Haviah will give up to $1000 to each winner.
Hopefuls are asked to text 647-424-3490 for instructions how to enter.
“If you run a Black-owned Business, or need a boost to get your business idea off the ground, you have until Jan. 14th to enter by filling out this form,” comes the auto-reply. “Can’t wait to hear about what you’re working on.”
The google doc then requires answers to a number of questions, including “What are 3 things you intend to do to grow your business over the next 12 months?,” "How does your business impact the Black community in your city?" and "How would this contribution impact your business?"
There is time to think about your answers before clicking submit. You don't have to fill it out on the spot. The chosen finalists will then pitch their ideas to Haviah on Instagram Live sometime in January, the winners selected “shortly after,” according to the press announcement.
“The initiative arrives in alignment with Stock Exchange and its messaging to value systems of both economic and creative forms,” it states.
Stock Exchange is the follow-up to Haviah’s album, 13th Floor, which was selected in 2019 for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize recognizing the best album of the year, as debated and determined by a jury comprised of members of the Canadian music media. Her new mixtape, released in November, includes guest contributions from artists all over the world.
Haviah is the support act on rock band the Arkells upcoming national tour, so far still a go. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster. See dates below.
Feb. 2: Victoria, BC @ Rogers Arena
Feb. 4: Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
Feb. 5: Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place
Feb. 10: Ottawa, ON @ TD Place
Feb. 11: Kingston, ON @ Leon's Centre
Feb. 12: London, ON @ Budweiser Gardens
Feb. 17: Barrie, ON @ Barrie Molson Centre
Feb. 18: Kitchener, ON @ The Auld
Feb. 19: Oshawa, ON @ Tribute Communities Centre