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Entrepreneur Access Network

Entrepreneurs aren’t determined by their backgrounds. Their potential shouldn’t be either.

About the program | Sponsors | Our team

EY Entrepreneurs Access Network

Starting in 2026, we’re expanding the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network to focus on Black, Indigenous, Pan-Asian and Latino entrepreneurs to help a more diverse range of business owners overcome disparities and reach new heights.

Entrepreneurship by the numbers

Approximately

3.5m

entrepreneurs in Canada

In 2018

45,000

Canadians started a business

Only approximately

2,000

businesses of significant scale are Black owned in Canada

Only

1.4%

of businesses are owned by Indigenous People

About the program

The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to access learning opportunities and build networks, helping to close gaps and reach new heights.

The program provides a one-year educational curriculum tailored specifically for CEOs of private, for-profit organizations. This curriculum focuses on essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

In addition to the educational component, the program emphasizes the importance of building strong networks. Participants will have access to exclusive networking opportunities, connecting them with industry leaders, peers and potential collaborators. Each participant is paired with an EY Relationship Ambassador for personalized 1:1 coaching, giving them the guidance and support to help them thrive throughout their growth journey.

Complimentary opportunity to invest in your personal growth and leadership skills, ultimately enhancing your business performance.
Access to an exclusive community of high-growth company leaders.
Assignment of an EY Relationship Ambassador who provides ongoing, personalized guidance throughout your program journey.
Access to insightful learning sessions and events featuring prominent business leaders and organizations.
Connection to a dynamic ecosystem of innovative entrepreneurs through various programs offered by EY.
Enhanced brand visibility to potential investors, new customers, M&A opportunities and strategic alliances.
Candidates must be business leaders or founders of privately owned companies in Canada that are at least two years old and at least 51% owned by Black, Indigenous, Pan-Asian or Latino individuals.
Co-founders may apply as a group if they collectively meet the ownership requirements.
The business must have generated a minimum of CDN$1 million in annual revenue for at least the past two consecutive years, as evidenced by financial records.
Founders who retain majority ownership after securing outside investment remain eligible.
Only scalable, for-profit businesses will be considered for the program.

Businesses owned by diverse individuals are not just contributors to Canada’s economy. They are catalysts for innovation and growth. Our commitment through the Entrepreneurs Access Network is to empower these entrepreneurs to access the funding and networks that can help them achieve their potential, making every voice heard and helping to put a much broader range of opportunities within reach. Together, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all

Myriam Gafarou

Partner, Risk Consulting, Enterprise Risk

Photo of Myriam Gafarou

Building a remarkable entrepreneurial ecosystem starts with embracing inclusion.

Inequalities in our world have contributed to challenges for businesses owned by diverse entrepreneurs. Today, we have a unique opportunity to enhance Canada’s competitiveness and drive economic impact by creating pathways for entrepreneurship that are accessible to all and shape the future with confidence.

EAN brochure

Download a printable EY Entrepreneurs Access Network program brochure

Download

Canadian companies founded and run by Black, Indigenous, Pan-Asian or Latino entrepreneurs are cornerstones of our country’s economy. But they still face formidable barriers to funding, capital, and essential connections. The Entrepreneurs Access Network is committed to empowering these entrepreneurs, driving significant economic impact, and forging a pathway to inclusive entrepreneurship for everyone.

Daniel Baer, FCPA

Partner, Assurance

Photo of Daniel Baer

National sponsor

BDC is a proud National sponsor of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network program

Businesses owned by diverse groups are vital to the strength of Canada’s economy and capital markets. Nonetheless, they often encounter significant barriers in securing funding, capital and essential connections. The Entrepreneurs Access Network empowers participants to harness EY’s deep knowledge, resources and professional networks, fostering a robust support community that enables these entrepreneurs to thrive and achieve sustainable growth

Chris Gordon

Partner, National Leader, People Advisory Services Tax

Photo of Chris Gordon

The team

Photo of Chris Gordon

Chris Gordon
Partner,
National Leader People
Advisory Services Tax
+1 416 943 2544
christopher.d.gordon@ca.ey.com

Photo of Daniel Baer

Daniel Baer, FCPA, FCA
Partner,
Assurance
+1 514 879 2603
daniel.a.baer@ca.ey.com

Photo of Myriam Gafarou

Myriam Gafarou
Partner,
Risk Consulting,
Enterprise Risk
+1 416 941 7786
myriam.gafarou@ca.ey.com

Photo of Meghan Zadravec

Meghan Zadravec
EY Entrepreneur Access Network Canadian Program Lead,
+1 403 206 5486
meghan.zadravec@ca.ey.com

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Learn more

Download EAN Brochure

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