The Rise Up Womens+ Pitch Competition, co-founded by the Black Business and Professional Association, The Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (WEKH), Diversity Institute, and Casa Foundation with support from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Loblaw Companies Limited, Hydro One, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), The Globe and Mail, and City of Brampton is now open for applications!

If you want to win $10,000 in funding for your business and take your business idea to the next level then seize this opportunity to showcase your vision, connect with industry experts, and propel your entrepreneurial journey forward! Apply now to participate!

Application submissions are due April 21, 2024, @ 11:59 PM EST.

#RiseUpWomen #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #BlackFemaleFounders #PitchCompetition #Entrepreneurship

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@wekh_pcfe @torontomet @casafound @rbc @loblawco @hydrooneofficial @bdc_ca @globeandmail @citybrampton

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Two Big Life Moments Will Affect Your Taxes. Here’s How to Maximum Your Deductions

Good news if you’re the sort of person who loves filling out forms and poring over crinkled-up receipts: it’s tax season! And if you’re the sort of person who loathes such tasks, well, we can’t blame you. All the same, with the April 30 filing deadline approaching, we thought we’d share some advice regarding two common-ish life events with major tax implications: 1) getting married or moving in with your significant other, and 2) having a kiddo. And if you got hitched or had a kid prior to 2023, you’d be wise to read on to make sure you’re maximizing your deductions, because not overpaying the government is a sure way to build wealth. You can also check out a longer version of this article, which has pointers for folks who are heading off to university or bought a home. Let’s get to it:

Scenario #1: You’ve Shacked Up With Your Significant Other

The big perk of marriage (besides companionship, etc.) is that you and your partner can share tax credits and benefits. Couples in a common-law relationship can do the same. In either case, you’ll need to update your relationship status with the Canada Revenue Agency (and with Revenu Québec if you live in the province). Why bother? Because cohabiting couples can…

[1] claim the pooled charitable donations and pooled medical expenses amounts on whichever partner’s return will provide optimal savings (probably the higher earner).

[2] transfer unused credits for things like age, Canada caregiver, disability, pension, and tuition amounts. If you haven’t used them and your partner can, you can pass them along. The annual cap is $2,000 for pension transfers and $5,000 for tuition transfers.

[3] split pension income to take advantage of different marginal tax rates and reduce overall income taxes.

[4] claim any remaining credit from one partner’s Basic Personal Amount on the other partner’s return.

Scenario #2: Your Family Got Bigger

Adding a child to your family means less sleep, more stress, and discovering just how much more room there is in your heart than you expected. And tax breaks! A few of the biggies:

PRE-STORK TAX BREAKS

[1] Medical expenses. Ultrasounds, IVF treatments, fertility-related prescriptions, prenatal and postnatal treatments, hospital services — you can claim all sorts of birth-related expenses

[2] Adoption expenses. You can currently claim a federal credit of up to $18,210 in adoption-related expenses, and many provinces offer additional credits, so be sure to check.

POST-STORK TAX BREAKS

[1] Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP). This is a tax-advantaged account to help save for university. The government will match — that’s right, match — 20% of contributions up to $2,500 a year, for a lifetime total of up to $7,200.

[2] Regional grants. If you live in Quebec, félicitations: the provincial government will kick in a match of 10% of your RESP contributions, up to a max of $250. Other provinces, like B.C., offer similar RESP gifts.

[3] Canada Learning Bond (CLB). Children of eligible low-income families can receive a $500 deposit in their RESP from the government the first year it’s opened. Then, every year after that until they turn 15, they’ll get an additional $100, up to a maximum $2,000 benefit.

[4] Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Depending on your income, marital status, and kid’s age, you may qualify for up to $7,437 per child per year in tax-free support. You can apply for this benefit when registering a birth in your province or territory or online through your CRA My Account.

OK! That’s probably all you can stand reading about taxes in one sitting. Good luck!

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 Shamier Anderson, a graduate of Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts, has impressed in roles like “Tracker” in John Wick 4 and “Trevante Cole” on Invasion, now streaming on AppleTV+. 

 Stephan James, known for portraying real-life figures, starred as Olympics hero Jesse Owens in Race and Walter Cruz in Amazon Prime’s series Homecoming. He’s the first recipient of the Radius Award from the Canadian Screen Awards. 

