Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan

06/19/2026

We were proud to be part of Saskatoon Startup Week 2026 for the very first time!

Hosted across the city by organizations that support entrepreneurs, startups, and business growth, Saskatoon Startup Week is a celebration of the innovation and talent that make up our local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Thank you to the SK Startup Institute and presenting sponsor McKercher LLP for helping make this incredible week possible.

Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (BPES) was excited to join the conversation by hosting an event at our BPES Hub. The evening provided an opportunity to connect with founders, share upcoming programs and supports launching this fall, and create space for entrepreneurs to talk openly about their businesses, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.

It was an intimate, engaging, and successful event, and we're grateful to everyone who joined us. We look forward to continuing to build connections and support Black entrepreneurs and professionals across Saskatchewan.

SaskatchewanBusiness StartupEcosystem CommunityBuilding

06/03/2026

Founder Open Mic: Pitch & Connect Night @ BPES Hub Join us for a relaxed, interactive evening where entrepreneurs can practice their pitches, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.

#7-1622 Ontario Ave
Saskatoon, SK
Thursday, June 18 • 2 PM - 4:30 PM
Limited Spots sign up today!

REGISTRATION: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/founder-open-mic-pitch-connect-night-bpes-tickets-1990448064743

This space is centered on supporting Black founders and professionals, while warmly welcoming the broader Saskatoon business community during Startup Week.

Whether you’re ready to pitch or just want to listen, learn, and connect — this is a low-pressure environment to grow your confidence and expand your network. Optional pitch slots Open networking Hub tour + upcoming program preview.

Come through, bring your ideas, and meet the community.

Startup Week
SK Startup Institute

Join during Startup Week, interactive evening where entrepreneurs can practice their pitches, share ideas, and build meaningful connections.

05/26/2026

BPES is hiring a Part-Time Finance Manager in Saskatoon:

• Hybrid role with flexible hours and growth potential
• Help manage budgeting, reporting, bookkeeping, compliance, and financial operations
• Work alongside a mission-driven team supporting Black professionals and entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan
• Ideal for someone with nonprofit finance or accounting experience
• CPA and grant reporting experience are strong assets
• Applications close June 7th, 2026
Apply here: https://bit.ly/bpes_finance_manager

05/19/2026

The Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc. (BPES) is receiving an investment of $1,399,499 from PrairiesCan to implement province-wide entrepreneurship, procurement, and AI training programs for Black entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan.

Our new Procurement Readiness Program will help Black entrepreneurs enter supply chains, improve financial planning and compliance, and develop their businesses for long-term success
A new AI & Digital Innovation Program will increase technology readiness, improve competitiveness, and enable adoption of AI and other digital skills. These programs offered in-person and virtually, together with services provided by the BPES through the BPES Community Hub in Saskatoon, will increase access to services for Black founders in Saskatchewan cities and bring new services to rural and remote areas.

Read the Full News release: https://www.canada.ca/en/prairies-economic-development/news/2026/05/government-of-canada-investing-over-23-million-to-support-black-entrepreneurs-in-saskatchewan.html

Read it in French: https://www.canada.ca/fr/developpement-economique-prairies/nouvelles/2026/05/le-gouvernement-du-canada-investit-plus-de-23-millions-de-dollars-pour-appuyer-les-entrepreneurs-noirs-en-saskatchewan.html

05/09/2026

We’re hiring!

BPES is looking for a Program Delivery Manager to help lead transformative programs for Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, entrepreneurship, equity, and building meaningful systems that support Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the province.

As Program Delivery Manager, you’ll help coordinate province-wide initiatives, support participant success, build partnerships, oversee program operations, and help expand BPES programming from Saskatoon into communities across Saskatchewan.

We’re looking for someone who is:
• Organized and adaptable
• Community-rooted and equity-centered
• Experienced in program or project management
• Skilled at relationship building and communication
• Excited about entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development

Learn More: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NS_qPoQrU-Bwh7j6eLBXLfBPmRgzmFQ1/view?usp=sharing

📍 Saskatoon, SK (Province-Wide Work & Travel)
📅 Application Deadline: May 30, 2026
📧 Apply: [email protected]
📌 Subject Line: Program Delivery Manager Application

This is an opportunity to help shape a growing organization and contribute to a historic legacy of Black entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation in Saskatchewan.

Please share with your networks or tag someone who would be a great fit.

05/07/2026

We’re hiring!

BPES is looking for an Executive Director to help lead the next chapter of growth, innovation, and community impact across Saskatchewan.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and strategic leader to help shape programs, partnerships, fundraising, community engagement, and the future of the BPES Community Hub. From supporting Black professionals and entrepreneurs to expanding provincial impact, this role is about building meaningful change and empowering communities.

If you are experienced in nonprofit leadership, community development, fundraising, partnerships, and team leadership or know someone who would be a great fit we’d love to hear from you.

📍 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
📅 Application Deadline: May 27, 2026
📧 Apply: [email protected]

Please submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line:
“Executive Director Application — [Your Name]”

Click the link for more details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QID1YPMl3R1y6Thppw53zIfGguYGXgbB/view?usp=sharing

Join us as we continue to Unite | Ignite | Amplify across Saskatchewan.

05/05/2026

BPES is Growing! We’re Recruiting New Board Members

Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan (BPES) is looking for new members to join our Board of Directors. This is an exciting time for BPES. As we continue to grow our impact across Saskatchewan, we are strengthening our board and looking for individuals who are passionate about community, leadership, and helping shape the future of an organization dedicated to advancing Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students.
We are seeking thoughtful, committed people who can contribute at the governance level and bring strategic insight, sound judgment, and a genuine desire to see BPES thrive.

