Sunday 30 April 2023
2023 Black Business Expo
by Ruth Aman
Ottawans participated in their 2nd Annual Black Business Expo at the EY Centre on April 30, 2023. Hundreds of business owners, organization leaders, and sponsors came together to celebrate each other in what was known as the largest platform for advancing Black success within the city. Almost every sector and area was present from real estate, to legal assistance, food catering, grocery, and haircare.
Hosted by ‘It’s Time!’ Consulting and Event Management, the Expo is a one-of-a-kind gathering of Black professionals. Last year’s event was highly successful despite the fact that it was held right as COVID restrictions and mandates were being lifted. This year more than 50 booths were arranged throughout the room and over 300 people of all ages, races, and genders attended. Also in attendance were esteemed guests Councillor Rawlson King and Senator Bernadette Clement.
While walking throughout the room, one would see the vast amount of services and supports provided by the Black community for those who are Black and beyond. Some organizations and businesses have had a long run within the community while others have begun within the last five years.
Representing his law firm, Nichele Nungisa was present with his wife as they promoted services that they offered throughout Ottawa. They provide expertise in the area of wills, real estate, and business law. When recalling the creation of the law firm, the couple spoke of how they saw a void in black lawyers providing these specific services. In the midst of COVID, they were looking to purchase a home, however, after doing a few searches they saw that black realtors were slim to none. So, as they had the knowledge and certification, they took a leap of faith and opened this law firm in 2020, providing for others what they wish was available to them.
Non-profit organizations such as The Chng Mker Hub were also in attendance. Saunia Keddon, the organization’s program manager, said how excited she was to be there considering that this was a great opportunity to showcase Black businesses. The Changemaker hub is an inclusive space for Black entrepreneurs assisting in helping start and scale their new businesses. Along with them at the event were eight other hub organizations who have received free training, mentorship, and invitations to business workshops via the Hub. All in all, she hopes that the Hub and its partners can ‘create magic and be great changemakers’. Stationed nearby was Sadia Abdullahi, founder of Sadie and the Bee, and Hannah Wahlad, founder of Wahlad Consulting. Both of them have been able to push their business plans and ideas forward with the support of the Hub.
Congregated within the center of the room were those with a business focus towards the event scene including photographers, photo studios, event decorators, and bakeries. Cartelle Events was one of the many event-planning companies in attendance. Christelle Kongolo, a founder of Cartelle Events, stated that this Expo was significant for her company because it brought much exposure and interest to them. To those who had not been able to make it, she said, ‘Don’t miss it next year!’.
Just in case anyone was hungry, a variety of traditional African and Caribbean snacks and meals were provided by catering businesses and restaurants in the region. The smell of Jerk Chicken, Rice and Stew, and plantain filled the room. Businesses from Gatineau such as African Soul Food were also found at the Expo. African Soul Food’s owner Jean-Pascal introduced his company with an incredible display of food, cosmetics, decoration, and clothing arranged on the booth.
In the midst of this, interviews, presentations, and workshops were conducted by hosts Peggy Civil, DJ Prosper, and Don Ayiti. A variety of speakers such as Resa & Tracey of Afrotechture and Kivenson Augustin of Margo Caribbean introduced their brands and spoke of the vision they had for the Black Community as a whole.
Councillor Rawlson King, centre, with some of the exhibitors Photo credit: Sarah Onyango
Overall, the 2nd Black Business Expo was a monumental success. While reflecting, Hannah Wahlad explained that this event showcases the beauty of the Black community in Ottawa and that, ‘every year we participate and create space for events like is another opportunity we have to show our strength and sustainability as a whole’. The Expo truly showcased the incredible talent and entrepreneurship of Black men and women within the city and provided everyone with a great platform for collaboration, networking, and growth.
Ruth Aman is a Project Officer with Black History Ottawa. She holds a Bachelor of Global and International Studies (Honors) degree, with a specialization in Law and Social Justice from Carleton University.