Blakes is committed to promoting inclusion, both internally and in our relationships with our clients and communities. Within Blakes, we work to ensure we are continuously providing the resources and support to advance diversity and inclusion. In our communities, we foster meaningful ties with organizations and associations committed to diversity and inclusion.

In collaboration with the BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) Alberta Chapter, and consistent with our values, Blakes is proud to offer this pro bono initiative to support Black small businesses and entrepreneurs. BNI is a not-for-profit organization committed to removing anti-Black systemic barriers that negatively affect the lives of Black-Canadian business owners. This initiative supports Black business owners who are in need of legal services crucial to advance their businesses. Our lawyers have expertise in numerous practice areas and are skilled professionals who are eager to make positive change, guiding business owners through entrepreneurial challenges.

As part of this pro bono initiative, we invite Black-owned businesses or Black entrepreneurs to apply for legal services through Blakes. The goal of this program is to provide up to ten hours of pro bono legal advice to 15 eligible businesses. Incorporation is not subject to the ten-hour limitation of services. Services will be offered virtually and/or in the Firm’s Calgary office, encompassing the following:

• Incorporation and structuring (determining the corporate structure, incorporation and registration, etc.)

• Corporate governance (director and officer liability, indemnification agreements, etc.)

• Commercial agreements (purchase and sale agreements, supply agreements, etc.)

• Confidentiality agreements

• Employment and compensation advice and related agreements (employment agreements, employee-related policies, etc.)

• IP strategy, patents and trademarks

• Privacy advice

• Financing advice (tax advice, fund raising, etc.)

Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• The organization must be majority-owned by individuals who self-identify as Black and are either registered in Alberta or intend to be registered in Alberta.

• Black entrepreneurs must be 18 years or older, reside in Alberta and be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Please note your application will not be considered if the above criteria are not met.