Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs - Drabpe

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Durham Region Association of Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs - Drabpe DRABPE | Connecting and Supporting Black Businesses in Durham, ON
Empowering local businesses with resources, connections, and support.

11/04/2026

Sometimes, the right connection happens when you least expect it.

Networking is about more than who you know. It's about showing up, building relationships, and putting yourself in the right spaces.

A chance encounter at the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade golf tournament is a reminder that sometimes, being in the room makes all the difference.

🎥 Catch the full conversation on our YouTube channel!

Entrepreneurship

11/04/2026

Track Your Business Numbers to Unlock Funding and Growth 📊

"You made all this money this year… so where did it go?"

Raymond Murray of DRABPE breaks down why understanding your numbers is essential to building a sustainable business.

From tracking where your money goes to identifying which marketing channels bring in customers, the right data helps you make smarter decisions, maximize your return and position your business for funding opportunities.

And you don't need to wait until your business is making thousands to start tracking.

That's the kind of foundation Growth Space by DRABPE is preparing entrepreneurs to build.

▶️ Watch the full At the Table conversation on DRABPE's YouTube channel. Link in bio.

đź”” Follow for Growth Space updates and opportunities to get involved.

DurhamRegion SmallBusinessTips KnowYourNumbers

Kingdom Man ✝️

Art brings our stories into the same room.Esther Forde’s vision for Cultural Expressions grew from a desire to see her J...
11/03/2026

Art brings our stories into the same room.

Esther Forde’s vision for Cultural Expressions grew from a desire to see her Jamaican heritage and the wider Black diaspora reflected in art. That vision helped create a space for cultural connection in Durham Region.

Our featured Invest Durham profile traces the gallery’s legacy and the community partnerships that carry its spirit forward.

Explore a story of creativity, representation and connection. Read the full profile:
https://www.durham.ca/economic-development/blog/posts/cultural-expressions-creating-an-art-haven-in-durham-region/

We'll share how you can participate soon!Growth Space by DRABPE is designed to help Black entrepreneurs access the resou...
10/30/2026

We'll share how you can participate soon!
Growth Space by DRABPE is designed to help Black entrepreneurs access the resources, mentorship, networks and business development opportunities they need to start, grow, scale and sustain their businesses. The Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency is helping to expand access to business development resources and opportunities.

Big ideas are taking shape right here in Durham.Dr. Wintta Ghebreiyesus, founder and CEO of Ajax-based Moon Trades Techn...
10/27/2026

Big ideas are taking shape right here in Durham.

Dr. Wintta Ghebreiyesus, founder and CEO of Ajax-based Moon Trades Technologies, is bringing artificial intelligence and autonomous technology to mineral exploration—with a vision for safer, more climate-conscious mining.

Her entrepreneurial journey connects engineering, determination and a drive to solve meaningful problems.

Get to know the founder behind the innovation in our featured Invest Durham profile. Read the full story:
https://www.durham.ca/economic-development/blog/posts/moon-trades-technologies-building-the-future-of-climate-conscious-mining-innovation/

10/21/2026

Big Ideas, Real Conversations, Stronger Businesses

Growth Space is taking shape and community voices are helping lead the way!

DRABPE recently brought together entrepreneurs and community supporter members for a roundtable focus group to share insights, experiences, and ideas that will help shape the future of Growth Space.

Because when we listen, collaborate, and build together, we create stronger opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to start, grow, scale, and sustain their businesses.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important conversation. The journey is just beginning!

Growth Space by DRABPE. Strengthening Durham Region.

A little calm can make a big difference.Meet Melanie Banfield, the founder behind Pickering’s Snooze Room. Her vision: w...
10/20/2026

A little calm can make a big difference.

Meet Melanie Banfield, the founder behind Pickering’s Snooze Room. Her vision: welcoming sensory spaces where people of all ages and abilities can slow down and feel a sense of belonging.

Our featured Invest Durham profile explores the inspiration behind Snooze Room and Melanie’s commitment to a more inclusive community.

Discover a Durham entrepreneur putting people at the heart of her work. Read the full story:
https://www.durham.ca/economic-development/blog/posts/snooze-room-creates-calm-in-durham-by-supporting-sensory-wellness/

Thank you for sitting At the Table with us! Our October 15 At-the-Table event was full of connection, conversation, and ...
10/17/2026

Thank you for sitting At the Table with us!
Our October 15 At-the-Table event was full of connection, conversation, and new faces. We loved the turnout, and we’re so glad you came.

DRABPE shared its new Growth Space funded by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario and how Growth Space will help entrepreneurs Start, Grow, Scale and Sustain with:
→ Business support
→ Market access
→ Strategic mentorship

And the best part? You told us what you need to expand your business, and your ideas will help shape what comes next.

Looking forward to seeing you at our next At-the-Table

Sometimes the biggest barrier to an opportunity isn't qualification. It's simply not knowing it exists.From funding and ...
10/09/2026

Sometimes the biggest barrier to an opportunity isn't qualification. It's simply not knowing it exists.

From funding and scholarships to mentorship, business support, training and career development, opportunities are opening and closing all the time.

And no, your algorithm won't catch them all.

Make looking for opportunities part of your routine. Here's where to start:

• Government of Canada, Ontario and Durham Region program and funding websites
• Municipal resources, foundations and funding organizations
• Professional associations and industry networks
• Business and entrepreneurship organizations
• College, university and community programs
• Email newsletters and opportunity alerts
• Your professional and community networks

And here's the important part: share what you find.

An opportunity that isn't right for you might be exactly what someone else in your network needs.

At DRABPE, we're committed to helping Black professionals, entrepreneurs, youth and communities across Durham Region stay informed, connected and positioned to access opportunities that support their growth.

Because access to information can open doors.

Save this post as your reminder to look beyond your feed. Follow DRABPE for relevant resources and updates, and visit drabpe.org to learn more about our programs and community initiatives.

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Durham, ON

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