Events › Celebrating Black Excellence in Entrepreneurship

Network at the Library during this exciting opportunity to connect with local Black business owners. We welcome Janice Pancho, President & CEO of Canada Black Owned Marketplace, Keisha Tomlinson of CourtesyNaturalz and Eboné Davis of Ebony Earth Co. to our panel to discuss their experience with small business success and offer advice as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. A Q&A session, refreshments and networking will follow the panel discussion. 

Janice Pancho is the Founder and CEO of Canada Black Owned Marketplace located in Pickering Town Centre, Pickering and Bramalea City Centre, Brampton, Ontario. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Janice migrated to Canada over 25 years ago and currently lives in Toronto.

Her mission is to provide a cohesive platform for small Black owned businesses to help expand their audience and their reach. Janice is a graduate from York University - BAS-IT, along with other credentials.

"As an entrepreneur with a business and IT background, I bring knowledge, innovation, creativity and integrity to the corporation. At Canada Black Owned Marketplace, I look forward to providing opportunities for our vendors as well as services to our customers about the benefits and uses of our products."

Janice has always believed that Black People will be in a better economic situation if we spend our money within our Black Community. It is vital that we are the business owners and not the players who help other communities gain wealth. At this time, we must be the “Head” and not the “Tail”.

CourtesyNaturalz is a small business established in August 2020. We specialize in the manufacture of fresh Ayurvedic hair products designed to enhance the growth of healthy and long hair. As a company, our objective is to treat and grow your natural hair. In the era of DIY hair treatments, organic products, and Ayurvedic hair regimens, 4C naturals can target their unique hair and scalp needs. Today, a new generation of afro-textured and naturally-haired women and men are at the vanguard of an international beauty movement.

Ebony Earth Co. is a small company that makes high-performing, quality crystal candles and eco-friendly goods. Our goal is to lift our customers' moods by making beautiful scents while reducing our environmental impact. Indulge in our aromatherapy products knowing that you are using quality products inspired by mama earth!

Newton Vanriel is the author of the children's book The Adventures of the Soul Sistas. The Adventures of Soul Sistas celebrates diversity and the true meaning of family through the eyes of two wonderful superheroes.