BEAM

Shining Light on Underrepresented Talent

Black Employment Awareness Month (BEAM) is an essential, annual September initiative, designed to connect employers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, service providers, and stakeholders with African, Black and Caribbean talent. BEAM aims to address critical issues such as pay disparities, unemployment, underemployment, and the underrepresentation of African, Black and Caribbean professionals in organizational leadership roles. Additionally, BEAM seeks to champion fair resource allocation for African, Black and Caribbean entrepreneurs and highlight their invaluable contributions to the Canadian economy.

WHY BEAM MATTERS

EMPLOYEES &
JOB SEEKERS

ENTREPRENEURS

During the pandemic, the Black Canadians facing unemployment rate was at 13.1%, compared to 7.7% for non-visible minorities (Statistics Canada)
In January 2021, 42.8% of Black Canadians aged 25-54 had a university degree, compared to 33.6% of non-visible minorities, yet worked in jobs that were way below their educational qualifications (Statistics Canada)

Only 19% of Black entrepreneurs in Canada report receiving financial support from banks, compared to 44% of white entrepreneurs (Black Business and Professional Association)
Black Canadian businesses are underrepresented in high-growth and high-paying industries such as technology and finance (Statistics Canada)

EMPLOYERS &
BUSINESS OWNERS

In 2022, nearly 40% of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada reported difficulties in finding skilled workers. (Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC,2022)
Companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. (McKinsey & Company, 2020)

BEAM GOALS

For Employees & Job Seekers: Address underemployment and unemployment within the Black community, find lasting solutions for the recognition of foreign credentials, improve Black sectoral and leadership representation in organizations, and promote equal pay.
For Entrepreneurs: Seal disproportionate funding gaps, increase Black business representation in high-growth industries, enhance Black business survival rates, and expand the impact of Black entrepreneurs on the Canadian economy.
For Employers: Address labor market challenges, spread awareness of the importance of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and equip employers with tools to build a more innovative and inclusive workplace for all employees.