Afri Inspire Concepts Business Growth Summit Aims to Build Connections for Black Entrepreneurs

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African entrepreneurs often arrive in Manitoba with business experience but
without the local connections needed to succeed, according to Afri Inspire
Concepts founder Jacinta Uramah-Eze. Her organization hopes to help bridge that
gap through its upcoming Business Growth Summit on July 18.

Uramah-Eze, an entrepreneur who immigrated to Winnipeg from Nigeria, said
many African entrepreneurs come to Canada with years of business experience
but struggle to navigate a new market and build the professional networks
needed to grow.

“Most of the entrepreneurs are not starting from scratch, they’re previous
business owners,” Uramah-Eze said. “They’ve had this idea for years and years
and now [they’re] trying to execute and just lack the connections and networks
that they need to really solidify their business structure.”

Founded by Uramah-Eze, Afri Inspire Concepts supports Black and immigrant
entrepreneurs in Manitoba through business programming, networking
opportunities, vendor markets and retail initiatives.

The Business Growth Summit is intended to connect entrepreneurs with business
leaders, support organizations and resources while providing opportunities for
networking and collaboration. Planned activities include an entrepreneur
reflection panel, a vendor showcase, networking sessions and a discussion
featuring African-Canadian entrepreneurs who have successfully established
businesses in Manitoba.

Uramah-Eze said many entrepreneurs simply are not aware of the resources
already available to help them succeed.

“I lived this experience, starting a business here in Manitoba and was totally
isolated. It was a scary feeling,” she said. “Running your business all by yourself.”
The Afri Inspire Concepts Business Growth Summit takes place from 10 a.m. to 2
p.m. on July 18 at Riverview Community Centre.

Watch our full interview with Jacinta Uramah-Eze below to learn more about the
summit and Afri Inspire Concepts' mission to support Black and immigrant
entrepreneurs in Manitoba.

00:00 Why so many immigrant businesses fail before they ever get noticed

01:42 The personal struggle that inspired Afri Inspire Concepts

03:00 The hidden barriers Black entrepreneurs face in Manitoba

04:26 Why great businesses still struggle to grow

05:42 The powerful solution connecting entrepreneurs with real opportunities

06:49 From pop-up markets to a movement supporting hundreds of businesses

08:14 What every entrepreneur will gain from the Business Growth Summit

09:31 The surprising variety of businesses already joining the summit

10:30 The long-term vision for Black and immigrant entrepreneurs in Manitoba

12:15 Why Manitoba could be Canada's best place to start a business