DATE: January 29, 2025
TIME: 1:00 – 2:00 PM ET

Join representatives from leading Canadian banks for a dynamic discussion on the evolving landscape of franchise financing for BIPOC and female business owners. This session will explore the historical barriers these entrepreneurs have faced, progress toward fostering equity, and innovative initiatives addressing systemic challenges to create new opportunities.

Panelists will share insights into the current state of financing, practical solutions available today, and their institutions’ plans to promote inclusivity in franchising. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the financing ecosystem, discover actionable resources, and hear about future strategies to drive meaningful progress.

Whether you’re a franchisee, franchisor, or interested in equity-building within the business world, this session offers valuable perspectives to empower the next generation of diverse franchise leaders.

Key Discussion Points:

• Historical challenges in franchise financing for BIPOC and female entrepreneurs
• Current initiatives aimed at fostering equity and inclusion
• Practical tools and resources available to franchise business owners
• Future directions and commitments to creating a more equitable financing landscape

Learn & Grow webinars are eligible for 50 CFE participation credits each! Learn more about CFE program here.

SPEAKERS

Paul daSilva is the National Vice President for Franchise and Retail Brands at RBC Royal Bank. Paul’s team is responsible for the Bank’s portfolio of multi-unit franchisees/retailers in the Canadian marketplace. Paul is a career banker with 34 years in Banking, 25 of those helping franchisees grow their portfolio and set them up for success to live their dream as an entrepreneur. Paul has a long history of service to his local community and charitable organizations including many Franchise Community sponsored charities.

Simika Kabir is currently the Director, Business Banking Strategy at RBC and responsible for the overall development, leadership and accountability for the Women in Business, Black Entrepreneurs and Business Owner Planning enterprise strategies. Since joining RBC in 2015, Simika has held progressively senior roles in different transformational and strategic teams focused on workforce strategies. Prior to RBC, Simika worked in mergers and acquisitions for Sybase (a Silicon Valley tech company), and as a business/social venture consultant for Care Canada (a non-profit).

Hosna Kadary, National Market Leader Zero Barriers to Business at BMO Canada