In the high-stakes chess game of international trade, Black entrepreneurs have been playing with a deck stacked against them—pawns in an economic system designed to keep them off the board. 

Now, with U.S. tariffs threatening to squeeze our economy, Export Development Canada (EDC) is shaking things up with its new Black Exporter Guide, a long-overdue push for equity on the global stage.

The Black Exporter Guide, which the EDC dropped on February 22nd, is not your average dusty government handout. The first-of-its-kind resource will give Black entrepreneurs the knowledge, networks, and straight-up sauce they need to conquer international markets. Finally!

But is this guide enough to dismantle systemic barriers? We sat down with Myriam Francisque, the author behind the 12-chapter HTML guide, to unpack how this resource aims to level the playing field and whether it can truly unlock global opportunities for Black Canadian businesses.

BB: What inspired EDC to create this Black Exporter Guide, and how does it address the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face in Canada?

For more than 80 years, EDC has supported exporters, but we've consistently evolved our approach. We started by helping women and Indigenous entrepreneurs, and now we're focusing on Black and racialized exporters through a genuine equity lens.

We realized many entrepreneurs—particularly Black business owners—were locked out of critical networks and resources. They couldn't access the foundational knowledge other exporters took for granted.

During our community sessions, we discovered massive information gaps. Black exporters were missing basic export strategies, connections, and insider knowledge that could transform their businesses. So, we created a roadmap, a strategic toolkit designed to level the playing field. 

We compiled practical insights, connected entrepreneurs to key resources, and showcased success stories from those who've already broken through international markets. We’re giving Black entrepreneurs the tools they need to expand globally.

BB: Can you provide some examples of export information that's common in other communities but completely absent for Black entrepreneurs?

Let’s take the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) as a prime example. Most entrepreneurs don't realize there's an entire government organization designed to support exporters from the very first step. When I mentioned TCS, most Black entrepreneurs responded with total confusion—they had no idea this resource existed.

The TCS is critical. They have international offices, deep market knowledge, and can connect businesses directly with buyers, suppliers, and government contacts. But the Black business community simply isn't leveraging these services.

Beyond that, there are fundamental financial protections most exporters don't understand. Take account receivable insurance—a way to protect yourself against non-payment in international contracts. When we explained this, entrepreneurs were stunned. They had no idea such a safeguard existed.

These aren't complex strategies. They're basic export knowledge that can mean the difference between success and failure. But if you don't know these resources exist, how can you use them? That's why this guide is so crucial—we're bringing these hidden opportunities into the light.

BB: How did you source these insights? Did they emerge from direct consultations with Black entrepreneurs and business support organizations?

Our insights come from comprehensive consultations revealing critical gaps in Black entrepreneurs' access to export resources.

We discovered recurring challenges: entrepreneurs didn't know how to secure funding, navigate international markets, or manage complex logistics. They struggled to find vetted supply chain partners, access accounting expertise for global trade, and understand export-specific financial strategies.

The information exists, but it's been systematically inaccessible. Traditional support organizations weren't designed with Black entrepreneurs in mind, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. Because these organizations appeared unavailable, entrepreneurs sought alternative routes. And because Black exporters weren't visibly using their services, these organizations never adapted.

Our guide is about breaking that cycle. By mapping these invisible barriers, we're not just providing information—we're creating a blueprint for systemic change. If organizations don't see Black entrepreneurs using their services, they'll never invest in making those services truly inclusive.

BB: Does the guide provide examples of Black entrepreneurs who've successfully navigated export challenges?

We've highlighted several success stories demonstrating the incredible potential of Black entrepreneurs across different industries.

Take for example, Dave Hale, the founder of Craft&Crew, a company that builds enterprise business websites, or the founders of Canurta Therapeutics, Goodee, and Protexxa, a cyber security software company. What connects these entrepreneurs isn't their industry, but their determination to access knowledge and create opportunities where none seemed to exist.

These stories prove there's no single path to success. Each entrepreneur navigated unique challenges, but they shared a common thread: they refused to let systemic barriers define their potential. Our goal is to show aspiring founders that success is not just possible, it's within reach.

These stories are blueprints of resilience, showing that with the right information and support, Black entrepreneurs can transform their export ambitions into reality, regardless of the obstacles in their way.

BB: With these new U.S. tariffs set to impact Canadian businesses, does the guide offer any guidance or insights on navigating these sudden trade challenges?

The guide was completed before the tariff announcements, but our online platform MyEDC provides real-time resources to help exporters navigate these challenges.

We've created a dedicated page explaining the U.S. tariffs, breaking down what they mean and how they might impact businesses. Our export help desk is also actively gathering feedback from entrepreneurs to develop mitigation strategies. 

The tariffs are creating significant uncertainty across supply chains. We're seeing small businesses—especially in the Black business ecosystem, where over 70% are small or micro-enterprises—being hit hardest. One company already shared that they've had to raise product costs by 20% due to these new trade barriers.

Our existing solutions, like credit insurance, guarantees, and letters of credit, can provide some financial protection. But make no mistake: these tariffs are a critical challenge that requires adaptive, strategic thinking from every entrepreneur.

BB: How can Black entrepreneurs effectively navigate and challenge the 'old boys' club mentality within Canada's export ecosystem?

Resilience is key. Black entrepreneurs must persistently push against the boundaries of an export ecosystem that has historically excluded them. 

The first step is education. You can't access spaces you don't understand. Learn the language of international trade, research trade missions, and understand the nuanced regulations of different markets. Knowledge is your most powerful tool against exclusion.

We need to be present in existing spaces. Attend trade events, network aggressively, and make ourselves visible. If we're not in the room, decision-makers will continue to believe our communities aren't interested or capable. While building our own platforms is important, we must also bring our seats to existing tables. 

Remember, you belong in these spaces. Your expertise, innovation, and perspective are essential to representing Canadian entrepreneurship as a whole. We're no longer asking for permission or accepting limitations. We're creating value, building wealth, and dismantling the 'old boys' club mentality. The message is clear: Be unafraid. Our potential is unlimited.

You can access the EDC's Black Exporter Guide, by entering your email on their website: Black exporter guide | EDC