Two Black-owned B.C. businesses will receive grants and legal services as part of a small business program.
The fifth annual Black-owned small business grant program, organized by law firm Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, is aimed at supporting such enterprises across the country.
Judith Kasiama of Vancouver-based Colour the Trails and Naa Sheka Riby-Williams of White Rock-based Naa Sheka Fashion were two of six recipients from across Canada, according to Tuesday’s (Nov. 26) announcement. More than $100,000 will be distributed to recipients, who will also receive legal services.
More than $537,000 in grants have been distributed to Black-owned and operated businesses through the law firm’s program.
Founded in 2017, Colour the Trails is a business that focuses on making outdoor activities more accessible to Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC). It does this by hosting outdoor events, creating media that features the stories of BIPOC and, where possible, providing financial support to those facing financial hurdles when it comes to participating.
Naa Sheka Fashion is a clothing line that fuses Western and Ghanaian influences using traditional West African textiles. One of their highlights is a partnership with the Vancouver Canucks in February, where it designed a jersey for Black History Month.
According to the announcement, the business provides fair wages to Ghanaians and its website states it donates part of its profits to help build libraries in that country.
The Black-owned small business grant, which is also supported by Vancouver-based Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM), is committed to supporting businesses that represent diversity and inclusivity, Cassels Black Affinity Group co-chair Kori Williams said in the announcement.
