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The Black Business Catalyst Project (BBCP) is a limited web series, presented by geekspeak Commerce, focusing on the e-commerce journeys of four Black-owned businesses—including One More Cocoa and Swift Hockey in Durham Region. Created in celebration of Black History Month 2024, a new episode was released each week throughout the month of February—showcasing the participant's work, as well as business challenges, inspiration, and insights from guest mentors.
View the series below to learn more about the four participants, and watch as they work on various elements of their e-commerce businesses—including their websites, brand identity, social media planning, access to funding and support, retail readiness, manufacturing, and building connections.
Episode 1: Welcome to the BBCP
In episode one, meet the geekspeak team and the four series participants: Trèsolz, House of Tigernut, One More Cocoa and Swift Hockey.
Episode 2: The Kickoff
In episode two, the participants move in, meet their Client Success Managers (CSMs), and attend critical kickoff meetings to set the stage for the next month of work.
Episode 3: The Work
In episode three, participants take part in a branding challenge, learn from the Business Development Bank of Canada's (BDC) Regional Manager Client Diversity Sola Oluwole, and get started on their product photography.
Episode 4: The Work Continues
In episode four, participants learn how to create social media videos, how to pitch to buyers, and also participate in important strategy sessions with the geekspeak Commerce leadership team.
Episode 5: The Reveal
In the final episode—episode five—participants hear inspiration from Lisa Keizer of Up North Naturals, and reveal the work completed with their CSMs throughout the series.
The Black Business Catalyst Project was sponsored by Invest Durham, Town of Whitby, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, and BDC.
