As we enter April 2026, we are not just celebrating entrepreneurship; we are auditing our entrepreneurial infrastructure as a community. In an era of economic contraction and institutional withdrawal, the narrative of grit is no longer sufficient. From a first-principles perspective, a business is a machine designed to solve a problem for a healthy profit good enough to sustain the mission and vision of the entity it was created for. If that machine requires the founder’s constant manual labor, it is an expensive job, not a scalable asset.
This issue serves as your technical manual for building the Autonomous Growth Engine. We are shifting the focus from surviving the Capital Chasm in our previous issue to mastering the three pillars of institutional power informed by how the business and technology landscapes are shaping up as you read this:
1. The AI Intelligence Layer
We must move from being consumers of generic tech to becoming architects of our own data. As Tamar Huggins demonstrates, digital sovereignty means using AI to unlock institutional memory. By building Legacy Intelligence, you ensure your business thinks with your cultural genius even when you aren't in the room. I truly believe AI can help us bridge the gap we have been looking to bridge for decades.
2. Operational Sovereignty through Systems
If you are the primary bottleneck in your business, you have an infrastructure failure. Operational excellence is the practice of documenting value creation until it becomes repeatable. By integrating CRM and AI workflows from day one, as seen in our Systems and Automation playbook, you transition from doing business to survive to scalability. This means your business is not a venturebackable business.
3. Capital Efficiency & Strategic Acquisition
Organic growth might mean slow but very strategic at the very same time. For example, adding one client at a time is often too slow to bridge the wealth gap. You can buy into growth, you don’t have to be the one to start every potential business you want to run. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) allow you to absorb revenue and expertise instantly. We know this because the Canadian economy is currently going through a business transition tsunami, and with new programs like the ones we are seeing the BDC’s $100M fund and inclusive private-equity approaches, the new goal is to strategically consolidate fragmented industries under your own powerful brand.
This issue connects these concepts into a unified strategy for scale. Monifa Brooks explains why privacy hygiene is the infrastructure required to build partner trust. Our feature on Global Expansion proves that back-office discipline is the only way to manage the logistics of a West African or Caribbean trade corridor. We also validate why the Next Generation of founders is winning: they aren't "pivoting" to tech; they are building it into their foundation from the start.
The Black-led firms winning this decade are those that replace heroic effort with repeatable systems. Do not work harder this month. Work on your machine. Become the architect of an engine that generates wealth, impact, and power on your terms.
Stay Strategic,
Norman Musengimana Editorial Director Black Business Magazine
Black CEOs Leading Teams and Culture Through Rapid Growth
Canada’s Innovation Corridors and Black Founders
Role of Growth Ecosystems Enable Operational Excellence at Scale
The Capital Question Behind the Black Entrepreneurship Program and New Funds
Sustainable Growth Led by Black Canadian Entrepreneurs
BusinessWoman oftheMonth TriciaFamoriyo
Tricia Famoriyo: Driving Revenue, Building Influence, and Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
Tricia Famoriyo is a high-performance corporate sales and business development leader whose career sits at the intersection of corporate excellence and entrepreneurial execution With over a decade of experience spanning corporate sales, marketing strategy, retail leadership, and business ownership, she has built a reputation for one thing above all: delivering measurable growth through strategic relationships
Tricia operates with a dual lens bringing the discipline of corporate performance together with the agility of entrepreneurship Her career is not defined by titles, but by outcomes: revenue growth, market expansion, and the ability to turn relationships into long-term business value Alongside her professional achievements, she is equally committed to mentoring and empowering women helping them build confidence, develop business acumen, and step into leadership with intention
A Proven Track Record
Across Corporate and Entrepreneurial Landscapes
Tricia’s career foundation was built in corporate sales where she developed a deep understanding of strategic account management, business development, and stakeholder engagement In these roles, she honed her ability to navigate complex sales cycles, influence decisionmakers, and craft value-driven solutions that align with both client needs and organizational goals
She later transitioned into Retail Sales Management where she developed a deep understanding of customer behaviour, frontline execution, and performance management Leading teams in high-pressure environments, she consistently delivered on sales targets while strengthening team capability and operational efficiency
This combination of frontline execution and corporate strategy gives Tricia a rare advantage she understands both how to close the sale and how to build systems that sustain growth
Today, as a business owner and operator across multiple ventures including service-based and product-driven businesses she applies this expertise to scale operations, secure partnerships, and position her brands competitively within the Canadian market Through this journey, she also mentors aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, sharing practical insights on sales, leadership, and business growth.
A Strategic Sales Leader Who Understands Revenue at Every Level
At the core of Tricia’s success is her strength as a sales strategist She approaches sales not as transactions, but as a structured, repeatable system that drives predictable revenue
Her expertise includes:
Revenue generation and pipeline growth – driving consistent sales through strategic prospecting, instore execution, and relationship-based selling
Customer acquisition and retention – delivering seamless, high-impact customer experiences that convert and build long-term loyalty
Team leadership and performance optimization –leading and developing high-performing teams to exceed targets and execute with consistency
Strategic partnerships and account development – building strong relationships that translate into repeat business, increased share of wallet, and sustained growth
She brings a results-driven, customer-focused mindset aligning people, strategy, and execution to consistently deliver measurable business growth.
Beyond performance, she is passionate about developing people particularly women into confident sales leaders and business owners She believes financial independence and leadership begin with mastering revenue-generating skills
The Power of Relationships as a
Business Strategy
What sets Tricia apart is her ability to leverage relationships as a true competitive advantage
Throughout her career, she has successfully worked across cross-functional teams and engaged stakeholders at multiple levels from frontline staff to senior decisionmakers She understands that in today’s business environment, growth is rarely achieved in isolation
Entrepreneurship in Action: Turning Strategy into Scalable Businesses
Beyond her corporate achievements, Tricia has demonstrated her ability to execute at the entrepreneurial level
She has built and grown businesses by identifying market opportunities, structuring service offerings, and implementing sales systems that support consistent growth From pitching and securing contracts to refining brand positioning and customer experience, she operates with a clear focus on scalability and sustainability
Her approach includes:
Aligning internal teams to deliver consistently on client expectations
Engaging decision-makers with clarity, confidence, and value-driven communication
Building trust with clients and partners that translates into repeat business and referrals
For Tricia, being a “people person ” is not a personality trait it is a strategic capability that drives revenue, reputation, and longterm success
This philosophy extends into her mentorship work, where she emphasizes the power of relationships, collaboration, and community especially among women navigating corporate and entrepreneurial spaces
Her entrepreneurial portfolio reflects her ability to:
Enter and compete in established markets
Build operational structure from the ground up
Position businesses for long-term growth through strategic planning and execution
This ability to bridge corporate strategy with entrepreneurial action is what makes her leadership both dynamic and impactful
As she continues to build, she is intentional about bringing other women along creating pathways, sharing knowledge, and fostering environments where women can thrive as leaders and business owners
Driving Growth Through Innovation and Market Insight
Tricia is deeply focused on revenue growth through innovation whether that means refining messaging, optimizing sales processes, or identifying new market opportunities
Her work often sits at the intersection of sales and marketing, where she translates customer insights into actionable strategies that drive acquisition and increase lifetime value
She is particularly skilled in:
Developing targeted marketing strategies that directly support revenue goals
Structuring offers and services to better meet evolving customer needs
Creating sales frameworks that simplify decision-making for clients
In a rapidly evolving business landscape, her ability to adapt, innovate, and execute positions her as a forward-thinking leader in the Canadian SME ecosystem
A Voice for Representation, Mentorship, and Women in Leadership
As a Black woman in business, Tricia’s journey represents both achievement and advocacy She is committed to increasing representation in sales-driven and decisionmaking roles, while actively supporting the next generation of women leaders
Through mentorship, speaking, and community engagement, she empowers women to:
Build confidence in their professional and entrepreneurial journeys
Develop strong sales and leadership capabilities
Pursue opportunities for growth, ownership, and influence
Her work goes beyond business success it is about impact, access, and creating space for others to rise
Lessons for Black Entrepreneurs and Emerging Leaders
Readers of Black Business Magazine can learn numerous important lessons from Tricia's career:
Lean into your strengths. Being a "people person " can be a significant advantage in sales, relationships, and leadership.
