EY Canada has announced the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network 2025 cohort. This year, 17 visionary Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs representing 15 innovative companies have been selected to participate in a comprehensive year-long program designed to help scale their businesses and bridge the disparity gap in the Canadian business landscape, said the company.
The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network in Canada is a program designed to support Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs. It aims to address the disparity gap by combining a curated, one-year educational curriculum for business owners of Black and Indigenous controlled private, for-profit organizations, with coaching and networking opportunities. Participants are paired with an EY Relationship Ambassador for dedicated coaching to help guide them through their growth journey.
Myriam Gafarou
“In the face of unprecedented economic shifts, entrepreneurs are often a driving force behind our country’s growth,” said Myriam Gafarou, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. “We’re honoured to support leaders who showcase the incredible diversity and vibrant spirit of Canada’s business community.”
The Canadian entrepreneurs are:
- Chelsee Pettit, aaniin retail inc. | Toronto, Ontario
- Claudia Comtois, Alchemi Media Inc. | Pointe-des-Cascades, Québec
- Micheline Khan, Althea Therapy | Hamilton, Ontario
- Holly Buchanan, Buchanan Global Ingredients | Etobicoke, Ontario
- Mélissa Charles, Excelsior avocats Inc. | Laval, Québec
- Frances Murray, Fran Murray Co. | Mississauga, Ontario
- Carleen Dehaney, FXO Consulting Inc. | Toronto, Ontario
- Bilqees Grant, Helius Originals | Scarborough, Ontario
- Tinu Bruchanova, MediaBonnet | Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Trisha Pitura and Melanie Bernard, MINI TIPI | Gatineau, Québec
- Aaron Asp, Parking BOXX Corp | Sarnia, Ontario
- Hazel Lord, Pearl Operational Design Inc. | Toronto, Ontario
- Anita Pawluk, RaceRocks 3D Inc. | Victoria, British Columbia
- Steven Vaivada, Scout Engineering & Consulting Ltd. | Tsuut’ina, Alberta
- Dezie St Hilaire and Clinton Redhead, The Sea Moss Guy Inc. | Etobicoke, Ontario
Christopher Gordon
“Our 2025 program cohort is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada,” said Christopher Gordon, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. “From retail and consulting to engineering and wellness, each participant in this year’s program brings a unique perspective and approach to their industry, and we’re excited to support their journeys toward growth and success.”
The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network provides a unique platform for participants to engage in personalized coaching, networking opportunities and monthly learning sessions tailored to their needs. By connecting entrepreneurs with seasoned EY Relationship Ambassadors, the program aims to empower them to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential, said the company.
Daniel Baer
“The EY Entrepreneurs Access Network is more than just a program, it’s a commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Daniel Baer, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Program Co-Director. “By investing in these entrepreneurs’ growth, we’re not only helping them succeed, but also shaping a confident future for all voices.”
As the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network continues to grow over the years, it remains an integral part of EY’s broader mission to support entrepreneurship in Canada. The program complements the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® programs in empowering the next generation of business leaders, added EY.
Learn more about the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network.
The program’s national sponsor is BDC.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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