Inclusivity Business Resource Series: SWOBEN (Black Entrepreneurs Network)

Regardless of the stage of development of your business or idea, your industry, or your location within Southwestern Ontario, SWOBEN is here to help!

Through our intake process and ongoing relationship, SWOBEN matches Black entrepreneurs with the right type and scope of services they need.

SWOBEN will cover the Seminars and Workshops that are coming up, as well as Networking Events, Business Advisory Services and Mentorship opportunities!

Join to hear about the Black Business Development Program, the flagship hybrid wraparound 4-month experience which includes business skills training, personalized assessments of existing business activities and concepts, matching with professional services, mentorship, and opportunities for businesses to be profiled. The next cohort will start in September 2023!

We look forward to seeing you there!

SPEAKER:

Leo Nupolu Johnson – Executive Director @ Empowerment Squared

As Executive Director of Empowerment Squared, Leo is responsible for leading the organization and ensuring that it is making meaningful and substantial progress toward its mission and vision. Working under the guidance of the organization’s strategic plan and in concert with the board of directors, advisory council, staff, stakeholders, and partners, Leo manages and drives Empowerment Squared’s activities and outcomes. Leo is active in Canada, Liberia, Ghana, and South Africa. His expertise spans nonprofit management, international development, immigration and resettlement, fundraising, and financial management. He has also served as the President of the Liberian Association of Canada and as a member of several boards of directors, and is a United Nations Fellow. Leo has been the recipient of a Reverend John C Holland Award, the YMCA Peace Medal, the City of Hamilton’s World Citizenship Award and Afroglobal TV’s Visionary Award.

Joëlle Kabisoso – Coordinator, Professional Skills and Entrepreneurship @Empowerment Squared

As Coordinator, Professional Skills and Entrepreneurship, Joëlle is responsible program coordination in the Greater Hamilton Area for the Southwestern Ontario Black Business Network (SWOBEN). In this role, she oversees the development and delivery of various programs & services to Black entrepreneurs, including workshops, events, as well as those delivered by partner organizations.

Joëlle brings to this role over 5 years of non-profit experience and a commitment to developing and implementing innovative programs and initiatives that help alleviate barriers. She is an award winning founder, workshop facilitator and social entrepreneur. She graduated from Brescia University College with a BA in Human Ecology with a specialization in Family Studies and holds a certificate in Family Mediation from York University. For her advocacy work, Joëlle has been the recipient of many awards such as Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada, 2022 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth, and 2021 YWCA Trailblazer Award.