EY Entrepreneurs Access Network
Canada is home to a powerful network of entrepreneurs, but one that needs more diversity. Underrepresented groups don’t fall short on good ideas – they simply face greater barriers to growth. The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network is a business accelerator program helping Black and Indigenous leaders bridge the disparity gap and soar to new heights.
Through the Network, we’re building a unique and powerful support network that leverages EY knowledge, tools and professionals — to help entrepreneurs transcend barriers and grow successfully and sustainably.
Entrepreneurship by the numbers
Approximately
3.5mentrepreneurs in Canada
In 2018
45,000Canadians started a business
Only approximately
2,000businesses of significant scale are Black owned in Canada
Only
1.4%of businesses are owned by Indigenous People
About the program
The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network is designed to support underrepresented communities such as Black, and Indigenous entrepreneurs through seven tried-and-tested drivers of growth: people, technology, operations, customer, finance, transactions and risk.
The program aims to address the disparity gap by combining a curated, one-year educational curriculum for CEOs of private, for-profit organizations with coaching and networking opportunities. Participants are paired with an EY Relationship Ambassador for 1:1 coaching to help guide them through their growth journey.
Building an exceptional entrepreneurial ecosystem starts with inclusivity.
The pandemic exposed many of our world’s inequalities. We saw a decline in businesses owned by underrepresented groups, which were already three times more likely to close their doors. Today, we have an opportunity to enhance Canada’s competitiveness and drive economic impact by paving the way for entrepreneurship for all.
Canada’s minority-owned companies contribute greatly to our economy, but struggle with barriers to funding, capital and connections. Our Network lifts these entrepreneurs up and drives economic impact, while laying the foundation for entrepreneurship for all.
Download a printable EY Entrepreneurs Access Network program brochure
The team
Myriam Gafarou
Associate Partner
Consulting