About Us
BPES is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students across Saskatchewan through professional development, mentorship, cultural programming, community engagement, and ecosystem-building initiatives. As

About the Role
Board Directors provide governance, oversight, and strategic guidance to support BPES’s mission, sustainability, and long-term success. Directors are expected to act in the best interests of the organization, contribute to board discussions and decision-making, and support a culture of accountability, collaboration, and forward thinking.
Board members may also serve on committees or contribute to special initiatives in areas such as governance, finance, programs, partnerships, events, fundraising, or board development.

Key Responsibilities
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will be expected to:
Provide governance oversight and strategic input
Contribute to board discussions, decisions, and annual priorities
Review board materials and come prepared to meetings
Support sound financial stewardship and organizational accountability
Help strengthen governance systems, policies, and board effectiveness
Serve as an ambassador for BPES and support relationship-building in the community
Participate in committees, working groups, or priority initiatives as needed
Support the recruitment, onboarding, and development of a strong and diverse board
Uphold the values, integrity, and mission of BPES

Time Commitment
Directors should expect to attend regular board meetings, participate on at least one committee or working group, and contribute time to board-related initiatives throughout the year. From time to time, directors may also support events, planning sessions, or special projects.

Who We Are Seeking
BPES is seeking individuals who bring a combination of governance capacity, strategic thinking, and community commitment. We welcome applicants from diverse professional backgrounds and lived experiences. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring strength in one or more of the following competency areas:

Sought-After Competencies
Financial oversight, accounting, audit, or risk management
Legal, compliance, or policy development
Partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and external relations
Program design, evaluation, or impact measurement
Digital systems, operations, or process improvement

In addition to functional expertise, BPES values candidates who demonstrate:
Commitment to the advancement of Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and students
Understanding of community-centered leadership
Good judgment, integrity, and accountability
Collaborative mindset and respect for diverse perspectives
Willingness to contribute strategically, not just operationally
Ability to help BPES grow in a sustainable and mission-aligned way

If this speaks to you, or if you know someone who would be a strong fit, we’d love to hear from you.

Equity and Inclusion
BPES is committed to building a board that reflects the diversity, strengths, and aspirations of the community it serves. We welcome applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives.

How to Express Interest
Please submit your expression of interest along with a brief bio or resume. Candidates may also be asked to participate in an interview as part of the board recruitment process.

For more information, please contact:
[email protected]

04/25/2026

A historic first and a powerful milestone.

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the first-ever Black Leadership and Mentorship Program: Arts and Culture Cohort by BPES.

This inaugural cohort brought together 20 emerging and mid-career Black creatives, arts administrators, and cultural professionals from across Saskatchewan, each committed to growing their practice, leadership, and impact within the sector.

Funded through the Government of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy at Canadian Heritage, this program was designed to address systemic barriers and create real pathways into mentorship, leadership, and opportunity within arts and culture.

Over the past few months, participants engaged in a structured journey that included

Mentorship with experienced professionals across the sector

Weekly sessions focused on identity, goal-setting, and career navigation

Leadership training in public speaking, decision-making, and professional development

Field experiences that provided exposure to key arts institutions and spaces across Saskatchewan

A final Capstone Networking Circle connecting participants directly with industry leaders

Through this experience, participants strengthened their

✨ creative identity

✨ confidence and voice

✨ understanding of the arts and culture landscape

✨ long-term career direction

More than anything, this cohort represents the power of community, access, and intentional investment in leadership development.

This is what it looks like to build a more equitable, inclusive, and representative arts and culture sector together.

We are incredibly proud of this cohort and everything they’ve accomplished.

This is only the beginning.

04/25/2026

Honouring the people who helped build the foundation.

As we closed out this chapter of the Black Leadership & Mentorship Program, we recognized the past board members whose leadership, time, and commitment
have contributed to the growth of BPES.

Outgoing Board Members:
Dr. John Owojori (Past Chair)
Tosin Fetuga
Paula Collins

Absent:
Johaine Thomas-Miranjie
Blair Kelsie

We acknowledge those who have played a role in shaping where we are today and appreciate the contributions that continue to carry forward in this work.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

04/24/2026

We are proud to celebrate the graduation of the first-ever Black Leadership & Mentorship Program: Arts & Culture Cohort by BPES.

This inaugural cohort brought together 20 emerging and mid-career Black creatives, arts administrators, and cultural professionals from across Saskatchewan each committed to growing their practice, leadership, and impact within the sector.

Funded through the Government of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy at Canadian Heritage, this program was designed to address systemic barriers and create real pathways into leadership, mentorship, and opportunity within arts and culture.

Led by our Program Manager Peace Akintade and Assistant Program Manager Kenneth Awom.

Over the past few months, participants engaged in:
* Mentorship with established leaders across the sector
* Weekly sessions focused on goal-setting, identity, and career navigation
* Leadership training in public speaking, decision-making, and professional development

* Field experiences, including:

A private exhibition tour at Remai Modern
A multi-organization arts tour in Regina
A final Capstone Networking Circle connecting participants directly with industry leaders

Through this journey, participants strengthened their:
✨ creative identity
✨ confidence and voice
✨ understanding of the sector
✨ long-term career vision

Most importantly, they became part of a growing community working toward a more equitable, inclusive, and representative arts and culture landscape.

We are deeply grateful to the mentors, speakers, and partners who helped shape this experience and incredibly proud of this cohort for their commitment, growth, and leadership.