Relationships should be treated as a strategic asset Strong internal and external relationships are not optional; they are essential for growth and execution
Connect marketing and revenue. Effective marketing focuses on lead generation, acquisition, and long-term customer value, not just visibility.
In Canada, Black and minority-owned firms are transitioning from survival to sustainability and multimarket expansion, making it crucial to prioritize innovation and structure
From navigating corporate sales environments, to leading high-performing retail teams and building her own businesses, Tricia Famoriyo has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive results.
Her career is defined by clarity of strategy, strength in execution, and an unwavering focus on growth
But beyond revenue and results, her legacy is also being shaped by the people she empowers along the way
In today’s competitive business landscape, where relationships, innovation, and performance intersect, Tricia stands out as a leader who doesn’t just participate in growth she engineers it and brings others with her
In an exclusive interview with Black Business Magazine, Monifa Brooks, Co-founder and Principal of Garabyte Consulting, shares a sharp perspective on how data privacy is evolving from a regulatory requirement into a core business advantage. This conversation goes beyond policies and frameworks to unpack how privacy, trust, and responsible innovation are becoming essential drivers of growth.
Monifa Brooks is a seasoned expert in data privacy, access to information, and regulatory compliance with experience spanning both the public and private sectors. Monifa holds certifications as a Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM), and Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGBC) Her career has been defined by a commitment to advancing responsible data practices and embedding privacy as a strategic enabler of innovation
Interview By SK Uddin
Before founding Garabyte, Monifa dedicated nearly twenty years to Rogers Communications, where she led enterprise-wide privacy and anti-spam compliance efforts. She played a key role in implementing the Mandatory Breach Notification process in response to changing federal regulations, launching extensive privacy and CASL training programs, and leading industry efforts to address SIM swap fraud in Canada. Monifa served as the data privacy subject matter expert supporting the organization's consumer, retail, media, and banking divisions
Monifa’s in-house experience has sharpened her ability to provide practical, strategic privacy guidance to public, private, and non-profit organizations, serving clients in telecommunications, utilities, publishing, provincial health agencies, Federal Crown Corporations, and government bodies. Her work includes developing and maturing privacy programs, operationalizing Privacy by Design, establishing CASL compliance programs, and designing privacy risk management frameworks that assess third-party risk and encompass policies, playbooks, assessments, and breach response protocols.
Monifa has experience advising and supporting clients subject to various privacy laws and standards, including PIPEDA, the Privacy Act, the Access to Information Act, several provincial privacy laws such as Law 25 in Quebec, GDPR, and various U S state privacy laws like California’s CCPA and Maryland’s Privacy Act Her approach focuses on embedding privacy into organizational culture, enabling teams to manage risks effectively while achieving operational goals.
Monifa is a passionate advocate for privacy education and awareness. She regularly speaks at industry events and public forums, including the Toronto Public Library Digital Expo, where she shares insights on ethical AI, data governance, and the future of privacy in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
You’ve built a boutique, female-owned data privacy firm serving clients from small B2B companies to large enterprises. How did your journey from in house privacy leader to co founder of Garabyte shape your vision of privacy as a strategic growth enabler for businesses?
My journey as an in house privacy leader shaped my understanding of privacy as far more than compliance I see privacy as being about enablement and good decisionmaking Inside organizations, I saw firsthand how privacy often became a late stage checkpoint rather than a strategic input, creating friction, delay, and frustration for the business Over time, I realized that when privacy is embedded early into product design, marketing strategies, vendor relationships, and data governance, it actually accelerates growth rather than hinders it
Co founding Garabyte allowed me to take those lessons and design a different approach: one that translates regulatory complexity into practical, operational guidance aligned with business objectives. Privacy done well creates clarity about data use, customer expectations, and risk tolerance. That clarity enables organizations to move forward confidently and innovate responsibly My vision is grounded in helping businesses see privacy not as a constraint, but as infrastructure that supports long term resilience and growth
Many small and medium-sized businesses see privacy and CASL-style compliance as red tape. How do you help founders reframe privacy from a “necessary burden” into a tool that builds trust, strengthens marketing, and actually unlocks new opportunities?
Founders often experience privacy and related compliance as abstract, legalistic obligations disconnected from revenue or growth I start by reframing the conversation around data and innovation Privacy is ultimately about answering one simple question: would someone be comfortable with how you ’ re using their data if you explained it to them directly?
When founders understand that privacy influences brand credibility, marketing effectiveness, and customer loyalty, the perspective shifts
Transparent data use strengthens sales conversations
Strong privacy hygiene reduces friction with partners, investors, and large enterprise customers
At Garabyte, we translate compliance into business value, showing how privacy supports cleaner data, better conversion, and more confident scaling
When privacy is treated as part of the customer experience rather than an external burden, it becomes a differentiator and a competitive advantage
Garabyte focuses on operationalizing privacy, not just delivering policy documents. What are a few practical steps SMEs can take to embed privacy into day to day processes—especially when they are adopting AI or new data-driven technologies and feel short on time and resources?
Operationalizing privacy doesn’t require perfection, it requires intention and consistency For SMEs, a few practical steps make a meaningful difference First, clearly map what personal information you collect, why you collect it, and where it flows You can’t manage what you don’t understand or know you have
Second, assign ownership Someone needs to be accountable for privacy decisions, even if it’s not a full time role Third, embed privacy into existing workflows rather than creating parallel processes Think about vendor onboarding, marketing campaigns, and new tools should all include simple privacy checkpoints
When adopting AI or data driven technologies, SMEs should ask early questions about purpose, data sources, retention, and transparency. Also think about training and guardrails. Finally, invest in lightweight training so teams understand expectations without being overwhelmed
Privacy becomes manageable when it’s integrated into how work already happens The goal isn’t to slow innovation, it’s to enable teams to move forward with confidence and fewer surprises
You also invest in privacy education for youth and volunteer with schools and nonprofits. Why is this early education so important to you personally, and how do you see it influencing the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and leaders in tech?
Privacy education is deeply personal to me. I’ve seen how lack of early exposure to digital rights, data literacy, and technology ethics can limit both awareness and opportunity especially for young Black communities navigating increasingly digital systems Early education helps young people understand their agency in digital spaces and the value of responsible innovation
For aspiring Black entrepreneurs and tech leaders, privacy literacy becomes a source of empowerment It builds confidence to design products responsibly, advocate for ethical choices, and engage with regulators, partners, and customers on equal footing It also demystifies technical and legal spaces that have historically felt inaccessible
By normalizing privacy conversations early, we help shape a generation that sees trust, accountability, and innovation as interconnected That foundation supports stronger values driven leadership and opens doors to building technology with both impact and integrity.
Garabyte was recently nominated for the CanadianSME Small Business Awards 2025. What does this recognition mean to you as a Black woman founder, and what key piece of advice would you share with other Black entrepreneurs who want to turn technical expertise into a thriving, impact‑driven business?
