Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network (SWOBEN)

Empowerment Squared is leading the Southwestern Ontario Black Entrepreneurship Network (SWOBEN) that empowers and supports Black entrepreneurs, including business owners and nonprofit leaders in the greater Southwestern Ontario region, to succeed and thrive by building strong business foundations and optimizing opportunities. This project addresses the unique challenges and barriers that Black entrepreneurs face by facilitating access to education, resources and professional advisors. We are grateful for our partnership with WEtech Alliance and Federal Development Canada that makes SWOBEN possible.

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Building Strong Business Foundations

Build foundational strategies, including business plans, model canvases, financial roadmaps, and pitches.

Optimizing Opportunities

Enable members to thrive and succeed in pursuing opportunities in the competitive business landscape.

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Customized Action Plan

Each participant’s journey through SWOBEN is guided by their customized Action Plan developed with the support of an Action Plan advisor.

Education

A mix of virtual and in person:

  • Learning modules
  • Workshops
  • Seminars

Resources

  • Business development tools
  • Incubators and industry based programs
  • Vending opportunities
  • Funding and pitch competitions


Advisors

  • General advisory services
  • Specialized advisory services

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Participants

Black entrepreneurs, business owners and nonprofit leaders.

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Advisors

Industry experts who offer their advisory services and mentorship/coaching to SWOBEN members.

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Partners

An ecosystem of organizations and businesses with shared objectives and values.

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Member Profiles

We highlight the achievement and success of SWOBEN members. Check out these stories and others on YouTube.

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SUPPORTED BY

FedDev Ontario

SWOBEN is funded by FedDev Ontario through the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP). FedDev delivers programs and services to support innovation and economic growth in southern Ontario.

WEtech Alliance

Empowerment Squared collaborates with WEtech Alliance in implementing SWOBEN in the Windsor region. WEtech Alliance’s mission is to grow innovation and tech-based companies of all stages, and champion innovation in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.