One of the cornerstone initiatives of the BIPOC Foundation is its Volunteer and Internship Program, aimed at providing professional development and real-world experience to BIPOC individuals facing systemic barriers to employment. The need for meaningful employment opportunities is a critical issue, as systemic discrimination often limits access to relevant job experience and professional networks.
Since its inception, the program has seen the graduation of over five interns and over ten volunteers. These individuals leave the program equipped with essential professional skills and strong networks that help them further their careers. Key partnerships with organizations like The GALT Museum, TECCONNECT, and The 1st Choice Savings LTD have been instrumental in offering these participants valuable roles that align with their long-term career goals.
These partnerships not only offer hands-on experience but also provide critical references and networking opportunities that significantly increase participants’ chances of securing meaningful employment.
Building Longevity in Alberta’s Rural Black Business Communities
Funded through the NRED Grant, the NRED Project has elevated the empowerment of rural Black entrepreneurs. Focused on underrepresented communities across Alberta, we provided high-touch support to Black business owners, helping them achieve sustainable growth with economic impact.
The program supported 15 entrepreneurs, resulting in 11 business plans and over 360 hours of one-on-one coaching. It brought practical strategies for funding requests and scalable business plans, with communities such as Blackfalds, Brooks, and Nobleford benefiting from the initiative.
The Done-With-You model was key in providing entrepreneurs hands-on experience in planning and negotiating business complexities. The project also created three new jobs, spanning retail, construction, and immigration consulting.
The NRED Project has sparked important conversations about equitable access to resources. As the first Alberta organization to qualify for Futurpreneur’s Fast Track Program, the BIPOC Foundation is paving the way for continued support and advocacy. This highlights the need for programs that remove systemic barriers and create pathways to economic empowerment.
This pilot’s success is a testament to the resilience of Alberta’s Black business community and a call to sustain and expand such impactful efforts.
Sub-Brands: Tailoring Support to Diverse Needs
To effectively address the diverse needs of the BIPOC community, the Foundation has launched several sub-brands, each tailored to a specific aspect of community development. These sub-brands include initiatives like BF for the Arts, D’Amazin Lions, and LethsMakeItHappen.
Each of these sub-brands focuses on a different area, such as arts, sports, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
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BF for the Arts
Through the BF for the Arts initiative, BIPOC artists are provided with much-needed platforms to showcase their talents. The arts, especially for BIPOC individuals, are an essential outlet for cultural expression and identity. Historically, these artists have struggled with underrepresentation and limited access to exhibition opportunities.
By collaborating with organizations such as the Allied Arts Council (AAC) and the Galt Museum, the Foundation has secured exhibition spaces and performance opportunities for BIPOC artists that previously would have been inaccessible. The success of this initiative has created a vibrant arts community in Southern Alberta, enabling local BIPOC artists to gain visibility and build sustainable careers.
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D’Amazin Lions: Sports as a Vehicle for Unity and Empowerment
Another sub-brand that stands out is D’Amazin Lions, a soccer-based initiative that promotes community engagement, unity, and sportsmanship. Sports, and soccer in particular, have become a critical avenue for BIPOC individuals, newcomers, and immigrants to come together in a supportive environment. In 2024 alone, D’Amazin Lions soccer camp had over 50 participants and boasted an unbeaten season, winning three major tournaments, including the Leth’s Do it Soccer Tournament, organized by the BIPOC Foundation.
This initiative not only creates opportunities for physical engagement but also fosters a sense of belonging for participants. The soccer team has also developed a strong relationship with the Lethbridge Sports Council, becoming a member and enhancing visibility within the city’s sporting community. As the team grows, it continues to be a symbol of community spirit, resilience, and achievement Through D’Amazin Lions, BIPOC Foundation has strengthened ties with the broader sporting community while creating a space for BIPOC athletes to shine.
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LethsMakeItHappen: Youth Empowerment Through Entertainment and Engagement
LethsMakeItHappen, a youth empowerment program, is designed to engage and empower young people by involving them in event planning, entertainment, and community collaboration. This initiative provides an avenue for youth to express their creativity while fostering leadership and organizational skills.
Through a series of empowerment events and entertainment-based projects, LethsMakeItHappen has grown into one of the Foundation’s most impactful youth-focused programs, encouraging the next generation of BIPOC leaders to step forward.
In 2023, this initiative grew in prominence by organizing events specifically the Leths Vibenchill Event Series that directly involved the youth, offering them a platform to lead and showcase their creativity. The impact of Let’s Make It Happen extends beyond entertainment; it is an opportunity to empower young BIPOC individuals to take ownership of their roles within the community, and it continues to be a critical component of the Foundation’s outreach strategy.