The CanadianSME nomination is incredibly meaningful to me Not just as a founder, but as a Black woman building in a highly technical and regulated space It represents recognition that operational excellence, ethical leadership, and impact driven work belong at the center of business growth conversations
For other Black entrepreneurs, my advice is simple but hard won: trust your expertise and don’t over-simplify it to be palatable. There is real value in depth, especially when paired with clarity and practical application Build solutions that solve real problems, communicate them in a way your audience understands, and don’t wait for permission to take up space
Turning technical expertise into a thriving business requires confidence, consistency, and community Success doesn’t come from doing everything at once It comes from building intentionally, learning openly, and staying grounded in your purpose
Disclaimer:Theviewsandopinionsexpressedinthis interviewarethoseoftheguestanddonot necessarilyreflecttheofficialpolicyorpositionof BlackBusinessMagazineoritsaffiliates The magazineiscommittedtosupportingBlack entrepreneursandfosteringconversationsthat promoteinclusionandeconomicempowerment.
In an exclusive interview with Black Business Magazine, Wyndolyn Brown, Founder and CEO of Empowerment for Hope Society, shares a deeply personal and powerful journey of transforming lived experience into a movement for healing and collective strength
This conversation explores how survivorled, culturally rooted spaces are reshaping support systems for Black communities
She is the CEO/ founder of Empowerment for Hope Society, where she designs traumainformed programs, workshops, and retreats that support healing, resilience, and restoration
Wyndolyn is a Trauma-Informed Coach, Certified ASIST Facilitator, Certified Domestic Violence Facilitator, Certified Child & Youth Care Worker, Meditation & Wellness Coach, NFF Facilitator, and a Sexual Assault Supporter through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development
Wyndolyn Brown is a survivor, advocate, motivational speaker, NFF Facilitator, and transformational coach dedicated to empowering women, children, and communities impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and gender-based violence
Interview By Norman Musengimana
Her holistic, survivor-centered approach blends education, advocacy, mindfulness, and lived experience to help individuals reclaim their voice and rebuild their lives
As a sought-after motivational speaker, facilitator, and community leader, Wyndolyn is deeply committed to inclusivity, equity, and collective healing particularly within marginalized and underserved communities.
Through powerful storytelling and education, she challenges stigma, raises awareness, and inspires survivors to transform pain into purpose and hope into action
You’ve transformed your lived experience as a survivor into the foundation for Empowerment for Hope Society. What moved you from healing personally to creating a Black-led, survivor-centered organization for others walking a similar path?
My shift from personal healing to creating a Black-led, survivor-centered organization happened over time, as I recognized that my own journey was connected to something much larger than me In my early healing, I carried so much in silence But every time I opened up to another Black woman, I discovered that my story wasn’t isolated it was part of a pattern of pain, survival, and resilience that so many of us share
What moved me was realizing how often Black women and girls are left without culturally safe, affirming spaces to process their trauma. Too many of us navigate systems that don’t understand our experiences, our families, or the historical layers that shape how we cope, survive, and seek help I knew that if I had struggled to find support that truly saw me, others were struggling too
Founding Empowerment For Hope became my way of turning my lived experience into something purposeful I wanted to build a space created by survivors, for survivors a place where Black women can be heard, believed, and supported without judgment
I moved from healing alone to building community because I believe our healing is collective When one Black woman heals, she creates room for others to rise with her
You speak often about trauma-informed and culturally safe spaces, especially for Black women experiencing gender-based violence. In your view, what makes a space truly “culturally safe,” and why is this so critical for Black survivors who have often been misunderstood or dismissed in mainstream systems?
To me, a truly culturally safe space is one where Black survivors can show up fully as themselves without needing to explain, defend, or shrink their experiences It’s a space where our stories are believed, our emotions are respected, and our cultural ways of coping, grieving, and healing are understood rather than judged
Cultural safety goes beyond diversity or inclusion It means the environment is shaped by people who share or deeply understand our lived experiences, our history, and our communities It means the facilitators, supports, and programs are rooted in our values community, spirituality, resilience, and ancestral knowledge not in systems that were never built with us in mind
This is critical for Black survivors because mainstream systems have too often misunderstood, minimized, or outright dismissed our pain Many of us have encountered racism while seeking help We’ve been labeled “strong” instead of supported, silenced when we express fear or anger, or treated as if our trauma is less real or less urgent
Culturally safe spaces interrupt that harm They create room for truth-telling, for vulnerability, and for healing without judgment Most importantly, they affirm that Black survivors deserve care that sees us, hears us, and honours the fullness of who we are.
Empowerment for Hope Society offers survivor circles, healing gatherings, youth mental health workshops, and community dialogues. Can you share a moment like a whisper, a breakthrough, or a small shift that reminded you your work is more than a program and truly a lifeline for survivors?
There was a moment that will stay with me forever After one of our healing circles, a survivor who had barely spoken for weeks waited until everyone left She stood there quietly, holding her notebook to her chest, and her voice was barely above a whisper when she said, “This is the first place where I didn’t feel invisible ”
Gender-based violence in Black communities is shaped by racism, stigma, and silence. What are some of the biggest gaps you see in current services, and how are your survivor-led, faith-informed, and community-rooted initiatives working to close those gaps?
One of the biggest gaps in current services is the lack of culturally safe, trauma-informed support specifically designed for Black survivors. Too often, mainstream systems treat our experiences as “ one size fits all,” overlooking the racial, historical, and community-based factors that shape how violence impacts us Survivors are met with long waitlists, services that don’t reflect their identities, or providers who don’t understand the layered trauma of anti-Black racism, generational harm, and silence within our families and communities
Another gap is the disconnect between faith and healing Many Black survivors come from faith-based backgrounds, but traditional services rarely acknowledge spirituality as a source of strength, grounding, and restoration And when faith communities lack training around IPV and trauma, survivors are left unsupported or even shamed
Our survivor-led, faith-informed, communityrooted approach works to close these gaps by creating spaces built by those who have lived it. We bring cultural knowledge, lived experience, and spiritual grounding into every circle, workshop, and program Survivors don’t have to translate themselves they are already understood
We partner with churches, community groups, and Black-led organizations to offer safe spaces where healing is holistic: emotional, cultural, spiritual, and communal Because when support is created with survivors, it becomes more than a service it becomes a lifeline, a community, and a pathway to reclaiming hope
As a Black woman founder, coach, and advocate building this work for the last three years, what message or practical encouragement would you offer to Black entrepreneurs and community leaders who feel called to create healing spaces but are unsure where to start?
