Edmonton’s first Black-owned market designed to ‘level playing field’
Posted July 22, 2020 6:51 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
EDMONTON (CITYNEWS) – Edmonton will host its first-ever Black-owned market this Sunday to help businesses hurt by COVID-19.
The pop-up market will be modelled after Calgary’s and will feature Black-owned businesses selling art, skin care products, clothing and jewellery.
“We’ll have vendors all along the sides,” said event organizer Rochelle Ignacio. “We’ll have them spaced out so that everyone feels safe.”
Organizers hope this market will help level the playing field. They say Black-owned businesses have been hit hard during the pandemic, and historically are less likely to receive funding from banks or investors.
“That they can survive with COVID going on,” said Ignacio of the market’s goal. “They didn’t have access to all that funding that was necessarily in place. This will help support their businesses, keep it thriving, and help contribute to the larger Edmonton economy.”
Ignacio is hoping to use this momentum to build a platform for Black businesses and show the community what they have to offer.
The pop-up market is being set up in the parking lot of Habesha African Market.
