About The Expo
The Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo (MVBBE) was launched on October 22, 2022, at St. Matthew’s R.C. Parish, Surrey, BC, proudly hosted by the Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC. The inaugural Expo featured local Black-owned businesses, community leaders, and cultural programming, creating a platform to celebrate entrepreneurship, strengthen community ties, and spotlight the contributions of Black businesses in Metro Vancouver.
The 2023 Expo, held on October 21, 2023, at the Guildford Recreation Centre, marked a new era through a partnership with the Surrey Board of Trade. This collaboration elevated the Expo’s reach and profile. The program included an exhibitor showcase, youth engagement activities, and expanded networking opportunities. From this year forward, Prospera Credit Union joined as the B2B Networking Lounge Sponsor, providing a space for entrepreneurs and professionals to build connections and partnerships.
On October 26, 2024, the third Expo took place at Surrey City Hall, again co-hosted with the Surrey Board of Trade. Yoruba BC also launched its New Entrepreneurial Incubator Program, supporting 30 new businesses in parallel with the Expo. The exhibitor list expanded to include service providers, startups, financial institutions, and community organizations, reflecting the Expo’s growing reputation as a central hub for Black entrepreneurship and innovation.
The 2025 Expo, scheduled for October 18, 2025, will return to Surrey City Hall, in partnership with the newly renamed Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
We extend a special thank-you to Prospera Credit Union, whose ongoing commitment as the B2B Networking Lounge Sponsor from 2023 through 2025 has played a vital role in creating consistent opportunities for networking, collaboration, and business growth at the Expo.
- ABOUT
THE YORUBA SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF BC
Yoruba BC is a volunteer-run Black organization established in 1998 to cater to the needs of the minority ethnic group of Yoruba origin, living in BC. The association provides, promotes and fosters good social and cultural relationships and environment where Yoruba people, Yoruba Canadians and other cultural associations can discuss matters of mutual interest to all cultures.
- ABOUT
THE SURREY & WHITE ROCK BOARD OF TRADE
The Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade is committed to driving economic growth, attracting new investment, and supporting the success of businesses across all sectors in
our beautiful cities. Representing both our members and the overall business community, we champion policies, partnerships, and programs that make Surrey and White Rock destinations for innovation and opportunity. Through government advocacy, workforce development, international trade, and business connections, we create
the conditions for business to thrive—locally and globally. At the heart of our work is a belief that strong business is the foundation of a resilient, prosperous community.
Message From The Mayor
Her Worship Brenda Locke
Mayor, City of Surrey
On behalf of Surrey Council, I’m pleased to welcome the 2023 Metro
Vancouver Black Business Expo and its attendees to our great City.
I am excited to see Black entrepreneurs being showcased at this event. The
Expo provides a great opportunity for professionals, entrepreneurs and
leaders in our community to connect, in addition to providing crucial
networking opportunities to help elevate and connect business owners for
future partnerships.
As the fastest growing City in the region, we know the importance of
celebrating diversity. Without question, the City of Surrey is made stronger
and more vibrant by our multiculturalism and we are committed to building a
culturally inclusive community for all.
I thank the Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC and the Surrey
Board of Trade for creating this platform and for choosing Surrey to host this
important event. We must work together to advance equity, diversity and
excellence for Black British Columbians and Surrey residents, and events like
this Expo help amplify the contributions made to our community and
economy by Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
Message From Premier David Eby
Honourable David Eby, KC
Premier of British Columbia
As Premier of British Columbia, I extend a warm welcome to all attendees of
the 2023 Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo.
This expo provides a remarkable platform for Black entrepreneurs to showcase
their products and services to a wide audience, creating invaluable networking
opportunities and opening doors for new collaborations. Small businesses are
important to our communities, and I am thrilled to see the diversity and
entrepreneurial spirit that this event brings to our province. By empowering
Black business owners, we help to foster an inclusive and thriving business
ecosystem that champions the success of all entrepreneurs.
I would like to thank the Yoruba Social a n d Cultural Association of BC and the
Surrey Board of Trade for providing this vital opportunity for Black business
owners to connect and promote their businesses. We are fortunate to live in
Canada’s most culturally diverse province, and events like this highlight
the remarkable contributions and talents of Black entrepreneurs to our
economy.
Please accept my best wishes for a successful expo!