On June 10, 2019, two Black visionaries, business students from George Brown College, embarked on a mission to address a critical issue: the underrepresentation of Black and racialized entrepreneurs in programs and services, especially in financial inclusion. This led to the formation of the Black Awareness Movement Group. This grassroots community shared information and advocated for initiatives that empowered the economic development and advancement of Black Canadians.

For the next four years, this group provided unwavering support to BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals at the community level. Recognizing their focus had shifted, they registered The Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Society Hub (F.L.E.S.H.) in 2023. This transformation was born from a series of epiphanies about the glaring lack of financial literacy and support for entrepreneurial creatives in marginalized communities. With a renewed purpose, F.L.E.S.H. set out to inform, educate, mentor, and train individuals and businesses, focusing on financial literacy, development, and access to credit and capital.

“We chose Alterna because they have continuously provided support and service to our community’s priority market segments”

F.L.E.S.H. chose Alterna Savings as their financial banking partner. Alterna’s longstanding reputation and extensive resources made it a natural fit. “We chose Alterna because they have continuously provided support and service to our community’s priority market segments in addition to educating our community, particularly through financial literacy and backing applications for accounts and microfinancing since 2019,” says Brandy Skinner, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of F.L.E.S.H. “In fact, we make it part of our course curriculum and program mandate to recommend Alterna services and products to our cohorts, members, affiliates and partners alike.”

As members helping members, we want to shine a spotlight on F.L.E.S.H. as they continue their journey to empower and uplift marginalized communities through education, advocacy, and unwavering support. Their story is a testament to the power of grassroots movements and the impact of dedicated individuals working together for a common cause.

Learn more about F.L.E.S.H and their financial inclusion programs here.

For more information on how Alterna supports entrepreneurs click here.