News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL AGENCY-BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE
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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.
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Contact: Tab Borden 902-424-3821
jlw Nov. 06, 1995
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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.