Empowering Black Businesses & Entrepreneurs to Thrive in Saskatchewan
CoBSMEs is a dynamic and innovative non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and empowering Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals through mentorship, business education, networking, access to funding, and community partnerships.
A coalition built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
The Coalition of Black SMEs (CoBSMEs) was founded by Regina‑based entrepreneurs who saw firsthand how much talent existed in the Black business community — and how few doors were open to it. What began as a small peer network has grown into a province‑wide coalition connecting founders with mentorship, funding, and each other.
We're not a program you apply to once — we're a community you grow with, from your first business idea to your next stage of scale.
Today, CoBSMEs supports and empowers Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals through mentorship, business education, networking, access to funding, and community partnerships across Saskatchewan.
Visibility
Showcase Black‑owned businesses and give them the recognition they deserve.
Awareness
Media and storytelling that amplifies the Black business community.
Connectivity
Digital tools that connect entrepreneurs and foster collaboration.
The principles that guide everything we do
Growth
We champion the sustainable growth of Black‑owned businesses — helping entrepreneurs move from idea, to launch, to scale with the right support at every stage.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability — building trust within our community and with the partners who invest in it.
Empowerment
We equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to take ownership of their business journey and their economic future.
The People guiding CoBSMEs
Board oversight and executive leadership behind our programs.
Lekan Oganla
Omolola Olukanni
Viola Lalonde
Olayiwola Daniels
Tundun Sanusi
Yinka Adebule
From a peer network to a province-wide coalition
Key moments in the CoBSMEs journey.
Founded in Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina‑based entrepreneurs come together to form a peer network for Black business owners — sharing knowledge, contacts, and encouragement.
Incorporated as the Coalition of Black SMEs
The network formalizes as a Saskatchewan‑incorporated non‑governmental organization dedicated to supporting Black businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals.
Workshops, networking events & the Business Directory
CoBSMEs launches recurring business workshops and networking events, and opens the CoBSMEs Business Directory to showcase Black‑owned businesses across the province.
The Black Business Empowerment Initiative (BBEI)
A full slate of programming launches under BBEI — including the Business Development and Financial Literacy Cohorts in Regina and Saskatoon, the Business Master Class, and Small Business Week.
Scaling impact into 2027
With Black History Month — Black Business Edition and the 2027 Black Business Networking Event on the calendar, the coalition continues connecting entrepreneurs with stakeholders, service providers, government partners, and ecosystem leaders.
Connect With Our Community
Have a question about our programs, partnership ideas, or want to learn more? We would love to hear from you.