 Together, Shamier and Stephan co-founded Bay Mills Studios, producing The Legacy Awards on CBC, Canada’s first nationally broadcast award show celebrating Black Canadian excellence. Join us in celebrating these accomplished stars as they make their mark on Scarborough’s Walk of Fame! The ceremony is scheduled to take place at @shopstc on Wednesday, April 10th! 

 @shamieranderson @tdotsteph cc • @blackisnowcanada #ScarboroughWalkofFame #TalkofToronto

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About Gina Ma Brands 

Gina Ma Brands, led by visionary Gina Martial-Clarke, is driven by over two decades of experience in film, television, and media. Her areas of specialty include Brand Development, Brand Management, Brand Collaborations, Corporate Partnerships, and Media Production. With a commitment to inclusivity and creativity, Gina Ma Brands introduces The Gina Lumina Collection, a stunning jewelry line that embodies innovation and excellence. Alongside, Dirty Girls Inc. presents a bold alcohol brand, catering to a diverse audience with ready-to-drink martinis. Beyond her businesses, Gina Ma Brands also works with corporate and creative clients across the entertainment, music, financial, and technology sectors. Through these ventures, Gina Ma Brands continues to push boundaries, fostering diversity and creativity in media and entertainment. For more information, visit https://www.ginamabrands.com/

About the Glo Up Program 

This innovative program allows post-secondary students to gain hands-on high-level experiences within the media, creative arts, and entertainment industries. Led by visionary Gina Martial-Clarke, participants collaborate with industry leaders on real-life projects, from music video sets to celebrity events and brand launches. This immersive program fosters creativity, networking, and skill-building across various disciplines. Top students from leading colleges and universities, including Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, University of Toronto, Centennial College, Sheridan College, Fanshawe College, and many more have already been accepted into this dynamic initiative, shaping the future of media innovation. For more information, visit https://gloupprogram.com/

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Live Painting

Local Art

Music

Bar

Location: 1226 Kingston Rd, Toronto, On

For more details visit TalkofToronto.ca

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Scarborough, Ontario  — Introducing Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYN FACTORY, the latest addition to Scarborough’s beauty scene. Led by Cassandra Campbell, an award-winning makeup artist and master esthetician with over a decade of expertise, the studio redefines beauty with a personalized touch. Standout offerings at SKYN FACTORY are the innovative 7-minute brazilian and Coochie Care- a facial designed exclusively for the intimate area. It is more than a beauty treatment; it’s a transformative experience that reshapes the way clients think about self-care for their most delicate region.
Campbell shares her inspiration for opening the studio:

“I’ve always had a deep love for beauty, and my journey in the industry has been incredibly fulfilling. I wanted to create a space where I could share that love, not just through services but through education. It’s about more than just looking good; it’s about feeling confident in your skin. I believe in the power of a great environment to uplift and empower, and that’s what Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYN FACTORY is all about.”

Key Services at Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYN FACTORY:

1. Skin-focused makeup artistry for weddings, photoshoots, and special events.
2. One-on-one and intimate-group makeup lessons.
3. Master esthetic services, specializing in precision brow design and speed waxing.
4. Revolutionary 7-minute brazilian and Coochie Care- a customized facial for the intimate area.

Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYN FACTORY goes beyond being a conventional beauty studio; it’s an embodiment of Campbell’s vision to empower clients through education, deliver personalized services, and cultivate an environment that nurtures confidence in one’s skin. To experience the personalized beauty services at Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYNFACTORY, please contact:

Cassandra Campbell
Chief Beauty Architect
Cassandra Campbell Beauty + SKYN FACTORY
Visit Website at www.cassandracampbellbeauty.com

Credit: Sasha Stoltz Publicity

Your Source For Canadian News – BlackWallStreet.ca

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CeFIE’s mission is to create a resource center for educational and professional resources needed for growth and advancement of diverse populations.  A center people from different backgrounds with unique expériences and expertise can access and share resources for their personal growth and career development.  To access information crucial to help move forward their participation and contribution in today’s society. 

 The Centre For Intellectual Excellence understands that without recognition of the barriers against equitable participation there is no gain.  The need to appreciate diversity by embracing different backgrounds and experiences is key.  CeFIE welcomes and encourages diverse ideas and perspectives as a part of its mission to ensure equitable measures are put in place to support diverse populations.

