Our Story
Trusted Since 2017
In 2017, Luckner Thermonvil and its partners set up another project called ABEPOG (ASSOCIATION OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURS & PROFESSIONALS OF OTTAWA-GATINEAU or in French Association des Entrepreneur.es et Professionnel.le.s Noir.es d ‘Ottawa Gatineau).
It is a community-based, non-profit organization run by a local board of directors. Established under the Canada Corporations Act (RSC 1970, C-32), the Society is made up of young black professionals concerned with promoting entrepreneurship and the search for economic opportunities beneficial to members of the black community from Ottawa- Gatineau. The company’s financial support is achieved through a partnership with local businesses, the private sector, the religious community, black professionals and governments. For 8 years of its existence, ABEPOG has been committed to encouraging the black presence in the business world in the national capital region. ABEPOG has proven itself in a wide range of business sectors including social and economic development, technology, the individual economy and the cultural sector.
ABEPOG is dedicated to institutional development projects with the goal of making public and private institutions more open, accessible, inclusive and responsive to the diverse black communities of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Luc Thermonvil had the idea of creating ABEPOG in order to meet mainly the unique needs of black businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau.
Our Values
These values represent the reputational capital that we aspire to leave as a legacy within our community. They form the basis of our commitment to lasting and positive impact.
Trust
Trust is essential to building strong relationships with entrepreneurs and partners. Abepog must be seen as a reliable and transparent organization. By acting with integrity and honesty, she creates an environment conducive to sharing ideas and challenges. Entrepreneurs then feel supported and secure.
Willingness to take calculated risks
Encouraging a willingness to take calculated risks means that Abepog supports entrepreneurs in their bold but well-thought-out initiatives. This involves providing resources and guidance to assess potential risks and develop strategies to manage them effectively. This value promotes innovation and growth.
Inovation
Innovation is essential to staying relevant and competitive. Abepog should encourage entrepreneurs to adopt creative approaches and innovate their products and services. This may include hosting workshops on new technologies, developing partnerships with business incubators, and promoting innovative thinking in all aspects of operations.
Provide high quality products and services
Providing high quality products and services means that Abepog ensures that entrepreneurs have access to the best resources available. This includes cutting-edge training, effective management tools, and strong support networks. Quality must be a priority in all organizational initiatives to ensure the success of entrepreneurs.
Efficiency
The efficiency of Abepog operation consists of optimizing the use of resources to obtain the best possible results. To achieve this, we must simplify administrative processes, improve internal and external communication, and ensure that the programs and services offered are delivered quickly and efficiently. The goal is to maximize impact with available resources.
service excellence
Service excellence involves providing exceptional support to young Black entrepreneurs and immigrants. This includes personalized advice, regular monitoring and programs tailored to their specific needs. Abepog is committed to providing high-quality services that exceed the expectations of its members, ensuring their satisfaction and success.
Our Vision
Our vision of the sector and beyond.
Pioneers of a better future: let’s create a common vision together.
Representation
Representation of the black community in business and various sectors such as high-tech, academia, manufacturing and culture.
Adaptability
Become a pillar of African-Canadian communities and foster an environment conducive to successful entrepreneurship.
Inovation
We aspire to an innovative vision where creativity and daring are our guides, propelling our community to new heights.
Sustainability
Stay as long as possible with the community to meet the needs most felt.
Our goal is to strengthen the representation of the Black community in business and various industries such as high-tech, academia, manufacturing and culture. We seek to capitalize on the unique talents, specialized knowledge, branding, leadership, integrity and relationships of our employees to maximize our competitive advantage.
Mission
Our Mission
We position ourselves as a source of information and resources to promote the development of businesses owned by Black individuals and Black youth. We provide educational and support services to improve the economic status of the Black community, while creating a platform for intellectual business exchange, mentoring and training.
Our aim is to increase social mobility by instilling in young people an entrepreneurial mindset, as well as the skills and confidence to begin their professional careers with ambition and an attitude conducive to success, both on an individual and community level.
About us
Objective
We aim to align our organization with the Global Goals by specifically supporting businesses led by Black individuals. We offer tools to improve performance and profitability, while fostering a healthy work culture. Facilitating successful professional relationships and strengthening entrepreneurial skills are essential to our mission.
To address financial challenges, we are exploring long-term financing opportunities. Our initial goals included helping over 100 Black businesses in Ottawa-Gatineau achieve profitability, funding over 150 jobs for Black students, and securing a net profit exceeding $1 million for these businesses by end of 2024.
Mandate
Stay informed and educate others about the capital available for start-up, development, growth and success for Black business owners and homeowners in the National Capital Region.This mandate is at the core of our mission to empower the Black community through economic development and entrepreneurship.
We are dedicated to providing access to financial resources, mentorship, and educational opportunities that foster sustainable business practices and community growth. By keeping our community well-informed about available funding and support, we aim to bridge the gap between potential and achievement, ensuring that Black entrepreneurs and homeowners have the tools they need to succeed and thrive in the National Capital Region.
Contact us ?
The ABEPOG team remains open to all questions and concerns. Click on the link and leave us a message.
At ABEPOG, making your entrepreneurial dream come true is our mission.