As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, our strength lies in our diversity. Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world and was the first to adopt multiculturalism as an official policy. In fact, the Canadian Multicultural Policy is 50 years old this year.

B.C. is the most ethnically diverse province in Canada, welcoming more than 40,000 new immigrants every year. Our most populous city, Vancouver, is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada and in the world. This is a great start, however, we can all do much more to make B.C. as inclusive, and welcoming as possible for people of all ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds.

Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27th provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of multiculturalism in shaping Canada and B.C.. To show your support we invite you to celebrate diversity among B.C.’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

What can businesses do?

Businesses of all sizes can take various steps to help make B.C. a more diverse and inclusive place—from training staff in diversity to supporting BIPOC-owned suppliers and service providers. Here are a few resources and opportunities:

• Reconciliation training: Reconciliation Canada is engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. They offer reconciliation learning experiences for organizations.
• Inclusion and diversity training: The MOSAIC engage Centre for Diversity delivers Intercultural and Diversity & Inclusion Training to help your business create an environment where people of diverse cultures and backgrounds work together more easily and effectively.
• Diversity and inclusion workshops: AMSSA offers the award-winning Safe Harbour: Respect for All workshop and a Cultural Safety: Diversity and Inclusion workshop
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion: Inclusion and education guides covering conversations and initiatives happening around diversity and inclusion in the Canadian workplace.
• Queer, trans, and Two-Spirit inclusion training: Courses for businesses interested in building safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQ2SAI+ staff.
• Work with First Nations: Identify new opportunities to work with Indigenous peoples, learn about building dialogue and working relationships, and see how others have built successful and lasting partnerships with First Nations.

Resources for BIPOC and other businesses owners

Provincial and federal governments have created a range of supports for specific business owners, including:

• Financial supports for Indigenous peoples: Government of Canada supports to help Indigenous peoples during COVID-19.
• Resources for Women Entrepreneurs During COVID-19: The Government of Canada has created several dedicated resources for women entrepreneurs.
• Black Entrepreneurship Program: Supports to help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow your businesses and succeed now and into the future.

Here’s a selection of other resources and services for businesses of all types:

• Small Business BC resources for Black entrepreneurs: A large selection of business resources for Black entrepreneurs.
• Indigenous Business and Investment Council: An organization focused on increasing Indigenous participation in the economy, promoting Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs, and industry partnerships.
• Multiculturalism grants: Registered non-profit and other eligible organizations can apply for a grant to support projects that build intercultural interaction, trust and understanding, or challenge racism, hate and systemic barriers.
• Afrohub business supports: A suite of solutions to help businesses leverage technology and data to grow a sustainable business.
• Black Business Association of BC: Training to build the business and leadership competencies of current and emerging leaders, including live webinars and an online learning platform.

When it comes to celebrating, recognizing, and supporting multiculturalism in B.C., we’re doing well but we can do better. Support local businesses in your community through the BC Marketplace.