OYA Black Arts Coalition has unveiled the participants for the third year of the OYA Scale Up Business Bootcamp, which is committed to elevating voices and talents in Black production.

Eleven companies have been selected for this year’s bootcamp, represented by 13 people, according to news release. The initiative helps companies scale up their business through workshops, mentorships and networking.

Included in the year three cohort are Aden Abebe of Miskeen Media; Weggon Allen from Lenz Films; Darren Anthony of Playing with Crayons; Safia Barthowmeau and Kern Carter from CRY Creative; and Jessica Carter and Linda Carter, both representing Go Creative Entertainment Management.

Also participating are Troy Crossfield of Crossfield House Productions; Alison Fraser from KAF Consulting Group; Rico King of Black King Entertainment; KhaRå Martin of KMI Productions; Chelsea Nyomi from Iris Moon Media; and Murry Peeters of Mugaliyombo Media.

The OYA Black Arts Coalition is supported by a non-repayable Government of Canada investment of $3 million through the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Working with partners such as Bizable Media, WIFT Toronto, IMPACT and Black Women Film! Canada, the program has propelled 24 Black-owned companies in its previous years, said the release.

“The OYA Black Arts Coalition is supporting Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs so they can create and grow their businesses and reach their full potential,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, in a statement. “Our government is happy to provide nearly $17 million to ensure this project can continue its amazing work.”

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