Sudbury-based program supporting Black business leaders to expand | Spare News

A program that supports Black entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario is gearing up to expand its services and reach in the region.

The core mission of the Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program – NOBEEP – is to drive economic prosperity for Black entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario by addressing the systemic barriers they often face in starting, sustaining and growing businesses. Through mentorship, business education, financial literacy and sponsors, NOBEEP has provided essential tools and connections to more than 100 Black entrepreneurs in its first few years of operation.

NOBEEP will be embarking on a new phase of development — NOBEEP 2.0—which will strengthen its presence, and extend its services, resources and outreach from 2025 to 2028.

“Expanding NOBEEP’s reach means engaging with more communities and supporting more entrepreneurs in urban centres and smaller communities across Northern Ontario,” said the program’s executive director, Charles Nyabeze. “So far, we’ve connected with communities like Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Timmins, Elliot Lake, Parry Sound, Thunder Bay, Manitoulin Island, Temiskaming Shores and West Nipissing. Looking ahead, we plan to extend our connections to Kenora, Dryden and Wawa in 2025.”

Nyabeze said the entrepreneurs in these regions often face additional barriers to accessing resources and support.

“Expanding our connections into these communities ensures that NOBEEP remains inclusive and addresses the unique needs of diverse entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario,” he said. “The groundwork we laid in the first three years allowed us to establish a strong foundation and begin making a real impact in the communities we serve. Expanding our reach means bringing this impact to even more underserved entrepreneurs, ensuring that no one is left behind as we grow together.”

Nyabeze said NOBEEP has submitted a request for support from two public sector organizations for about $1 million so that it can continue for an additional three years.

“This support is critical to ensure that NOBEEP remains a vital resource for Black entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario,” he said. “We took the first three years to lay down the groundwork for NOBEEP — building relationships, establishing trust and creating impactful programming. We were just beginning to be known by the clients we serve and make an even greater impact. It would be a shame for us to shut down just as we’re hitting our stride.”

Nyabeze said part of the long-term plan involves developing a so-called wealth fund, or micro-lending initiative, that will address the “unique financial challenges” faced by Black entrepreneurs in the region.

“Our goal is to provide accessible, culturally informed financial support that bridges the gap between traditional banking systems and the needs of Black business owners,” he explained. “We are looking to fund this initiative through a combination of public funding, such as grants, and private investments from angel investors who align with our mission of empowering economic growth in underserved communities. Also, leveraging PARO’s lending circle.”

Over the past three years, NOBEEP has supported more than 121 entrepreneurs in different stages of their business across Northern Ontario. With NOBEEP 2.0, the goal is to reach at least 200 entrepreneurs and provide them with resources, mentorship and access to financial opportunities that drive long-term business success.

Dwayne Campbell was able to open his restaurant, Caribbean Jerk Kitchen and Grill, in North Bay thanks to NOBEEP’s support. Originally from Toronto, he chose Northern Ontario to start a business.

“I did some research and North Bay wanted to Caribbean food,” he said.

He reached out to NOBEEP after deciding to open a business in West Nipissing and it helped him navigate financial support.

In the end, Nyabeze said NOBEEP is so much more than business development.

“It’s about community empowerment,” he said. “We’ve bridged gaps, advocated for equity and provided a trusted space for Black entrepreneurs to thrive. We are also proud of our ability to foster meaningful collaborations, like the wealth fund, which is a bold step toward reducing economic disparities.

“It’s also essential to understand that our work is not only about individual success — it’s about lifting an entire community. A win for Black entrepreneurs is a win for Northern Ontario.”

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.

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