New study examines barriers Black-owned businesses face during pandemic Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and many haven't been able to access federal emergency funding, according to a new report. Social Sharing CBC News · Posted: May 08, 2021 6:00 AM AT | Last Updated: May 8 The Black Business Initiative commissioned a study into how Black-owned businesses are coping during the pandemic.(Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press) Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia have been hit hard by the pandemic and many haven't been able to access emergency federal funding, a new study has found. The study by the Black Business Initiative in Halifax surveyed 59 entrepreneurs from across the province. Most run relatively new businesses in the service sector that employ fewer than five people, such as restaurants, salons and grocery stores.