Programs

Community-rooted pathways for business growth, professional development, youth leadership, and wellbeing.

Connect with the support, relationships, and resources that help our community build what comes next.

Find your pathway

Programs designed with community in mind.

Explore the opportunities that fit where you are today. Every program below explains its purpose, who it is for, what you will do, what you gain, and the impact it creates. Program schedules and registration details are shared through DRABPE’s events calendar and partner platforms.

What our programs offer
  • Professional development
  • Entrepreneurship & business growth
  • Community leadership
  • Networking
  • Mentorship & capacity building
  • Student & emerging professional engagement
  • Long-term community impact
$2.2MGrowth Space investment
1,000Black-owned businesses to engage by 2029
200Approved directory listings goal
Participants learning and networking together at a DRABPE community event

Growth Space

A $2.2M, FedDev Ontario-funded program that helps Black-owned businesses grow with practical support and a strong peer network.

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Purpose
Provide business growth support and strategic scaling guidance so ventures can start, grow, scale, and sustain.
Who it’s for
Black entrepreneurs and Black-led businesses across Durham Region and Southern Ontario, from early ideas to established firms.
What you’ll do
Take part in training and mentorship, collaborate with peers, share resources, and strengthen operations.
What you gain
Peer networking, financial planning help, market and procurement readiness, and ecosystem navigation.
Impact
Stronger, more resilient businesses, with a goal of engaging 1,000 Black-owned businesses by 2029.
Learn More →
Future Founders participants gathered around a table

Future Founders

Entrepreneurship education and mentorship that prepares young Black innovators to launch sustainable businesses.

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Purpose
Teach entrepreneurship fundamentals and build founder readiness, from first idea to business plan.
Who it’s for
Black youth and emerging entrepreneurs in Durham Region who want to start something of their own.
What you’ll do
Develop a business plan, learn core skills, and work with mentors who give practical, honest guidance.
What you gain
Confidence, mentorship, and capacity-building support to move from learning to launching.
Impact
A pipeline of prepared founders and clear pathways to sustainable ventures that strengthen the local economy.
Learn More →
A DRABPE BWISE community gathering

BWISE

Wellbeing, business development, and professional connection in one supportive community for Black entrepreneurs.

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Purpose
Support the whole entrepreneur by pairing care and resilience with business development services and skill-building.
Who it’s for
Black professionals and entrepreneurs in Durham Region at any stage of their journey.
What you’ll do
Join workshops and gatherings, build skills, meet industry contacts, and take part in community conversations.
What you gain
Professional networking, new skills, industry engagement, and a community that understands your path.
Impact
A stronger entrepreneur support ecosystem where people and their businesses can both thrive.
Learn More →
Black business owners sharing information with visitors at a community event

Business Directory

A growing online directory that makes Black-owned businesses in Durham Region easy to find and easy to support.

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Purpose
Help people discover Black-owned businesses and keep local spending within the community.
Who it’s for
Black-owned businesses that want visibility, and residents, organizations, and buyers looking to support them.
What you’ll do
Register your business, browse by category, and connect directly with owners and services.
What you gain
Community visibility, promotion opportunities, and new connections between consumers and businesses.
Impact
A stronger regional business ecosystem, with a goal of 200 approved businesses listed.
Learn More →
Guests gather around tables during a DRABPE At The Table gathering

At the Table

A networking event series where entrepreneurs and professionals connect, share ideas, and build opportunities together.

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Purpose
Create welcoming spaces for professional relationship building and knowledge sharing.
Who it’s for
Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders across Durham Region.
What you’ll do
Meet peers over shared tables, join community conversations, and exchange advice and leads.
What you gain
New networking opportunities, practical insight, and relationships that lead to collaboration.
Impact
A more connected regional community where partnerships and opportunities grow from conversation.
Learn More →
A speaker addresses the community at a DRABPE event

Events & Community Engagement

Gatherings and conversations that bring the community together to learn, lead, and collaborate across the region.

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Purpose
Strengthen community leadership engagement and make knowledge and opportunities easy to share.
Who it’s for
Community members, students, emerging professionals, and leaders who want to take part.
What you’ll do
Attend events, join discussions, hear from speakers, and meet people working on similar goals.
What you gain
Professional relationships, leadership exposure, and shared learning from the people around you.
Impact
Regional collaboration and a visible, connected community that keeps growing its influence.
View Events →
Stay connected

See what is happening next.

Events are the fastest way to discover new programming, meet collaborators, and find your place in the DRABPE community.

Open the events calendar