Reaching out to black community

The Halifax-based Black Business Initiative is trying to increase its recognition level in this area.

BBI, in partnership with Digby’s Growth Opportun¬ities, will hold a reception Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. in Fundy Restaurant. The two and a half hour function will celebrate the organiza¬tion’s 10th anniversary.

“We need to get to the black community to let them know” about the Halifax organization, said Julie MacLean, director Growth Opportunities. She’s hoping the reception on Monday will help.

“They’re another lending agency, one of our economic development partners,” she added.

Julius Kanyamunyu, acting director of client development for BBI, said Friday the organization is able to provide business advice and training as well as financing, and has had some local success with businesses such as a paintball operation.

“We’re making an effort to reach out to every black community,” said Kanyamunyu. “We hope to provide a ladder for people to climb.”

While there isn’t a local office, BBI is in partnership with Growth Opportunities, eh stressed, and a BBI representative plans to visit about twice a month.