Bow Valley College's Virtual Production Hub recently became the setting for an important conversation about how entrepreneurship develops in Alberta and the role research can play in understanding emerging needs across the province.
The discussion was filmed as part of a Black African Immigrant Entrepreneur Research Project, a three-year study led by Olubunmi Obateru, Instructor, Applied Research, and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) through the College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).
This project is part of the applied research underway at Bow Valley College, and it reflects the kind of community-based inquiry that helps us better understand the systems shaping Alberta’s future economy.
About the Research
The study explores how Black African immigrant entrepreneurs move through Alberta’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and what influences their ability to start and grow a business. As Obateru explains in the episode, the research focuses on “how they interact with training systems in Alberta’s innovation and entrepreneur ecosystem."
Over the first two years, the research team conducted more than 46 interviews across the province, from Lethbridge to Fort McMurray, with support from community partners BIPOC Foundation, Startup Court, and BBVA. These partners played a key role in connecting the research team with entrepreneurs in both rural and urban communities, helping ensure the project reflects lived experience and on the ground realities.
What the Research Is Revealing
Hosted by Zahra Aghababaei from our Applied Research team, the podcast episode brings together Olubunmi Obateru and community partners, Emmanuel Oluwatosin and Clement Esene to discuss the experiences and realities emerging from the study.
The discussion highlights a wide range of entrepreneurial journeys, from newcomers with deep experience in fintech ecosystems in Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg, to long‑time Alberta residents who have built successful businesses and want to share what they’ve learned. Obateru notes how one participant described selling her car to fund her business idea, while another family sold their home to invest in their venture. These stories illustrate both the determination of entrepreneurs and the structural barriers they encounter.
Community partners emphasized the importance of evidence‑based insight, beyond conversation.
“We want to be sure that the programs we are running are actually meeting the right needs”, shared Emmanuel Oluwatosin, of StartupCourt, adding, “being part of this research gives us access to data and helps us understand the gaps”.
The project is also surfacing broader ecosystem challenges, including limited access to early‑stage capital, the need for more diverse funding models, and the importance of clear pathways for entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey.
Applied Research in Action at BVC
This work demonstrates how applied research can bridge academic learning with real community needs. As Obateru noted, “our students are the entrepreneurs of the future and the researchers of the future… community‑based research is very important for that reason.”
Student research assistants on the project gained practical experience in interviewing, community engagement, and data collection. One student reflected that the work helped them understand how to make a meaningful impact on society and support others in building a better life.
Looking Ahead
As the project moves into its final year, the team will turn toward deeper analysis and sharing insights with partners across Alberta. What’s emerging is more than data, it’s a clearer picture of how entrepreneurs navigate opportunity, challenge, and possibility in a changing province.
This work reflects the power of applied research at Bow Valley College: connecting people, knowledge, and community to help shape a more inclusive and innovative future for Alberta.
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