Kasi Insight, in partnership with Carleton University's Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, is conducting applied research examining how Black-owned businesses can participate more effectively in Canada's emerging strategic growth economy.
Canada is increasing investment across areas including infrastructure, defence, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, clean energy, digital technologies and trade diversification. The research will identify relevant procurement and supply-chain opportunities, assess the readiness of Black-owned businesses, identify barriers to participation, and develop practical approaches to supplier development and consortium formation.
The pilot focuses on Ontario and includes strategic prospect mapping, a survey of 100 Black-owned businesses, 20 stakeholder interviews and a multi-stakeholder consortium workshop.
The role We are seeking a Black graduate student researcher interested in entrepreneurship, economic development, public policy and inclusive growth.
This is an applied research role rather than a purely academic research assistantship. You will work with entrepreneurs, researchers, procurement stakeholders and Kasi analysts to understand how Black businesses can participate in major areas of Canadian economic investment.
Key responsibilities Research and evidence review: Conduct literature, policy and secondary research on Black entrepreneurship, supplier diversity, procurement, business scaling and strategic economic sectors. Review federal and provincial policies, programs and relevant research.
Entrepreneur research:



Support the design and implementation of a survey of approximately 100 Black-owned businesses using the BEEM database. Assist with recruitment, survey administration, response monitoring, data cleaning and preliminary analysis.
Stakeholder interviews: Support recruitment, scheduling and execution of approximately 20 interviews with procurement officials, prime contractors, entrepreneurs and ecosystem organizations. Prepare interview notes and code qualitative findings.
Analysis: Help identify recurring barriers related to procurement readiness, financing, certifications, market access, capacity and consortium formation. Support integration of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
Knowledge products: Contribute to the project's Black Business Readiness Snapshot, Barrier Assessment Brief, Procurement Readiness Checklist, Consortium Opportunity Framework and final report. These are among the formal deliverables required under the project.
You are currently enrolled in a master's, PhD or comparable graduate program in a relevant field such as:
Business or entrepreneurship
Public policy/public administration
International affairs
Development studies
Engineering
You should have strong research and analytical skills, excellent written English, comfort conducting interviews, and an ability to turn research into concise practical insights.
Experience with surveys, qualitative research, Excel, statistical analysis, procurement, entrepreneurship or Black business ecosystems is an asset.

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📌 Graduate Student Researcher — Black Entrepreneurship & Strategic Growth (Ontario)
🏢 Kasi Insight
📍 Ontario