The first thing I would say to Black entrepreneurs and community leaders who feel called to create healing spaces is this: you don’t need to have everything figured out to begin I started with nothing but conviction, lived experience, and a deep belief that our people deserved better The clarity, the structure, the partnerships those came later What mattered most was answering the call
ImageCourtesy:Canva
My encouragement is to start small and start authentically Listen to your community Ask survivors, elders, and youth what they need, not what you think they need A healing space can begin with a conversation, a circle, a support group, a workshop, or even a shared prayer Impact isn’t measured by size it’s measured by safety, trust, and consistency
Also remember: your lived experience is a credential Your healing, your faith, your resilience, and your cultural knowing are strengths that can’t be taught Lead from that place
Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision even if it’s just one person at first. And give yourself grace. Building community care while healing yourself is holy work, but it’s also heavy
Most importantly, trust that your voice, your story, and your leadership are needed Our communities rise when we rise and sometimes the healing space you feel called to create is the one you once needed yourself
Black-led enterprises in Canada are seeking growth opportunities in the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa For many founders, internationalization is about more than just increasing revenue; it is about creating transnational value chains that connect African, Caribbean, and diasporic markets where they already have cultural ties and trust Until recently, those inclinations were rarely transformed into formal export strategies or substantial institutional support
The African Impact Initiative (AII), situated in Toronto, serves as a crucial link between Canada and African markets through programs such as the African Impact Challenge and the B.R.I.D.G.E. program. The African Impact Challenge offers early-stage entrepreneurs in several African countries up to 25,000 CAD in cash, mentorship, and a fully subsidized Toronto residency, immersing them in North American startup ecosystems Portfolio firms have raised over 20 million CAD in follow-on finance, and the program aims to serve as a long-term accelerator for Africa-Canada innovation flows
The B R I D G E initiative for African immigrants in Canada provides interest-free credit, rotational savings, work placements, and entrepreneurial training to help newcomers establish Canadianbased enterprises with strong linkages to African markets. AII partners with Canadian fintech Woveo and university-based accelerators such as The BRIDGE at the University of Toronto Scarborough to provide structured pathways for African and diaspora founders to access Canadian capital, expertise, and customers while maintaining their impact on the continent These networks help Black Canadian businesses decrease the risk and guesswork associated with entering the African market
Export Readiness for Black Businesses in BC
The Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) in British Columbia offers programs, such as "12 Months to Global Business Success," to help Black-led enterprises develop global capabilities The 12month incubator provides customized mentorship, access to a physical and e-commerce marketplace (the U-E-L Marketplace), a $5,000 CAD technology stipend, and trade missions to help businesses expand into international markets These resources are designed for Black founders who may lack typical export networks, providing them with both the tools (digital infrastructure, AI and tech upgrades) and the relationships (investors, buyers, and trade officials) required to scale internationally
This effort complements Export Development Canada's Inclusive Trade Investments Program and Black Exporter Guide, which showcase success stories such as the ethical design shop Goodee and the cybersecurity platform Protexxa According to EDC data, only 2 1% of Canadian businesses are owned by Black people However, Black exporters consistently outperform nonexporters in terms of revenue resilience and creativity BBABC's incubator and trade-mission access provide a clear path for Black companies in British Columbia to achieve local success and global prominence
Cross-Border Growth Through Strong Systems Repeatable Strategies for International Growth
Going global might be overwhelming for under-resourced teams without proper protocols in place. Canadian programs, including the Black African and Caribbean Entrepreneurship Leadership (BACEL) initiative and Startup Canada's ecosystem partners, prioritize training founders to develop cross-border operational, financial, and technological systems BACEL, for example, is dedicated to establishing foundational entrepreneurial capabilities, educating and upskilling Black entrepreneurs in technology, and documenting best practices that can be replicated across hundreds of enterprises
Exporters can manage multi-currency cash flow, comprehend customs and taxes, improve supply chain visibility, and establish digital workflows for international sales and customer support Case studies from the Trade Commissioner Service, including business-matching platforms developed by Black Canadian leaders, demonstrate how organized B2B platforms can help SMEs find vetted partners and clients abroad while maintaining quality-control standards Black-owned enterprises that combine back-office discipline with culturally competent market strategies are better equipped to handle cross-border expansion
The most successful Black-led enterprises worldwide view internationalization as an ongoing strategy, not a one-time leap. Canadian ecosystem maps now include dozens of resources from the African Impact Initiative and BBABC to BACEL and national resource lists that entrepreneurs can use at various phases of their export journey A typical process would involve a founder validating demand in one overseas market (for example, a Caribbean island or a West African country), refining pricing and logistics, and then applying those lessons to expand into similar regions with shared languages or regulatory frameworks
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposesonly Black BusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeanyproducts, services,organizations,orindividualsmentioned.Readersare encouragedtoconducttheirownresearchandduediligence beforemakinganybusiness,financial,orpersonaldecisions
By Norman Musengimana
Across Canada, a new generation of young Black founders is creating software companies with scale built in from the start They are structuring SaaS, fintech, and digital commerce enterprises to be investor-ready and globally oriented from day one, rather than deferring systems, growth metrics, and export potential until later stages The ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Alberta and the Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) provide established channels for 18-30year-old founders to transform their ideas into scalable businesses
The renewed Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) and youth-focused initiatives like Futurpreneur's Black Entrepreneur Startup Program are empowering next-generation builders to create high-growth companies rooted in Black communities but built for national and international markets
From
Youth Ideas to Structured Ventures with ANZA
The ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, coordinated by ACCEC in Edmonton, is one of the most ambitious youth-focused Black entrepreneurship programs in the country ANZA is a 25-week plan that aims to interrupt the cycle of poverty, violence, and trauma among Black children by empowering them to start businesses and social enterprises The initiative focuses on African-descent teenagers aged 18-30, including business skills training, mentorship, experiential learning, and equal access to financing Participants collaborate with experienced mentors to develop business plans and go-to-market strategies If accepted, they can receive funding to launch their firm
BBVA Driving Tech Scale Up Growth in Western Canada
The Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) is one of the forces helping young people and early-stage entrepreneurs develop into significant digital players, if ANZA is the on-ramp BBVA is a Western Canadian organization that focuses on Black-led technology projects in Alberta and beyond It is supported by 1 5 million CAD in BEP funding through PrairiesCan To assist Black tech entrepreneurs in creating viable SaaS, fintech, and digital commerce companies, the organization provides founder-centric education, deep ecosystem navigation, and personalized business model coaching
BBVA's approach consists of customized introductions to investors and accelerators, training on topics such as funding and product-market fit, and practical mentoring from professionals in the field It's a group of Black professionals from Black Canadian, West, East, and Southern African, and AfroCaribbean origins that fosters a culturally competent atmosphere where new entrepreneurs can be open about structural and technological difficulties
To identify obstacles and provide systemic solutions, the association also invests in research and the recording of success stories Together with ANZA, BBVA guarantees that bright young people can progress from "first business" to "venturebackable startup" without leaving Western Canada's expanding innovation corridors
Connecting Talent and Capital for Growth
Additionally, new talent and financing pipelines created especially for young founders are shaping next-generation Black-led scale-ups. Through 4,000 CAD hiring grants, the Black Founders Network (BFN) Career Advancement Program (BCAP) at the University of Toronto provides Black youngsters with skills and connects them to Black-led enterprises Over 2,000 Black adolescents have received training from BCAP since 2022, and more than 120 work placements have been established, providing early-stage enterprises with affordable personnel and developing a future of techsavvy Black professionals
Many Black entrepreneurs of the next generation are distinguished by their natural tendency to view technology and operations as growth mechanisms rather than afterthoughts. Even with extremely small team sizes, the program curriculum at ANZA and BBVA encourages entrepreneurs to use cloud accounting, CRM systems, and basic process automation, placing an emphasis on digital tools, automation, and datadriven decision-making Youth-focused programs also focus on AI and no-code platforms, which allow entrepreneurs to conduct tests, prototype products, and provide customer service without the need for sizable engineering teams
Their perspective on markets reflects this thinking Due to their transnational identities, many of these entrepreneurs tend to think beyond regional boundaries, creating technology stacks, pricing strategies, and brands that serve clients in Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, and the United States These next-generation builders are positioned to define what high-growth Black-led businesses in Canada's tech economy look like over the next ten years, thanks to BEP's increased investment, regional ecosystems, and youth-specific support.
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposesonly Black BusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeany products,services,organizations,orindividualsmentioned Readersareencouragedtoconducttheirownresearchand duediligencebeforemakinganybusiness,financial,or personaldecisions
ImageCourtesy:Canva
By SK Uddin
Until recently, it was impossible to determine with certainty how many Black business owners in Canada were receiving funding, expanding, or falling behind Banks, legislators, and corporate purchasers frequently relied on tales rather than concrete proof, which made it simple to ignore structural obstacles and underinvest in Black-owned businesses That is evolving The government's Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) has been measuring achievements in mentorship, training, and funding for Black business owners nationwide since 2021
BEP Data Shaping Real World Impact Bridging Lived Experience and Research Evidence
The relaunched Black Entrepreneurship Program, with a 189 million Canadian dollar Budget, is a national data engine rather than just a cash envelope BEP systematically monitors applications, approvals, loan sizes, sectors, locations, and program outcomes through the Loan Fund, Ecosystem Fund, and a knowledge-focused component More than 24,000 businesses have been helped since 2021, more than 70 million Canadian dollars in finance has been granted through the Loan Fund alone, and hundreds of Black-led organizations have received funding through the Ecosystem Fund, according to press releases that now frequently include statistics.
