Healing is Resistance: Free Therapy Program Supports Black Entrepreneurs Across Southwestern Ontario

By: Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Burlington Local-News.ca

 

For many Black entrepreneurs, building a business comes with pressures that extend far beyond cash flow and customer acquisition. Financial stress, systemic barriers, isolation, and the weight of being “the first” or “the only” in their circles can quietly erode mental health. A new initiative led by BLK OWNED Hamilton is working to change that by offering free, culturally responsive therapy to Black entrepreneurs across southwestern Ontario.

 

The Therapy for Black Entrepreneurs program was inspired by similar mental health initiatives in Toronto and officially launched in Hamilton with funding from the City of Hamilton’s City Enrichment Fund. According to Gugulethu Mpofu, senior manager of community relations at BLK OWNED, the program was designed to address a long-standing gap in accessible mental health support within the Black business community.

 

“We got the idea from Toronto, because they have a Black mental health initiative that runs,” Mpofu said. “So we decided that we were going to bring it to Hamilton, and we were able to secure funding through the City of Hamilton to put this together.”

 

The program is supported through partnerships with several community organizations, including Refuge Newcomer Health, whose executive director sponsored the initiative to complement the city grant. Burlington Local-News.ca reached out to Refugee Newcomer Health but did not receive a response before the publication of the article. 

 

“We’ve been really grateful for that support,” Mpofu said. “Mental health and wellness are a huge focus, and this collaboration allowed us to make therapy sessions available to entrepreneurs who otherwise might not access them.”

 

Mpofu explained that stigma around mental health remains a significant barrier within the Black community, particularly when it comes to therapy.

 

“A lot of times, mental health and accessing therapy is stigmatized, like it’s not a real thing,” she said. “We also recognize that Black individuals face unique challenges around financial stress, systemic discrimination, isolation, and a lack of culturally relevant care.”

 

The initiative brings together mental health professionals, community organizations, and business networks to normalize mental health care and strengthen long-term well-being for individuals and their ventures.

 

“If you’re not taking care of yourself as a business owner, how can you grow and expand your business?” Mpofu said. “This is something we wanted to make a statement piece within our organization.”

 

Now in its second year, the program has already shown strong engagement. While it focuses on Black entrepreneurs, access is not limited strictly to business owners.

 

“The Black community in general can access it,” Mpofu said. “There aren’t strict limitations, because wellness is something that should be embedded in everything we do.”

 

In addition to therapy sessions, BLK OWNED has incorporated wellness-based programming such as yoga, knitting sessions designed to encourage slowing down, and an end-of-program retreat featuring Black mental health specialists offering services like acupuncture and cupping.

 

“We all understand the struggles of mental health, especially post-COVID, especially being Black, and being Black women,” Mpofu said. “We wanted to create space for people to breathe.”

 

A key partner in delivering the therapy component is Winrose Oasis Counselling, a Black-owned practice co-founded by registered social worker and psychotherapist Chantel Gray. The partnership began during Black Mental Health Week last year, when Winrose facilitated a self-care workshop for Black business owners.

 

“While it’s focused on entrepreneurship, every facet of our lives impacts that,” Gray said. “It doesn’t matter what you want to speak about — relationships, work issues, stress levels — it all plays a role.”

 

The current offering includes approximately eight therapy sessions, with conversations shaped by the needs of participants. Gray noted that isolation is a recurring theme among clients.

 

“Often, they’re the only one in their family or friend group running a business,” she said. “There’s pressure to prove yourself, financial strain, and the challenge of balancing relationships and time with family. All of that comes into the room.”

 

Gray emphasized that free access to therapy is especially critical right now, as many entrepreneurs place their personal needs last. “Many entrepreneurs simply don’t have excess funds,” she said. “Cash flow is unpredictable, profits are reinvested, and mental health becomes a luxury instead of a necessity — even when it’s deeply needed.” By removing cost barriers, the program allows Black entrepreneurs to seek support without guilt or hesitation.

 

“You don’t get free therapy very often, especially from people who look like you,” Gray said. “That’s why it’s so important to take advantage of it.” Winrose Oasis Counselling offers a diverse team of therapists, giving participants a choice in who they work with. Gray also encouraged those who may not qualify for the program to still seek support elsewhere.

 

“There may be cost barriers, but reaching out is still important,” she said. “Many therapists offer sliding scale options. Support is not a weakness or a betrayal of strength — we all need it.” Participants can access therapy by contacting Winrose directly and indicating they are part of the Black Entrepreneur Free Therapy Program.

 

As BLK OWNED continues to evaluate the program’s impact, Mpofu hopes strong participation will demonstrate the need for sustained investment in Black mental health supports. 

 

“If it’s being utilized, we can go back to our funders and say this is something our community truly needs,” she said.

 

For Black entrepreneurs navigating the weight of business ownership, the program offers more than therapy — it offers permission to pause, reflect, and heal while building a future that is both sustainable and well. To sign up for the free therapy session, visit the Winrose Oasis Therapy website.