Hilda Fankah-Arthur PhD is the president and founder of The Centre For Intellectuel Excellence. As someone who has worked with diverse groups internationally, she brings a broad knowledge and experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as Indigenous relations in Canada. Dr. Fankah-Arthur is a Policy Advisor with the Government of Canada where she provides expert advice on policies, programs and services that impact diverse populations in Canada. 

Dr. Fankah-Arthur previously worked with the Government of Alberta and was a Principal Instructor/Lecturer at the University of Alberta. Dr. Fankah-Arthur, together with the CeFIE team, in partnership with the WODIL Centre will be holding the Fourth World Diversity in Leadership (WODIL) Conference. The annual Diversity & Inclusion conference will be held July 3-5, 2024, at the Best Western Premier Hotel & Conference Centre, Calgary Alberta. Canadian TV Personality Arisa Cox will be hosting. The theme for this year’s event is “Advancing ESG through Sustainable I.D.E.A Initiative.”

Discussions will be held on the opportunities available when environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles are integrated with inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (I.D.E.A) in a sustainable manner.  This year’s WODIL conference will reflect on a shared vision for a more responsible and inclusive future. Past speakers have included, Julia Gillard (Former Prime Minister of Australia) Dr. Jewel Taylor (Vice President of The Republic of Liberia) Dr. Cindy Blackstock (Exec. Director, FNCFCS) Margaret Trudeau (Former First Lady of Canada and Mother of current Prime Minister) & Martin Luther King Jnr. III.  CeFIE’s annual conference is host to 2000 experts, corporate leadership, government officials, research professionals, community leaders, and graduate students from around the world.

The World Diversity in Leadership Conference, July 3-5, 2024, The Best Western Premier Calgary Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre, 1316 33 St NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6B6.       diversityconference.ca

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Ola Sanusi, the visionary behind the Nigerian Entrepreneurs Summer Hangout (NESH), initially launched the initiative on WhatsApp in 2020. In its inaugural year in 2021, the NESH event featured just eight vendors. However, this past Saturday witnessed an impressive growth, with more than 60 vendors participating in the showcase at Kiwanis Park in Regina.

The diverse array of vendors offered a variety of products, ranging from clothing and food to jewelry and beauty items.

Sanusi, who relocated from Nigeria to Canada in 2019, is the founder of Entrepreneurs and More, the non-profit organization hosting the event. Despite its Nigerian-centric name, NESH is an inclusive platform that welcomes Black entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, including African countries and the Caribbean, providing them with opportunities to network and showcase their products.

Expressing her broad vision, Sanusi remarked, “We have to do more. I don’t want to restrict myself to Nigerians; I want to go beyond that, and that’s why I’m extending myself to Black entrepreneurs. I’m very happy. My vision is coming to reality.” As someone dedicated to supporting others, Sanusi looks forward to further expanding the event in the coming years.

For young Black entrepreneurs like Shalom Okegeo, the representation offered by NESH holds significant importance. Okegeo, who runs an Italian fashion stall with her father Daniel, emphasized the value of representing her Italian-born, ethnic-Nigerian background.

“It’s important to represent your culture and keep it going,” she stated. Inspired by the popularity of Italian brands among the business class in Nigeria, Okegeo sells Italian shoes, bags, and more.

Surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs at NESH, Okegeo is motivated by the entrepreneurial spirit she witnesses. Despite being a teenager, she has plans to take over the family business one day.”

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Although the number of Black-owned enterprises in Canada is increasing, they still constitute a small fraction of the country’s business landscape, generally smaller and less profitable than their counterparts. These findings emerge from a recent Statistics Canada study examining entrepreneurship among Black Canadians from 2001 to 2018.

The study, drawing on various reports, including census data spanning 2001 to 2016, the 2011 National Household Survey, and the 2018 Employer-Employee Dynamics Database, analyzed how the status of Black entrepreneurs evolved over nearly two decades. In 2018, there were approximately 66,880 Black-owned businesses in Canada, representing about 2.1% of the overall 3.1 million businesses.

While the census data indicates that 4.3% of Canadians identify as Black, Black-owned businesses face unique challenges. The majority, around 74%, are owned by men, and the self-employment rate increased from 1.8% at the study’s onset to 3.5% in 2018. However, the growth in self-employment was more pronounced among Black men compared to Black women.