Importantly, this data is broken down by region and ethnicity, a feature that was not present in government entrepreneurship initiatives ten years ago Government communications clearly link trustworthy data to improved policy and program design, noting that Black entrepreneurs require "reliable data" alongside funding and mentorship to transform ideas into jobs and prosperous communities Over time, these figures enable the identification of which areas, industries, and support models are effective and which are not so that funding and policy can be directed toward tactics that genuinely help companies grow
In addition to BEP, independent research projects are contributing rich, community-driven data to complete the picture The Black Entrepreneurship Growth and Innovation Network (B E G I N ) was created as a one-stop digital resource after Bain & Company and the BlackNorth Initiative documented that Black entrepreneurs in Canada face higher barriers to funding, mentorship, networks, and representation in financial institutions
How Data Shapes Capital Allocation Policy Decisions
Driven by Better Data
Improved data is already influencing financial flows to Black-owned businesses Federal announcements on renewed BEP financing specifically reference the program ' s track record 24,000 entrepreneurs reached, 801 loans, and 70 6 million CAD deployed to justify the current 189 million CAD commitment These measurements serve to frame Black entrepreneurship as a proven driver of job creation, exports, and GDP growth, rather than charity
Grantmakers and ecosystem funders also use data from FoundHers and BEKH to propose customized streams for Black women and regional Black-led groups, acknowledging their unique requirements and growth profiles In practice, this means more founders may come into a bank or pitch meeting with macro data that indicates their market is huge, their neighbourhood is underserved, and their firm is part of a larger, investable trend
Beyond finance, improved data is transforming policy and business procurement, both of which are essential levers for scaling Federal agencies currently employ BEP measures to renew regional ecosystem financing, such as PrairiesCan, PacifiCan, and ACOA New investments in Blackled groups are part of a national strategy with measured results This highlights the need of long-term support for Black-led accelerators and hubs, since it provides stability for scaling enterprises
Corporate supplier diversity strategies increasingly rely on data from community partners and research hubs to establish targets for Black-owned procurement and find reliable vendors B E G I N directories, which list Blackowned businesses alongside market data and resource offers, serve as matchmaking engines for expanding firms and large purchasers. Better data not only describes the ecosystem, but also expands it, enabling Black-owned enterprises to scale up
When Black entrepreneurs in Canada reach the development stage, they face a new challenge: a leadership style that worked for five employees frequently breaks down for fifty Building people, cultures, and processes that can function quickly without the founder in every room replaces the need to personally make every decision. This shift is occurring alongside a broader movement: Black entrepreneurs are raising more capital, gaining more clients, and creating businesses with global aspirations across industries ranging from consumer markets and workforce platforms to cybersecurity and materials TheseCEOsandexecutivesareredefiningleadershipastheydevelop,
The Shift from Founder to CEO Leadership
The transition from "performing the job" to "creating how the work gets done" is how many Black founders characterize the growth-stage shift Black women scale-up founders, such as Claudette McGowan of Protexxa and Amoye Henry of Pitch Better, have discussed purposefully stepping back from day-to-day operations to focus on strategy, funding, and senior recruiting This shift is difficult, particularly for entrepreneurs who have had to compete for every client and dollar in environments that frequently undervalued them
Leading cultural change and transformation is now regarded as one of the most important executive skills, according to research by Canadian CEOs This is especially true in an era of artificial intelligence and geopolitical unpredictability Black CEOs in the growth stage are putting this into practice by defining a narrow set of corporate priorities and then coordinating teams, resources, and metrics around them
Rather than being the most intelligent person in every meeting, they take on the role of "chief context officers," providing direction, explaining the why, and making sure that new leaders are aware of the company ' s hard limits as well as its objectives Giving up on tasks becomes a disciplined action rather than a sign of disengagement
Building Executive Teams and Decision‐Making Muscle
Growth needs diverse individuals in different seats, not just more people. Successful Black CEOs make significant investments in developing an executive layer that includes COOs, CROs, CTOs, and functional heads with expertise in managing complexity in larger businesses Some hire emerging leaders from within their own teams and match them with outside consultants and coaches; others draw on corporate backgrounds, as in the case of fo unders like McGowan, who translated decades of business leadership into a high-growth startup context
Executives can respond swiftly without constantly escalating to the CEO, all the while maintaining direction Distributing decision-making is a method for preventing burnout and building a broader bench of Black and allied leadership potential for Black executives who frequently bear additional expectations as "the first" or "only" at scale in their field
Culture as a Performance System, Not Just Vibes
High growth Canadian black-owned businesses typically view culture as infrastructure rather than ornamentation To attract and retain diverse talent, many founders who have successfully navigated bias and exclusion create environments that are intentionally open, feedback-rich, and psychologically secure Attracting and retaining top personnel is now a top-three operational priority for achieving threeyear growth objectives, along with implementing AI and ESG strategies, according to studies of Canadian CEOs In response, leaders translate beliefs into observable behaviours, such as how choices are made, how disagreements are resolved, and how accountability functions when goals are not met.
