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Pathway to Entrepreneurship & Mentorship Program for Black Professionals

This program closed on April 1, 2026 and is no longer accepting new participants.
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This program empowers Black professionals in Calgary and surrounding areas to achieve entrepreneurial success or meaningful employment. 

Entrepreneurship Program: Designed for Black entrepreneurs at any stage—whether launching a startup or scaling a business. Gain expert mentorship, essential business skills, and proven strategies for success. 

Mentorship Program: Whether you’re a job seeker or looking to advance in your career, this program provides guidance, support, and workplace navigation skills to help you thrive.

The Pathway Program for Black Professionals is funded by the Government of Alberta, organized by the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary (NCAC), and presented in partnership with the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC). 

 

The Entrepreneurship Program

Business Feasibility Study

CRIEC in partnership with Momentum will help you gain valuable insights into the essentials of entrepreneurship as you:

  • Learn about start-up costs.
  • Research businesses similar to yours.
  • Discover your entrepreneurial characteristics.
  • Explore and refine your business idea.
  • Conduct a feasibility study.
  • Discover your target customers.
  • Learn what your next steps are.

Workshops

This section will give participants the practical knowledge and strategies to thrive in the modern business landscape.

Workshops include:

  • Digital Marketing for Entrepreneurs.
  • Resilience in Business: Overcoming Setbacks.
  • Funding Your Dream
  • Building a High-Performance Team
  • Buying an Existing Business & Franchising
  • The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business

Business Idea Pitch

Program participants will get the opportunity to pitch their business idea to Entrepreneurs, Financial Institutions and other key system actors.

This will allow participants to get valuable feedback in real-time about their idea.

Entrepreneurship 101

Entrepreneurship 101 calsses will focus in on key areas to help program participants build out a business plan and strategy so their new venture is more likely to succeed. This component of the program is in partnership with Momentum.

Classes cover:

  • Entrepreneurship 101
  • Business Planning
  • Market Research
  • Product Development
  • Financial Management
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Legal and Regulatory
  • Considerations
  • Leadership and Management

Business Plan Pitch

Pitch your business to Entrepreneurs, Financial Institutions and other key system actors.

Program Outputs:

Business Canvas Model

Business Plan

Access to Loan Opportunities

Certificate of Completion

Eligibility Criteria

Program Participants must

  • Identify as part of the Black community
  • Currently reside in Calgary or surrounding areas.
  • Have landed in Canada within the last 10 years (i.e., arrived on or after 2014)
  • Be Eligible to start and operate a business in Alberta i.e. possess permanent residency or citizenship.
  • Applicants should be budding business owners.

The Mentorship Program

Mentorship

Experienced mentors will support participants by sharing insights into job search strategies, navigating Canadian workplace norms, setting achievable goals, networking effectively, and identifying useful resources. The mentorship lasts for six weeks. 

Complimentary Activities

Program participants will receive complimentary Job Readiness Training. Trainings will focus in on key areas to help program participants succeed in their job search, job retention and growth. 

Event Access

Program participants will gain access to CRIEC events and SmartConnections, creating opportunities for networking, employer engagement, and forging strong connections with other program participants and CRIEC clients.

Eligibility Criteria

Program Participants must

  • Identify as part of the Black community.
  • Currently reside in Calgary or surrounding areas.
  • Have landed in Canada within the last 10 years (i.e., arrived on or after 2014).
  • Be eligible for full-time employment in Alberta (e.g., possess a work permit, permanent residency, or citizenship if applicable).
  • Hold a Post-secondary degree.
  • Have at least 1 year experience in your field.

The Pathway to Entrepreneurship & Mentorship Program for Black Professionals is funded by the Government of Alberta and presented in partnership with the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary

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