Despite the growth of Black-owned businesses, the data suggests they are not maximizing their potential, being smaller and less profitable. Over 95% of unincorporated Black-owned businesses in Canada have fewer than one employee, and even among those considering incorporation, more than 91% have fewer than five employees.

The study also reveals earnings disparities. On average, Black male business owners earned $56,100, $9,500 less than their counterparts from other racialized groups and $43,300 less than the average white male business owner in 2018. Black women business owners earned the same as other racialized groups but $16,000 less than white women.

Black-owned businesses face challenges in profitability, with an average profit margin of 8.5%, compared to 14.9% for white-owned firms. While the study refrains from attributing this discrepancy solely to systemic disadvantages, it underscores the need for exploration.

Funding Challenges Carlton-James Osakwe, a business professor at Mount Royal University, points out systemic challenges hindering Black-owned businesses from realizing their full potential. Obtaining bank loans is particularly challenging, and Osakwe suggests that exploring the reasons behind this difficulty is essential.

In response to these challenges, the federal government established the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund in 2021, a $265-million commitment to provide entrepreneurs with loans of up to $250,000. While Osakwe acknowledges the positive steps taken, he emphasizes that funding remains a significant hurdle for many Black-owned businesses.

Beyond traditional funding sources like bank loans and government grants, Osakwe highlights the importance of “dealmakers” for small businesses. However, he notes that these dealmakers often come from predominantly white networks, limiting access for Black entrepreneurs.

Potential Solutions Lola Adeyemi, a successful entrepreneur, overcame these hurdles to establish her dream business, It’s Souper, a soup company. Adeyemi suggests that while programs like the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund are steps in the right direction, funding remains a critical challenge for many Black entrepreneurs.

Adeyemi emphasizes the importance of expanding beyond the Black community to access mentorship and support networks. She points out that the lack of visible success stories can be a significant barrier, and encourages Black entrepreneurs to seek guidance from diverse communities.

Sydonne Warren, an artist and muralist, shares her experience of building relationships that have been mutually beneficial for her business and others. She highlights the need for education on running successful businesses within the Black community, advocating for increased awareness and support to bridge existing gaps.

In summary, the study underscores the unique challenges faced by Black-owned businesses in Canada, particularly regarding funding and access to supportive networks. Initiatives like the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund and efforts to broaden mentorship opportunities are positive steps, but further exploration and action are needed to address the systemic barriers hindering the full potential of Black entrepreneurs.

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While the sale of LMIAs (Labour Market Impact Assessment) by Canadian employers is not a new practice, it has become a last resort for temporary residents seeking to extend their stay or gain additional points for Canadian permanent residency. The LMIA process allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers if they can demonstrate their inability to fill a specific job position with a Canadian permanent resident or citizen despite their best efforts.

Contrary to official government regulations, some employers are illicitly selling LMIAs for exorbitant amounts, reaching up to $40,000. In some cases, these employers don’t even provide actual jobs but instead offer LMIAs to temporary workers to obtain an LMIA-specific work permit from the Canadian immigration department. Permanent Residency Supporting LMIAs are also being misused to secure extra points for Canadian permanent residency.

The black market for LMIA employs various shady tactics, including the fabrication of fraudulent job offers to meet LMIA standards rather than fill actual positions. Additionally, some businesses exploit foreign workers by underpaying them, often through mutual verbal agreements that workers reluctantly accept to extend their work permits.

The black market also involves unregulated immigration consultants who exploit vulnerable individuals by demanding high fees for assistance with LMIA applications. LMIA brokering, where brokers act as intermediaries between employers and foreign employees for a fee, is another unethical practice. The Live-in Caregiver Program is also being misused by some individuals to exploit career opportunities in Canada.

The repercussions of the LMIA black market are far-reaching, including the exploitation of vulnerable foreign workers, undermining the integrity of the Canadian labor market, loss of tax revenue due to unreported profits, damage to Canada’s reputation as a just nation, and diminished trust in immigration processes.

Despite Canada’s progressive immigration policy and a robust economy attracting immigrants, the existence of the LMIA black market poses significant challenges, tarnishing the country’s image and eroding trust in its immigration system.

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