According to recent venture features, Black women founders use culture as a filter, hiring and promoting individuals who can fulfill and embody the company ' s goals of equity, decency, and customer impact Some create external networks that serve as talent and consumer funnels around their companies, such as social clubs, summits, and forums for Black professionals Others fund leadership development initiatives and employee resource groups that train upand-coming Black and racialized leaders to take on management responsibilities as the business grows As a result, there is a culture in which performance, creativity, and brand uniqueness are closely linked to inclusion rather than being a side project
AI and Execution in Times of Uncertainty
Black CEOs in Canada are expanding amid social, technological, and economic changes, and rapid development seldom occurs in stable markets According to KPMG's Canadian CEO Outlook, the majority of CEOs remain optimistic about their prospects for growth, but they view talent, AI deployment, and transformation as execution priorities that could make or break their businesses
Growth-stage Black entrepreneurs reflect this by carefully placing bets on technology, particularly generative AI, that may expand their staff, expedite processes, and improve customer satisfaction without weakening the interpersonal connections that characterize their businesses
Clear quarterly goals, a few important measurements, and candid retrospectives when things go wrong make execution discipline the main focus However, many Black executives present their businesses as vehicles for structural and community transformation rather than merely financial gain As they negotiate the difficult middle ground between startup and long-term institution, this dual lens commercial rigour plus purpose shapes how they prioritize markets, alliances, and products
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposes only BlackBusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseor guaranteeanyproducts,services,organizations,or individualsmentioned.Readersareencouragedto conducttheirownresearchandduediligencebefore makinganybusiness,financial,orpersonaldecisions
ImageCourtesy:Canva
ImageCourtesy:Canva
Canada’sInnovation Corridorsand Black Founders
By SK Uddin
Black-led businesses are growing across Canada, from service and export entrepreneurs in British Columbia and Atlantic Canada to tech innovators in Alberta The density of regional assistance is new: funds from the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund are now being allocated by PrairiesCan, PacifiCan, and ACOA to local Black-led groups that help entrepreneurs expand beyond their home markets
This translates to customized coaching and tech-driven programming in Alberta and the Prairies, mentorship and accelerators for export-ready businesses in British Columbia, and deeper services for creators in Atlantic Canada who previously had to turn to Toronto or Montreal for assistance Black-led businesses can now become truly regional powerhouses and, increasingly, national participants thanks to the web of opportunities created by these regional ecosystems
Alberta’s Tech Forward Black Scale Ups
Alberta is becoming a center for Blackled IT and innovation businesses on the Prairies thanks to new funding The Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) and the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) are two important groups that received CAD 3 million in renewed assistance from the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund, administered by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), in February 2026
BBVA, a Prairie-based nonprofit organization that supports tech entrepreneurs, was awarded 1 5 million CAD to provide individualized mentoring, foster more cooperation among Black entrepreneurs, and enhance awareness of Black-led technology companies. With its headquarters in Edmonton, ACCEC is using its share to expand pathways into entrepreneurship and high-growth industries, empower Black communities, and provide skills training
PacifiCan and BC’s Expanding Innovation Economy
According to PrairiesCan, these initiatives might assist entrepreneurs in creating "revenue-ready and investment-ready" enterprises while supporting over 250 job and skilltraining opportunities In addition to the 15 6 million CAD already announced, PrairiesCan will implement a bigger 15 2 million CAD BEP Ecosystem Fund commitment throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
This is just the first tranche of that investment. For Black-led businesses in Edmonton, Calgary, and elsewhere, this entails organized initiatives to increase investor readiness, refine business models, and expand access to domestic and international markets
PacifiCan is spearheading a similar change for Black-owned businesses in British Columbia on Canada's West Coast PacifiCan is managing 3 8 million CAD through the BEP Ecosystem Fund to help Black-focused organizations that provide networking, incubation, acceleration, and advising services to entrepreneurs throughout the province Black-led non-profit partners who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for non-repayable contributions of up to 3 million CAD each to support initiatives that increase Black entrepreneurship engagement, mentorship, matchmaking, and incubation and acceleration programs
These initiatives work in tandem with provincial export assistance programs such as Export Navigator, which connect British Columbian businesses to new markets both domestically and internationally The combination of export-oriented services and investment in local ecosystems enables Black-owned businesses in Vancouver, Surrey, and other cities to prepare for cross-border expansion while professionalizing domestic operations Building organizational capacity systems, strategy, and networks is the main goal, as in the Prairies, so that businesses can compete for larger contracts and partnerships rather than merely existing
Atlantic Canada Advancing Through ACOA Support
A similar surge in investment is occurring in Atlantic Canada to ensure Black business owners in regional markets are not left behind The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) was tasked with providing 6 8 million CAD in BEP Ecosystem Fund support to Black-led groups in the region when the federal government announced an additional 189 million CAD for the national Black Entrepreneurship Program in late 2025 The goal of this funding is to increase training programs, mentorship, and services that assist Black entrepreneurs in launching, expanding, and scaling their businesses
Communities in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador benefit from the increased support for entrepreneurship Black-led nonprofits and business support groups can make investments in outreach, program staff, and specialized services, such as procurement coaching, export readiness, and digital adoption The increased funding makes it easier for innovators who previously relied on remote ecosystems to scale from the East Coast to the rest of Canada, as vital resources such as capital, navigation, peer networks, and advisory services are now based in Atlantic cities and villages
Ontario’s Role in a Unified Innovation Network
While regional nodes are strengthened by PrairiesCan, PacifiCan, and ACOA, Ontario remains a key hub connecting these initiatives Through recommendations from BEP-funded groups in their home regions, many Black-led businesses from the Prairies, British Columbia, and Atlantic Canada eventually make connections with hubs, lenders, and investors in Ontario. The Loan Fund (up to 67 million CAD for loans up to 250,000 CAD) and the Ecosystem Fund across several development organizations are supported by the national Black Entrepreneurship Program, which was extended with 189 million CAD over five years
Black entrepreneurs can increasingly follow an integrated pathway as regional ecosystems develop: early-stage support in their home province; growth-stage mentoring and access to finance through regional agencies; and, as they scale, national-level financing, collaborations, and export support As a result, a landscape of "regional powerhouses" Black-led businesses with national and international reach that maintain their headquarters in Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax, or Winnipeg is beginning to take shape
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposes only BlackBusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseor guaranteeanyproducts,services,organizations,or individualsmentioned.Readersareencouragedto conducttheirownresearchandduediligencebefore makinganybusiness,financial,orpersonaldecisions
By Norman Musengimana
Many Black entrepreneurs in Canada have little issue demonstrating demand for their products or services; the true challenge arises when the phone never stops ringing, and the founder becomes the bottleneck Without written processes, clear roles, and basic automation, each new customer adds stress rather than stability That is why the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) and its ecosystem partners are increasingly emphasizing operational skills rather than merely loan and grant opportunities BEP-backedorganizationsand trainingprojectshavehelpedover 24,000Blackentrepreneursin Canadaimprovetheirprocesses, financialliteracy,anddigital capabilities,enablingthemtoscale withfunding.Operationalexcellence isessentialfordevelopinga businessthatcanthrivewithoutthe founder'sconstantinvolvement.
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Begin with Documenting the Business You Already Run
One basic yet effective step for a growthstage founder is to document their organization's current operations This involves charting fundamental operations from beginning to end, including lead generation, quote preparation, work scheduling, quality assurance, and invoice collection For years, many Black-owned businesses in Canada have relied on the founder's memory and a few trusted employees However, this approach might fail When employees leave or demand increases, the lack of documentation manifests in delays, errors, and dissatisfied consumers
Operational playbooks don't have to be fancy. BEP-funded ecosystem partners and digital platforms, such as B E G I N , provide templates and learning modules to help entrepreneurs break down tasks into basic, repeatable processes A shared folder including checklists, SOPs, and short Loomstyle video walkthroughs can significantly speed up onboarding and eliminate questions Once the existing condition is documented, founders can identify bottlenecks and duplication and determine what to reduce, delegate, or automate
The Foundation of People Systems in HR Training and Delegation Operational
A company cannot grow if just one individual knows how to accomplish the essential tasks Building explicit HR and training processes is a means for Black entrepreneurs with limited access to traditional hiring networks to broaden the talent pool and lessen reliance on informal relationships that have traditionally excluded them Structured job descriptions, standardized interview questions, and explicit performance objectives based on recorded processes are all part of practical HR systems
Automating Repetitive Work Through AI and Workflow Tools
Once procedures are documented and roles are defined, automation is considerably easier to deploy Canadian SMEs are rapidly adopting nocode workflow systems and AI solutions to automate repetitive operations such as lead routing, quote generation, invoice reminders, customer support, and social media scheduling Over 70% of Canadian SMEs aim to invest in AI by 2025, with roughly two-thirds favouring generative AI for productivity These tools can be a game-changer for Black-owned businesses with tiny staff and limited profit margins
Examples of practical use include automating CRM and email follow-ups for new leads, utilizing AI assistants to prepare proposals and client conversations, and integrating automated expense tracking and receipt capturing with accounting software Canadian SMEs can benefit from government-backed initiatives such as the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative (RAII) and the AI Business Catalyst program, which provide interest-free, repayable finance and consultancy services to support structured AI adoption When Black entrepreneurs combine these resources with BEP finance and ecosystem training, they may rethink operations so that incremental income does not need the founder to work exponentially more
The Framework for a
Growth
Operating System Using Metrics, Cadence, and Infrastructure
Achieving operational excellence is a continuous process rather than a one-time endeavour Companies that prioritize growth often use a "growth operating system" that focuses on a few key measures (e g , weekly sales, on-time delivery, customer happiness, and cash position) and a regular meeting schedule to discuss them Canadian advising firms suggest that standardizing procedures and tracking metrics can help service-driven enterprises retain quality while scaling swiftly
Black businesses can integrate this discipline into their existing resources BEP training, B E G I N resources, and ecosystem programs frequently include dashboards, templates, and guidance for creating goals, assessing performance, and adjusting operations. When combined with investments in digital infrastructure cloud accounting, CRM, project management, and integrated payment systems this enables a business to be monitored and managed using technology rather than memory
At that moment, the entrepreneur has several options: expand, hire leadership, bring in partners, or even arrange for acquisition, all without the entire operation collapsing when they leave
Across Canada, Black entrepreneurs are no longer scaling their businesses in isolation Black-led incubators, accelerators, and funds, such as Nobellum, Tribe Network, and Black Opportunity Fund, are creating infrastructure to help promising firms grow up sustainably These groups, which are partially funded by the government Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund, offer what many Black entrepreneurs have traditionally lacked: specialized support, trusted networks, culturally informed consultants, and warm introductions to financing.
