the ecosystem.”

She credits the non-profit’s partnerships, calling them “the key to how this project is going to do what it’s going to do.”

Upshaw says the program will do a lot.

“It’s the first one that’s been done for Black women across Atlantic Canada, so I’m excited,” she adds.