Black Entrepreneurship
Our programming for Black entrepreneurs is centred around gaining confidence, overcoming hurdles and securing investment. We’ll help you get your show on the road. Enrol in the the BEST and Connections programs and start accelerating your dreams today.
BEST: Black Entrepreneurship & Skilled Trades
When most of us think of skilled trades, we conjure up ideas of lucrative careers in construction—carpenters, electricians, welders, plumbers, painters, pipefitters, heavy-equipment operators, and others super-specific folks in trades. But that’s not the whole story.
The BEST program helps innovators and big thinkers in so many more industries, including:
- Transportation: automotive service technicians, maintenance and repair experts, heavy-duty equipment technicians, motorcycle techs, and more
- Manufacturing and Industrial: Careers are available in manufacturing automotive (parts and vehicle manufacturing), product manufacturing, as well as the resource extraction and processing industries. This includes careers in tool and die making, industrial mechanics, metal fabricators and more
- Information and Digital Technology: these skills are vital to trades, including instrumentation and control technicians, as well as machinists
Still, it’s not all construction, manufacturing, technology and transportation—there are exciting opportunities available those who thrive in hands-on service and creative careers. Services make up a major portion of the Canadian economy, and it includes those courses in high school and post-secondary studies where some of us simply shined. What would life look like without aestheticians and hairstylists, butchers and bakers, chefs and cooks, horticulturalists and arborists, child and youth workers and educational assistants?
In partnership with Ontario Tech University and the Government of Canada, BEST offers a highly developed, customized micro-credential and curated wraparound services designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through creating a business in the skilled trades industry. The goal of BEST is to inspire and prepare the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and young business leaders to launch a successful endeavour in the skilled trades.
Ideal Participants are
- Youth and young adults (ages 16 to 39) who identify as Black and live in southern Ontario
- Those who have interest and passion in learning and developing their skills in a specific trade
- People who can commit two to three hours to complete the required modules
Application Process
- Check your eligibility
- Register for the program
- Select your workshop via Zoom
- Sign up
We just wrapped up our last sessions, please apply below to secure a spot for upcoming workshops and courses.
Benefits Of The Program
Diverse program streams in a variety of stimulating, on-demand careers including automotive and transportation, construction, manufacturing, culinary, hospitality, personal care and cosmetology.
Students who complete the modules receive a micro-credential and digital certificate of completion, which represents honing your skills to potential employers, educators, colleagues and peers. Our micro-credential is created with professional, experienced industry advisers, so you know what you’re learning is current and in demand.
Connect and network with mentors and industry experts and learn sought-after and highly marketable entrepreneurship skills that will help you become a leader in your chosen field.
Get access to professionals who are looking to provide not only invaluable advice and mentorship, but also investment, capital and microloans to start making your dream become a reality.
Are You Looking to Excel Your Career with Dream?
Dream offers a host of programs and courses designed by industry leaders to help Black youth and entrepreneurs realize their dreams of launching a successful business. Get in touch with us to find out more.
