WCC Welcomes the Afro Caribbean Business Network to The Landing Pad!

May 8, 2023

WHITBY (May 8, 2023) – Here at the Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC), not only do our downtown businesses engage with our partner the Downtown Whitby BIA, but we’ve now got a new service for business owners of African and Caribbean heritage. The Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) is now located at our offices!

ACBN’s Executive Director, Ryan-O’Neil Knight said “It has been a pleasure getting to work with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce and learn more about the engaging activities that are done throughout the year. We thought it would be beneficial to be more engaged ourselves by becoming a member and sharing an office in the Landing Pad. We are excited to provide support to Black entrepreneurs and network with the vast network of Business owners in Durham from all cultures and backgrounds.”

The ACBN provides info sessions, networking events, microloans, and marketing support to help build businesses capacity; working with business owners of African and Caribbean heritage to help them understand their current business situation and create a blueprint for growth.

Founded in 2017, the ACBN works to unify and educate Black entrepreneurs in its network of more than 5000 businesses in Toronto, Peel and surrounding areas. The ACBN has cultivated a community for Black business owners where they can cross-promote their products and services to build their ventures and participate in relevant business and personal growth workshops. ACBN supports Black Founders with strategic planning to assist with capacity building with resources such as microloans, marketing and sales support as well as investment readiness training. ACBN has conducted extensive research in southern Ontario to understand the current landscape of Black Entrepreneurs and the barriers they face. As part of the National Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, ACBN works with business support partners to create solutions to eliminate barriers Black entrepreneurs may face.

The teams from the WCC and Downtown Whitby BIA are excited by this new addition to our Landing Pad and look forward to welcoming all of you to our offices!

– Natalie Prychitko, CEO, Whitby Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1928, The Whitby Chamber of Commerce (WCC) is a not-for-profit business organization that inspires economic opportunities for our members. Our tagline ‘Because Your Success is Everything’ demonstrates our commitment to engage the business community through advocacy, networking and mentorship. We create connections and foster a thriving business community, proudly serving the needs of our membership. Come experience how we establish solid relationships, develop business leads, or simply unwind after hours.

For more information please contact:

Joshua Dawson
Marketing and Communications Manager
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
joshua@whitbychamber.org