Instead of individual initiatives, they are creating a connected ecosystem spanning from STEM labs in Toronto to innovation hubs in Atlantic Canada and the North These ecosystems increasingly decide who may generate multi-million dollar sales and who remains in the survival stage for Black-owned enterprises beyond the startup phase
EnableOperationalExcellenceatScale
By Norman Musengimana
Nobellum Driving STEM Innovation for Black Led Scale Ups
Nobellum, a female-led social and technological firm situated in Ontario, is a key member of Canada's Black innovation ecosystem Nobellum's Innovator Program and Growth Stream help Black-led STEM firms grow from idea to scale by providing mentorship, investor exposure, IP support, and corporate partner connections By 2025, it successfully launched 100 Black-owned STEM enterprises, generating around 22 million CAD in sales, creating 268 jobs, and raising over 4.5 million CAD in venture and angel capital.
Nobellum's growth-stage focus is clear Its Growth Stream focuses on startups that have already achieved traction and assists them with optimizing processes, securing more funding, and recruiting staff in order to transition from early revenue to scalable operations The group relies on partners such as IP Ontario for subsidized IP protection, Black Opportunity Fund and Export Development Canada for funding and export support, and equity investors such as BKR Capital and The Firehood. Nobellum serves as a platform, bringing together funding, experience, and networks to support Black-led STEM enterprises seeking to expand in Canada and abroad
How Tribe Network and Regional Hubs Are Driving Community Powered Growth in Atlantic Canada
Tribe Network, based in Halifax, is redefining entrepreneurial support for Black and other racialized innovators in Atlantic Canada Tribe, a community and innovation hub, provides coaching, mentorship, grant navigation, and peer connections to assist entrepreneurs transition from side hustles to investment-ready firms Since 2021, corporate partner Emera has given 800,000 CAD in funding to Tribe, allowing it to expand services, enhance programs, and reach out to founders throughout the area
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) serves as both a financial source and a link between Canada's Black business ecosystem BOF works with partners to offer grants, loans, and investment capital to Black-led organizations and firms They also support programs that promote entrepreneurship and community wealth building Its "Inside Our Communities" projects promote cooperation with accelerators, colleges, and corporate partners to create pipelines for Black entrepreneurs in procurement, finance, and professional services
These efforts align with the federal Black Entrepreneurship Program's Ecosystem Fund, which has already funded 100 million CAD in 43 Blackled business support groups across Canada The fund supports incubators, accelerators, networking and mentorship programs, and capacity-building projects that address structural impediments for Black entrepreneurs Renewed pledges from regional agencies such as CanNor and ACOA expand this support to Northern and Atlantic Canada, including funding for incubator programs, matchmaking, and outreach efforts BOF and the Ecosystem Fund provide Black-led support organizations with resources to sustain and scale their effect, instead of relying on shortterm trial funding
A Connected Growth Infrastructure
This moment marks a shift from distinct programs to an integrated growth infrastructure for Black-owned firms STEM founders may begin in a Nobellum ideation cohort, join Tribe Network after coming to Halifax, get finance through Black Opportunity Fund, and receive support from a BEP-funded organization when they grow into Northern or Western Canada Each stage adds layers of mentorship, networks, and credibility, which build over time
The challenge ahead is to strengthen coordination through shared data on outcomes, co-branded national programs, and deeper ties to institutional finance, including BDC's Black Entrepreneurs Fund and mainstream venture companies If these ecosystems continue to flourish and funders commit for the long term, Canada may witness a wave of Black-owned scale-ups in industries such as AI, renewable tech, advanced manufacturing, and consumer brands For startups, the message is becoming increasingly clear: you do not have to scale alone; there is an ecosystem developed with and for you across the country.
Many Black-led businesses in Canada are recognizing that they don't need to start from scratch to develop Instead of relying solely on organic growth, these founders view mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships as effective tools to expand their reach, enter new markets, and build resilience This transition is accompanied by a new wave of inclusive finance, most notably BDC's 100-million-CAD Black Entrepreneurs Fund, which is specifically meant to help Black-led enterprises pursue ambitious expansion strategies, including business acquisitions
Why M&A Matters for Black‐Led Firms Roll Ups, Acqui Hires
For many Black-owned firms, the traditional growth path adding clients one by one, reinvesting minimal profits, and hoping for a break is painfully slow
Mergers and acquisitions provide an alternate path: acquire a complementary company, absorb its revenue and expertise, and advance to a new level of scale.
In Canada, where Black entrepreneurs have historically received less than 0 5% of venture financing in North America, gaining access to scale through M&A is also a matter of justice
Capital-backed acquisitions can lead to the growth of Black-led firms, resulting in increased employment, improved supplier conditions, and access to larger contracts and export opportunities.
BDC's inclusive entrepreneurship approach emphasizes acquisition as a means of achieving intergenerational wealth. While the bank's flagship 50-million-CAD search fund focuses on women, it also supports Indigenous and Black-led platforms For Black founders, this allows them to "buy into" growth by purchasing existing enterprises rather than starting from scratch
and Strategic Alliances as Key Growth Structures
Black-led enterprises exploring M&A and partnerships in Canada are experimenting with various structures tailored to particular phases and sectors.
In fragmented industries such as professional services, specialty retail, or home services, Black founders can acquire smaller companies and consolidate them under one brand, resulting in economies of scale and greater bargaining leverage
Acquiring talent is crucial for technology and digital-first businesses Acqui-hires enable a larger company to acquire a smaller one for its expertise and intellectual property, while reducing overlapping tools or products.
Partnerships with corporates, wholesalers, or other entrepreneurs can provide export-oriented Black-owned enterprises with access to new markets without a quick outright acquisition
Funds like Black Innovation Capital and BDC's Black Entrepreneurs Fund facilitate introductions to coinvestors, potential targets, and corporate partners, in addition to providing equity The Black Entrepreneurship Program's public-sector ecosystem efforts support founders in improving governance, financial reporting, and legal capabilities, enabling more equitable deal-making
The Role of BDC’s Black Entrepreneurs Fund and Partner Platforms
BDC's 100-million-CAD Black Entrepreneurs Fund invests in Black-led enterprises with high growth potential, aiming to transform them into sustainable community pillars The fund prioritizes strategic alliances, business acquisitions, and operational support to drive non-organic growth This is part of a larger 250-million-CAD BDC inclusive entrepreneurship pledge, which includes two new 100million-CAD platforms for Indigenous and Black-led enterprises.
