# Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks EY Canada Supports 17 BIPOC Entrepreneurs By Kalin Ned | Published 2025-04-30 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entrepreneurs-access-network References: [newswire](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ey-canada-welcomes-new-cohort-of-black-and-indigenous-entrepreneurs-to-its-business-accelerator-program-832986826.html)  EY Canada has launched its latest cohort of the Entrepreneurs Access Network, a year-long business accelerator that will support 17 [Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/growth-project) in 15 diverse companies across Canada. The program provides tailored mentorship, networking opportunities, and educational sessions to help participants scale their ventures while addressing systemic barriers in the business landscape. Participants span industries from retail and media to engineering and wellness. Through EY Canada's Entrepreneurs Access Network, each individual is paired with an EY Relationship Ambassador for personalized guidance. This program complements the EY Canada organization’s broader efforts to foster [inclusive economic growth](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upstream-1) through initiatives like [Entrepreneurial Winning Women™](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-business-fund-2026) and Entrepreneur Of The Year®. By spotlighting Black and Indigenous business leaders, the program also serves as an inspirational platform that encourages future entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds to pursue their ventures with confidence. Image Credit: EY Canada ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 39% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Social Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialbusiness) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Inclusive Business Accelerators:** Programs like EY Canada's Entrepreneurs Access Network are emerging as crucial tools in leveling the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs by offering tailored mentorship and resources. - **Diverse Entrepreneurial Networks:** The emphasis on networking opportunities in diversity-focused accelerators is reshaping business ecosystems by creating bridges for marginalized entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and innovate. - **Mentorship-driven Growth:** Personalized guidance from experienced professionals is being recognized as a transformative factor for minority-led startups, enabling them to navigate unique challenges and scale effectively. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Business Consulting:** The rise of diversity-focused programs highlights the consulting industry's role in providing structured support and strategic guidance to underrepresented entrepreneurs. - **Education and Training:** Educational sessions within business accelerators for BIPOC entrepreneurs emphasize the growing demand for specialized training programs that address systemic barriers. - **Networking Platforms:** Networking platforms are being increasingly valued in the startup ecosystem as pivotal elements that facilitate crucial connections for Black and Indigenous business leaders. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Small Business Support Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-x-pier-five-small-business-fund.md) - [Entrepreneur-Supporting Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doordash-accelerator.md) - [Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-entrepreneur.md) - [Beauty Entrepreneurship Incubators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-entrepreneurship.md) - [BIPOC Culinary Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-opportunity-fund.md) - [Supplier Diversity Pilot Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diversity-pilot-program.md) - [Black-Owned Cannabis Business Accelerators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/growth-project.md) - [AI-Enhanced Employment Accessibility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enabled-talent.md) - [Women-Focused Business Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/small-business-fund-2026.md)