Access to equity or capital is one of the biggest obstacles for Black and Indigenous owned business. Black, Indigenous and People of Colour are often overlooked due to a history of systemic racism. Many are left needing to use personal bank loans and this issue has been spotlighted during the challenges of COVID-19. It means that many small businesses do not qualify for the federal emergency funding from the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). According to a recent article in The Star, “While the government expanded CEBA eligibility to include businesses with a payroll between $20,000 and $1.5 million (the initial range was $50,000 to $1 million), for the many Black-owned businesses that hire on a contractual basis or are not large enough, this funding is inaccessible.”

So it’s very important to show our support to BIPOC-owned businesses. Now more than ever! Regular readers are familiar with my Black-owned Business list. Aba, owner of Kingston’s Cher Mere Spas, has gone a few steps further and curated a gift box called the “Callaloo Box-A celebration of BIPOC business.” Proceeds from each box will be given back to a non-profit organization that supports BIPOC initiatives. She plans to introduce one for each season! This seasons box includes:

• Hand Made Shea Butter based soaps from Aromariss
• Hemp and Cocoa Butter Lotion and Oil from Cher-Mere 
• An African Print Masks with filter by PipiStyles
• A pair of earings from Skeleton Park Creations 
• A cowl from Branded Blue Designs

Great gift idea! If you’re interested in purchasing the box, head over to Cher Mere’s website and use the code “support” for 15% off! This offer is only valid for Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29.