News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL AGENCY-BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE ------------------------------------------------------------ The provincial and federal governments officially accepted the task force report on the Black Business Initiative (BBI) and will begin the process of implementing most of the recommendations immediately. On May 24,Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Minister Robbie Harrision and federal Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency David Dingwall announced the Black Business Initiative. The $5 million, five-year initiative is designed to support the economic development needs of the Black community in Nova Scotia. It is co-funded by the two levels of government under the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification. At that time, the five-member task force was designated to provide an economic strategy for Black Nova Scotia entrepreneurial development and design a program that would meet the needs of Black entrepreneurs. The task force presented its plan and recommendations to both governments on Sept.1, 1995. "We're satisfied with the report, which was put together after extensive dialogue and communication with the Black business community in Nova Scotia. The task force's efforts are highly commendable and its findings are the best measure yet of the opinions of our Black community," said Mr. Harrison. "I am very impressed with the progress that has been made on the Black Business Initiative since we announced the funding last May," said Mr. Dingwall. "In addition, we are pleased that the province of Nova Scotia is taking the leading role in the process to build the Black Business Initiative and the economic future of Nova Scotia's Black community." "The vision of the initiative is to create a vibrant and dynamic Black presence within the business community of Nova Scotia," said task force chairperson, Grace White. "Through an approach that addresses the real needs of the Black business community this goal can be achieved," she added. In addition to the announcement of the BBI, both levels of government announced support for a proposal to form a Preston Area Development Authority (PADA). While the details of the PADA have not been finalized, it is suggested as a partnership between the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency, ACOA and the Watershed Association Development Enterprises (WADE). The thrust of the PADA will be to address broader community development issues. "Both federal and provincial governments believe they are delivering on a commitment made two years ago, when the former Preston Area Development Fund became defunct. This shows a commitment to restore and expand assistance to Black business people. We're pleased to take the initiative a step further and address the needs of Nova Scotia's Black business community," said Environment Minister Wayne Adams. -30- Contact: Tab Borden 902-424-3821 jlw Nov. 06, 1995 ------------------------------------------------------------ BACKGROUNDER ON THE BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE... The Black Business Initiative will provide a resource library, technical expertise, and assist with access to financial institutions, government agencies and business support infrastructure. The BBI will also help Black entrepreneurs to access existing funding for viable projects through existing agencies or its own loan and equity funds. The BBI will be governed by a 12-member board of directors which will be selected by the Task Force members. The board will have regional representation to ensure that the needs of Black communities across the province are addressed. Board members will also possess the skill sets required to ensure the success of the initiative. In response to the strong preference voiced by the Black Business Community to the task force, a Black Business Centre will be established in Halifax. The centre will also serve as the BBI's head office. In the spirit of ongoing cooperation, it is expected that the centre will be located within the Canada/Nova Scotia Business Service Centre, which is already established as a source of business information for entrepreneurs. The Black Business Centre will offer business skills training, counselling, consulting assistance, research, administration and communications/public relations support services, as well as an array of ongoing assistance to Black businesses. With a staff of six professional workers, the BBI will ensure its services are available to all Black communities province-wide. All training components of the BBI for the Preston area will be located in Preston. Regional business development managers will travel extensively throughout the province to deliver the programs offered by the Black Business Initiative. Copies of the executive summary of the Task Force Report are available from: The Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency World Trade and Convention Centre 1800 Argyle Street, 703, P.O. Box 519, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2R7 (902)424-8921 The full version of the Black Business Initiative -Report of the Task Force - is available from public libraries. Members of the task force include Grace White, a businesswoman from Dartmouth; Tony Ross, a Halifax lawyer; John Madison, a retired military and businessman from Preston; Joan Jones, a Halifax community worker; and Dolly Williams, a community activist from Preston.