How can we cultivate a new generation of BIPOC entrepreneurs in Hamilton?
Project Description: Hamilton is one of the nation’s most diversified economies, the fastest growing mid-sized city for tech talent and carries a fantastic community approach to supporting investment big and small. Opening and operating local small businesses takes a lot of support and strategy and these businesses are vital to our community. Ontario Small Business Grants are available to Ontarians looking to launch their own business. However, based on research and current programming, there is a lack of BIPOC specific entrepreneurship programming offered in the City of Hamilton. In the past few years, local stakeholders and community groups have developed programs and networks to encourage and promote BIPOC owned businesses in Hamilton. In order to further support this community, there is a need to carry out research in the hopes of creating a new entrepreneurship program that specifically services Hamilton's BIPOC communities.
Objectives: To identify barriers, research existing programs and needs, and develop best practices on the creation of a BIPOC entrepreneurship program.
City Staff: Michael Marini, Coordinator, Marketing, Economic Development, City of Hamilton
Deliverables: Primary Research (i.e. analyzing demographics, engaging directly with the community), Secondary Research (i.e. review of the literature and finding information from books and online), Business Case, Marketing Report, Event or Workshop
Project Start Date/ Availability: Fall 2021 (September - December)
Location: City-Wide
City Strategy Priority: Community Engagement & Participation, Economic Prosperity & Growth, Culture & Diversity