Local caterer praises funding for black entrepreneurs

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A local entrepreneur specializing in Nigerian cuisine says news regarding government funding toward the black community is positive.

The federal government announced a renewed investment of $189 million for the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) to begin small business week on Monday, October 20th in Montreal.

Oluchi Eguzozie, who founded A Taste of Africa catering services in 2025, told Energeticcity.ca the BEP and its resources are a “good thing” for black entrepreneurs starting up.

“It’s a good thing that everyone is being included,” said Eguzozie. “I think it’s part of the motive to improve the inclusion and diversity within Canada,”

With resources for mentorship, training and networking, a press release on October 20th says the BEP will “keep capital flowing, expand advisory support, and deepen research so more Black-owned businesses can start, scale, and succeed.”

Eguzozie, a former journalist who now works as a support worker, does seem concerned with how the funding will help black-owned businesses in rural communities.

She says in starting her business she has dealt with entrepreneur services non-profit Community Futures stating the interaction has been “very supportive.”

Eguzozie told Energeticcity.ca she wonders how the BEP will have a big impact on rural communities going forward.

“If [the BEP] is going to go through an organization like community futures, then maybe it might have some effect in the smaller rural communities,” said Eguzozie. “How much of an impact this is going to be in the smaller communities that can come together to form a large part of the sector?”

Eguzozie recently held a market research free buffet at Northern Lights College, with plans to hold another event in December.

More details about the BEP are available at its website.