Dufferin County Canadian Black Association

Sharing Recipient Stories

2024 Dufferin County Community Grant Recipient
$2,500

Sharing our grant

The funding from the Dufferin Community Grant enabled the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA) to successfully participate in impactful community events that promoted local business engagement, skill-building, and cultural awareness. With the allocated funds, DCCBA maximized outreach to students and business professionals alike, focusing on empowering local businesses and fostering meaningful connections across Dufferin County.

Program Impact

1. Dufferin County Trade Show Participation
DCCBA’s participation in the annual Dufferin County Trade Show was a significant opportunity to reach the youth in our community. With over 600 students attending, DCCBA secured a booth that highlighted three local Black-owned businesses, providing a platform to demonstrate viable career pathways and business opportunities available within Dufferin County. The event proved to be invaluable, as students gained direct exposure to local entrepreneurship and career development resources, inspiring the next generation of business leaders.

2. Business Networking Session
The DCCBA also hosted a Business Networking Session, which welcomed business owners and entrepreneurs from across the region. This session encouraged cross-promotion and collaboration among businesses and addressed key topics relevant to today’s entrepreneurs, such as innovation, legal considerations, and strategies for success. Topics included:
• Personal and organizational background: Speakers shared insights into their journey and the inspiration behind their businesses.
• Keys to success and staying competitive: Attendees learned about the importance of innovation and technology in maintaining relevance.
• Market differentiation and essential agreements: Experts highlighted legal considerations and strategies for setting oneself apart in the marketplace.
• Networking and marketing: The event emphasized the role of networking and marketing in business growth.
• Overcoming challenges: Attendees shared experiences on overcoming obstacles in their business journeys.

In addition, MPP Sylvia Jones attended the event, lending her support and reinforcing the importance of such initiatives in the community.

3. Networking Event Survey Results
Feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive. Survey responses showed:

• Interest in future events: 100% of respondents indicated they would attend similar events in the future.
• Connections made: 50% of respondents reported making 1-2 meaningful connections, while 40% made 3-5 connections.
• Relevance of topics: 80% of respondents found the topics discussed to be highly relevant to their interests.
• Networking goals: 90% of respondents felt their networking objectives were met.

Participants expressed strong interest in attending future sessions, with many requesting that these networking events be held quarterly in various locations around the county to broaden their reach.

Conclusion
The funding provided by the Dufferin Community Grant enabled the Dufferin County Canadian Black Association to make a substantial impact by bridging business, cultural, and educational gaps within the community. From inspiring students at the Dufferin County Trade Show to empowering local entrepreneurs through our Networking Session, this funding has contributed to building a more connected and vibrant business community in Dufferin County.

Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson, DCCBA
alethia.stephenson@gmail.com
647 2101939
dufferincountycba.org