25 Years Strong: Celebrating BIJ’s Quarter-Century Journey

25 Years is no small feat! These are the powerful words of BBI Executive Director Matthew Martel when reflecting on the profound impact of the first twenty five years of Business is Jammin (BIJ), our Youth Charity.

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Since its inception 25 years ago, BIJ has been a beacon of opportunity, launched with the clear and crucial mission to empower Black youth aged eight to thirty-five in Nova Scotia, and more recently, across the entire Atlantic region. BIJ is more than just a registered charity; it is a movement that fosters entrepreneurship, champions education, and drives personal development. It boasts a rich and lasting legacy built on the unwavering belief that when access is provided, potential is unleashed. 

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What sets BIJ apart is its deep commitment to meeting youth where they are. The organization’s model recognizes that resources, support, and professional networks are often limited in both urban centers and, crucially, in rural areas. By actively engaging with youth in their own communities, BIJ ensures that its programs are accessible, relevant, and impactful. This grassroots approach has been fundamental to its success and its ability to sustain growth over two and a half decades.

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BIJ Programs & Impact:

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In the past quarter-century,—with the vital support of numerous partners and dedicated funders—has designed and launched a suite of programs and events to address the specific needs of Black Youth in Atlantic Canada. These programs have engaged more than 13,000 youth to date, demonstrating that when meaningful opportunities are made accessible, youth show up ready to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Key programs includes:

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• Youth Entrepreneurship Camps: One of the first programs launched by BIJ, entrepreneurial day camps started in Nova Scotia at the beginning of 2000 as a partnership with Junior Achievement, the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) and the Canada Youth Business Foundation. Fifty-one youth completed the first camps, gaining practical knowledge about starting and sustaining a business. Over the years, BIJ camps programming grew to deliver youth camps during the summer, March Break and more recently four week-long camps, including Pixel-Preneurs, a digital design and marketing program for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs.

• Role Models on the Road: Launched in 2005, this program aimed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals by connecting them with Black entrepreneurs operating in various fields. This initiative is critical because it helps youth see the vast array of opportunities that exist beyond the traditional career paths often followed by people in their families and communities. Back in 1999, at the time of BIJ’s creation, Black individuals in Nova Scotia were significantly underrepresented in many high-growth industries outside of traditional sectors like food service, construction, and cleaning. While progress has been made, a gap still exists, and Role Models on the Road is a key tool for closing it. Every month, the dedicated BIJ team takes to the road, visiting schools across Nova Scotia's urban and rural communities. In the past 25 years, BIJ has toured more than 250 schools in communities, bringing visible, relatable success stories directly into the classrooms and community halls where young people learn and gather.

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• BIJ Mentorship program: The BIJ Mentorship program was designed with the overarching goal of supporting Black youth as they navigate complex life decisions and intentionally build their professional and personal networks. This program has evolved to provide targeted support, especially for at-risk youth, offering one-on-one mentorship opportunities to those facing additional challenges. This emphasis on mentorship ensures that each participant can see themselves reflected in the success of others—something founding groups recognized as crucial back in 1999.

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"Entrepreneurship is not only a path to empowerment but also the vehicle that will drive Black generational wealth for years to come." Matthew Martel, BBI CEO

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From a modest start of fifty-one campers in its first full year to serving thousands of youth across multiple provinces today, Business Is Jammin’ has spent 25 years planting the seeds of entrepreneurship and patiently watching them grow. Some of those seeds became small side hustles; others blossomed into thriving companies that now employ others and contribute significantly to the local economy. All of these ventures, regardless of size, have contributed to the establishment of a stronger, more resilient, and more self-reliant Black business community throughout Atlantic Canada. This incredible journey and enduring impact would simply not have been possible without the consistent, generous financial support of partners, corporate sponsors, and community members who have collectively invested to keep all BIJ programs entirely free for the youth we serve. Maintaining accessibility is central to the mission.

However, the work is far from complete. Today, more than ever, the work of BIJ is critical in supporting the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and professionals. As BIJ incoming Chair,

Dr. Atia Mark, pointedly notes:

‘This anniversary is also a call to action. Youth unemployment sits near 14 per cent, almost double the national rate of 7.1 per cent. Young people are clear about what they need: real skills, real mentors and real pathways. ’

As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we invite you to help us change this narrative. This Giving Tuesday, we ask you to mark history and join the incredible community of builders and partners who will shape the future of BIJ. By giving this Tuesday, you will be making a direct, powerful donation that will:

• Invest in the future of Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
• Inspire youth to dream bigger and bolder.
• Equip them to Lead with innovation and confidence right here in Atlantic Canada.

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Join us in ensuring that the next quarter-century is even more impactful than the last. Donate today www.bijyouth.com

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