Details
Year: 2021
Published in: BBPA
Cited as: BBPA (2021). Rise Up A Study of 700 Black Women Entrepreneurs. BBPA.
Subject
Rise Up: A Study of 700 Black Women Entrepreneurs
Abstract
There is limited research on Black women entrepreneurs in Canada. The research that does exist is often based on small sample sizes, is based on immigrant women, or is entirely qualitative in nature. This report adds to the literature by highlighting the unique experiences of Black women entrepreneurs in Canada. It is based on an analysis of data on 700 Black women entrepreneurs—the largest undertaken in Canada, using a purposive sample based on the 2020–2021 Rise Up Pitch Competition applicants. The report aims to highlight the demographic attributes of Black women entrepreneurs in Canada, their businesses, their inspirations and motivations to start businesses, the barriers that they face when starting or scaling their businesses, and their achievements as business owners. The report also examines the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the businesses of Black women entrepreneurs. The report concludes by listing actions at the macro, meso, and micro level that can support Black women entrepreneurs in their entrepreneurial journey. When looking at the demographic attributes of Black women entrepreneurs, this study found that 60 percent of this population are immigrants with the majority indicating they are of African or Caribbean descent. They also tend to be young in age and more educated than the general population of Black women in Canada. Moreover, almost half of applicants indicated they do not have dependent children. Examining the business profiles of Black women entrepreneurs, it is evident that the majority of businesses are new, as 50 percent were established in 2020 or 2021. Businesses tend to operate from home, and almost 80 percent are online. The businesses also are small in size, with the majority having no employees. Quantitative findings state that Black women entrepreneurs’ primary motivations include finding an opportunity to provide products or services (87.9%), the desire for increased work flexibility (73.1%), and finding an unexpected opportunity (61.3%). Qualitative findings highlight family and community influences, both positive and negative personal experiences and passion, and flexibility and freedom as motivating factors. Black women entrepreneurs also shared their greatest achievements as business owners. Many indicated their key achievements as entrepreneurial success (including developing the courage to start a businesses, particularly amid the pandemic, and the positive feedback they receive on products and services), the ability to innovate and develop products, and feelings of overall selffulfillment. The report further explores the barriers to business development and growth experienced by Black women entrepreneurs across Canada. Findings indicate that funding is a key barrier to Black women entrepreneurs’ ability to develop and grow their businesses. More than 80 percent of Black women entrepreneurs have used personal financing to fund their businesses. Entrepreneurial needs include general business guidance and mentorship, funding, and staff and team assistance. The study also examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black women entrepreneurs and their businesses. The quantitative findings highlight that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased online presence (45.3%), order and event cancellations (34%), restricted spending due to uncertainty (29%), and a decrease in sales (28.9%), among others. The qualitative findings highlight that the pandemic has caused business slowdown, disruptions, and a decrease in services.
