First published by Invest Durham in early 2024, this article continues to offer valuable insights into how local entrepreneurship, driven by vision and collaboration, is reshaping the economic landscape of the Durham Region. The story chronicles the professional journey of Dane Lawrence—President of Salesforce1 and founding President of the Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs (DRABPE)—whose work reflects both the resilience and upward momentum of Black business leadership in Canada.

Through Salesforce1, Lawrence has spent over 18 years building cross-border retail partnerships, supporting global product distribution, and strengthening Durham’s reputation as a fertile ground for innovation. As a community leader, his efforts with DRABPE illustrate a broader collective mission: to unify, advocate for, and elevate Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the Region.

DRABPE’s emergence and rapid growth underscore the evolving demographics of Durham, the strategic importance of inclusive economic development, and the long-term impact of culturally anchored leadership. With over 200 members and a growing array of programs—from youth STEMM initiatives to government advocacy—DRABPE is not only a business network, but a driving force in shaping Durham’s future.

📖 Read the full profile and explore how Black entrepreneurship continues to influence and inspire regional progress: Pioneering Progress with Durham Region’s Black Entrepreneurs – Invest Durham

DRABPE is proud to announce that our recent directory-revamp project was featured in a January 29, 2024 article on Invest Durham, written by Senior Content Writer Abigail Guevara. In “Innovation and Inclusivity: Stories from Durham Region’s Black Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals,” the piece:

• Profiles Dane Lawrence’s journey from Jamaica to launching Salesforce1 in 2006, and his dual role as DRABPE President.
• Charts the rise of Black entrepreneurship in Durham Region, citing Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census figures (population growth from 608,123 to 696,992; 2.8 per cent of newcomers from 2016–2021) and a report showing that Black Canadians are the third-largest racialized group in the country.
• Describes DRABPE’s impact—from our Black business directory and youth STEMM entrepreneurship program to educational workshops and government roundtables—now serving over 200 members.
• Connects our mission to Durham Region’s 2023–2027 economic strategy, emphasizing Collaboration, Talent, Cultural Identity, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Innovation.

Read the full article on Invest Durham’s site:
Innovation and Inclusivity: Stories from Durham Region’s Black Business Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals