Enhancing Industry Diversity
LCBO is pleased to partner with Black Opportunity Fund, a community-led charitable organization that supports a prosperous Black Canada. Our partnership provides grants to Black entrepreneurs and their businesses in the beverage alcohol industry. Through the Black Beverage Alcohol Business Grant this year, we awarded $20,000 grants to seven Black-owned businesses across Canada — helping them grow their ventures. Together our aim is to break down systemic barriers, create sustainable opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and build a more equitable beverage alcohol industry.
About Our Partner
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is a community-led registered Canadian charitable organization that supports a prosperous, healthy and thriving Black Canada by challenging anti-Black racism in two ways.
BOF responds to longstanding underinvestment in Black communities by delivering sustainable and needs-informed capital streams, managed by Black people for the benefit of Black communities, which disrupt ineffective and disempowering contemporary funding practices. BOF also works nationally to strengthen collective actions by Black organizations and leaders, helping them to create new and more impactful ways to support and advocate for their community.
Bira!
As Canada’s first independent bottler of globally sourced, small-batch premium rum — and proudly Black-owned — Bira! brings rare, authentic sugarcane spirits to Canadians. Discover bold expressions from the South Pacific, South Africa, Venezuela and Marie-Galante — with more to come from rum regions around the world.
“Access to this funding helps us strengthen our B.C. and Alberta presence and expand into Ontario’s premium spirits market.” — Karl Mudzamba, Co-Founder
Levenswater Gin
Based in Toronto, Levenswater crafts hand-made, artisanal gin, inspired by founder Paul Allamby’s Dutch heritage. The name means “Water of Life,” reflecting influences from 16th-century Belgian and Dutch master distillers. Informed by European heritage, the company remains uniquely Canadian.
"This grant allows us to expand our overall awareness levels — educating new audiences about our brand’s history and unique attributes." — Paul Allamby, Founder
Mascot Brewery
Established in 2015, this brewery and restaurant chain has three locations across the GTA. From the start, Mascot has aimed to craft unique and flavourful beers, served in an inclusive and approachable way. The menu ranges from IPAs and sours to seltzers and lagers.
“This partnership has empowered us to grow sustainably, while staying true to our mission of representing Black ownership and culture in the craft beer industry." — Aaron Prothro, Founder and CEO
LS Cream Liqueur
Myriam Jean-Baptiste and Stevens Charles launched their own cream liqueur, inspired by Stevens’ late grandmother’s handwritten cremas recipe, which she left behind and that the family had cherished for decades. Using Stevens' grandmother's initials, they named the spirit LS as an homage to her legacy. They managed to capture the taste of her cremas recipe in the form of a traditional cream liqueur.
"To be seen is something that is really important because we feel that we are not alone and we can have the guidelines to be able to succeed." — Stevens Charles, Founder
Pop's Punch
With the original recipe crafted in the 60's and inspiration drawn by the vibrant local flavors, their creation became a beloved family tradition shared at family events and BBQs in Jamaica and Canada. This three-generation family tradition became the foundation for Pop's Punch and the recipe used today.
“This grant will help us with our plans for marketing. Getting recognition for new brands is a huge deal.” — Andrew Weathers, CMO and Founder
Nyarai Cellars
This small-production wine company was established in 2008 with a focus on crafting VQA wines that reflect and promote the distinct character of the Niagara wine region. The current portfolio includes aromatic white wines, Bordeaux single varietal and red blend wines, along with sparkling wine.
“This grant has greatly empowered our efforts to execute our marketing initiatives and build greater brand awareness beyond regional borders.” — Steve Byfield, Owner Winemaker
Seaside Pearl Farmgate Winery
This family-owned boutique winery is passionate about crafting small lots of artisanal wines. Their specialty is cool-climate wines of outstanding vibrancy and finesse that speak the language of the terroir and varietal character. The wines capture a unique sense of place from B.C.’s Fraser Valley.
“We are truly thankful for this support, which allows us to grow our presence and share our wines across Canada — from B.C. to Ontario.” — Hennasey Zimmerman, Owner
Rachel Joanis
We partnered with Toronto-based illustrator Rachel Joanis, the artist and founder behind Rachel Joanis Illustrations, an online print shop creating designs that celebrate the diversity of Ontario.
As a female artist, she understands the importance of representation, and the significance of seeing yourself reflected in art and media. Rachel’s illustrations for the Black Opportunity Fund highlight how the Black community is a diverse group who have different experiences, beliefs, political views and more, but stand together.
