ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Program

    The ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem is a 25-week strategy designed to break the cycle of poverty, violence, and trauma many Black youth experience, by investing in community-driven solutions and empowering young people to create their own economic opportunities. This is held in partnership with TD Canada Trust, Edmonton Unlimited, Business Link, and other organizations that share common values with ACCEC in promoting entrepreneurship for Black youth in Alberta.

    The objective of the ANZA Black Entrepreneur Ecosystem program is to allow youths to put their business dreams into reality. The program allows youths to work closely with experienced business mentors to navigate a business plan and strategy and they can be able to kick off their business through loans made available to them if approved.

    Eligible participants include African-descent individuals between the ages 18—30 who have an inclination towards entrepreneurship and business, and have a business idea they are interested in developing.

    Two women of African descent standing indoors, engaged in a conversation while looking at a smartphone, with a green plant visible in the background.
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    Register for October 2023

    History

    ANZA is a Swahili term signifying “a new beginning”– a fresh start. The ANZA Black Entrepreneur Ecosystem Program aims to empower young Black individuals in cultivating and refining their business concepts, translating these concepts into well-structured business plans, and offering guidance and support for securing loans to launch their enterprises. In essence, it provides them with a new beginning, or ‘ANZA.’

    What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on poverty alleviation and the imparting of adaptable entrepreneurial skills to the youth. This distinctive approach concentrates on the following key components:

    • Steering young individuals of African heritage away from the criminal justice system by offering them a chance to reinforce the protective factors within their community.

    • Combating Anti-Black racism through an alternative approach that focuses on reducing poverty by educating youth on entrepreneurship and achieving economic self-sufficiency.

    • Fostering a reconnection between young people and their cultural backgrounds and communities as a means of promoting healing and reconciliation.”

       

    Sponsors & Partners

    ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event

    Musicians performing on marimbas in vibrant African-inspired attire during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Event attendees seated at a round table, reviewing program materials and engaging in conversation at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Two male attendees sharing a discussion at a round table during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A young participant attentively engaged during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event, surrounded by fellow attendees.
    Three attendees enjoying a lighthearted moment while connecting during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Two attendees in formal attire participating in discussions at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Youth musicians showcasing African culture through drums and marimbas at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A technical setup at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event, showing a technician working on a laptop and managing live streaming equipment at the control desk.
    Attendees seated at a round table, attentively listening to a presentation during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event.
    A networking booth featuring the AfroFacts banner at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event, with attendees engaging in conversations nearby.
    Two young men in discussion at a table during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event, surrounded by other participants.
    A vibrant youth percussion ensemble performing with African drums and xylophones at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event.
    Family members and attendees seated at a table, flipping through event programs at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event.
    A group discussion at a round table during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase event, featuring diverse attendees engaged in conversation.
    A group of young individuals seated around a round table, engaged in a discussion, holding program brochures at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A woman in a checkered blazer sitting attentively at a table during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event, with event materials on the table.
    A woman standing at an exhibitor table featuring banners for Alberta Ombudsman and the ANZA Entrepreneur Ecosystem, showcasing program materials.
    Two women smiling and talking at a table during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event, surrounded by other attendees in a conference setting.
    A speaker addressing attendees from a podium at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event, with event banners in the background.
    A woman giving a keynote speech at the Santa Maria Goretti Centre during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event, with a presentation screen and banners in the background.
    Dunia Nur, the host speaker in a royal blue dress presenting from a wooden podium, addressing attendees during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Black and white image of a speaker delivering a presentation from a podium, engaging the audience with a microphone in hand.
    A presenter in a tan jacket speaking passionately at the podium during the showcase event.
    Attendees lining up at the buffet table, serving themselves a variety of food dishes at the event.
    Two hijabi women participating in a panel discussion, one holding a microphone while addressing the audience.
    Close-up of a serving tray filled with flavorful rice, part of the buffet at the event.
    A young woman smiling and clapping during a session at the event, showing her engagement and enthusiasm.
    Two attendees standing and clapping, engaging with the energy of the event.
    Two men in formal attire standing together and discussing during a networking break at the event.
    A group of four smiling attendees posing for a picture, showcasing camaraderie and celebration.
    A confident young woman in a blue blazer smiling while networking during the showcase event.
    Two men, one in a tan coat and another in a leather jacket, smiling and posing together at the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A young performer with curly hair addressing the audience while holding a microphone on stage.
    Two attendees examining event materials and networking during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Two male attendees engaging in a focused conversation during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A DJ in a pink jacket setting up music equipment during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    A man and woman posing together for a photograph during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.
    Three attendees in suits having a conversation and networking during the ANZA Ecosystem Showcase Event.