These platforms provide a continuum of funding and expertise to enable Black-led companies through various stages of acquisition-driven growth
Making M&A and Partnerships Work in Practice
Using M&A and strategic partnerships as a growth strategy entails more than just signing agreements; it also requires integration and execution Black-led enterprises that succeed in this market prioritize focused due diligence, cultural congruence, and post-deal operational planning. They rely on advisors and ecosystem partners, including lawyers, accountants, and mentors from BDC's partner network and Blackled organizations supported by the Black Entrepreneurship Program, to assess risks, arrange deals, and plan integration before closing
Export Development Canada and other partners facilitate international trade by providing inclusive trade strategies, credit insurance, and introductions to buyers in key markets such as the US, Europe, and Africa When finance, ecosystem support, and operational discipline align, Blackled enterprises may develop, diversify, and create long-term value in Canada's economy through acquisitions and partnerships
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposes only BlackBusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseor guaranteeanyproducts,services,organizations,or individualsmentioned.Readersareencouragedto conducttheirownresearchandduediligencebefore makinganybusiness,financial,orpersonaldecisions
By Norman Musengimana
Access to growth finance is a key factor in the success of Black-owned startups in Canada Many Black innovators can validate their concepts, attract early clients, and generate revenue However, they still struggle to secure the funding needed to hire, invest in technology, or enter new industries The funding gap is deeply rooted in institutional hurdles, such as discriminatory lending policies, lower intergenerational wealth, and restricted networks in mainstream banking
The federal Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), which was inaugurated in 2021 and renewed with 189 million CAD in 2025, aimed to modify that equation by combining funding, training, networks, and data Today, it is at the center of a bigger ecosystem of funding supporting scalability for Blackled enterprises nationwide.
A Look Inside the Black Entrepreneurship Program and Its Three Pillars of Support
The revitalized Black Entrepreneurship Program is built on three pillars: the Loan Fund, the Ecosystem Fund, and the Knowledge Hub They strive to elevate Black founders from undercapitalized and neglected to investment-ready and scalable
Since 2021, the program has provided finance, mentorship, and training to more than 24,000 Black entrepreneurs, while the Loan Fund has disbursed over 70 million CAD across more than 800 loans. The new 189 million CAD commitment from 2025 to 2030 supports founders throughout a challenging economic environment with greater financing rates and slower growth
How the Loan Fund Helps Businesses Move from Under Financed to Scale Ready
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a prominent initiative for growth-stage founders The cooperation with Black-led financial intermediaries and BDC provides repayable loans ranging from 25,000 to 250,000 CAD for operating capital, equipment, technology, and expansion Unlike many traditional products, the fund is specifically developed for Black entrepreneurs, recognizing their historical exclusion from mainstream lending and adjusting underwriting to reflect better the realities they face
The Loan Fund, funded by a 30 million CAD federal investment and 130 million CAD from BDC, offers loans of up to 250,000 CAD to eligible Black business owners across Canada.
The Ecosystem Fund allocates over 100 million CAD to Black-led groups that provide community-based training, mentorship, and consulting services.
The Knowledge Hub invests in research and data to better understand the health of Black entrepreneurship and follow its progress over time, providing policymakers and lenders with real evidence of both hurdles and opportunities.
Renewal announcements have set aside up to 67 million CAD for the Loan Fund in the next phase, providing a dedicated source of funding for Black-owned firms looking to expand Founders are using these loans to professionalize operations, such as employing key personnel, upgrading systems, investing in marketing, and funding inventory, all of which can help a company transition from subsistence mode to sustainable development
Owners can expedite their trajectory while maintaining control and long-term upside through debt financing, rather than stock With proper planning and solid financial flow, these loans can help bridge the gap between community-level achievement and national prominence.
Ecosystem and Knowledge Driving the Infrastructure Behind Funding
Capital alone does not produce size; rather, it magnifies existing mechanisms The BEP Ecosystem Fund invests over 100 million CAD in Black-led and Black-serving organizations that offer wraparound support PrairiesCan has financed organizations such as the African Canadian Civic Engagement Council's ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and the Black Business Ventures Association to provide mentorship, training, networking, and investment-ready programs in Alberta Similar efforts across the country help founders refine their models, strengthen governance, and create investor-ready financials before and after loan funding
The Knowledge Hub collects and publishes data on Black entrepreneurship, addressing gaps that previously left decision-makers guessing Evidence that BEP has already assisted tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and secured tens of millions of dollars in financing helps justify continued investment and encourages private lenders to collaborate rather than remain on the sidelines Better data on results, industries, and regional patterns can lead to personalized solutions, such as microloans and export funding, that fit Black founders' needs
Beyond BEP and the Rise of a More Complete Capital Stack
The Black Entrepreneurship Program is one of several funds that support Black-led firms, especially in technology and high-growth sectors BDC Capital's 100million-CAD Black Entrepreneurs Fund aims to invest in Black-led enterprises that have progressed from loans to venture capital Previously, Black Innovation Capital raised a $10 million CAD fund in partnership with BDC and private investors to support pre-seed and seed-stage ICT startups
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposesonly Black BusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeany products,services,organizations,orindividualsmentioned Readersareencouragedtoconducttheirownresearchand duediligencebeforemakinganybusiness,financial,or personaldecisions
By Norman Musengimana
A new generation of Black entrepreneurs is quietly creating businesses throughout Canada that prioritize size over survival These companies have transitioned from the precarious startup stage to multimilliondollar profits, disciplined operations, and teams that function without the founder present. Beyond individual success stories, the expansion of Black-led businesses is significant because it diversifies Canada's innovation economy, strengthens supplier chains, and generates high-quality jobs The question is now, "What systems are they utilizing to do it?" rather than, "Can Black founders develop significant firms here?"
Systems, Not Hustle: The New Playbook
One concept unites founders who have overcome the early-stage divide: growth is a system, not a hustle They document how value is created in their business, from sales and onboarding to fulfillment and customer success, and then turn that into repeatable processes rather than depending on heroic effort To make data-driven decisions at scale, many collaborate with Canadian accelerators and consulting programs that encourage them to standardize financial reporting, adopt CRM software, and map workflows
Leaders can concentrate on strategy thanks to these systems Instead of putting out fires, they can expand into new markets, form alliances, and improve their goods or services When interacting with banks, corporate purchasers, and investors, a systems-first approach also serves as evidence of seriousness for Black founders who have traditionally been shut out of informal networks Clear KPIs, well-documented procedures, and clean figures demonstrate that a business is prepared for bigger contracts and institutional funding
Hiring Teams That Drive Accountability and Scale
The "do-it-all" founder must become a team builder in order to scale to multimillion-dollar income Black Canadian entrepreneurs who are expanding rapidly are deliberate about their first tier of managers: financial controllers, operations leads, and heads of sales or growth who are capable of system design and ownership Many leverage networks, such as professional groups, university partners, and Blackfocused accelerators, to find diverse people familiar with high-growth environments and the communities they serve
No matter how robust the processes are, scaling demands funding, which has historically been the largest obstacle for Black Canadian startups. Targeted remedies have emerged in recent years: the federal Black Entrepreneurship Program, which has been renewed with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding until 2030, combines ecosystem funding for training, mentorship, and advisory support with loans of up to 250,000 CAD The range of growth-stage financing alternatives is further expanded by Black-led venture capital initiatives, export-oriented programs, and community-based funds
Scaling founders seldom depend on a single funding source They combine commercial bank initiatives for Black-owned businesses, governmentbacked loans, and, when necessary, equity from mission-driven investors In addition to capital, they connect to ecosystems, which are groups that offer peer networks, market access, and procurement introductions throughout Canada's main regions With this assistance, entrepreneurs can secure business clients, test projects with organizations, and take advantage of global opportunities in markets such as the US, Europe, and Africa As a result, firms are not just larger but also more resilient they have a wider range of revenue streams, better governance, and enough cash flow to continue expanding even in times of economic hardship
Execution Discipline That Drives Real Business Growth
Every scale-up tale revolves around execution discipline, which is the unglamorous practice of consistently doing the right thing over time. Sustainable Black Canadian entrepreneurs create specific yearly and quarterly goals, monitor a limited number of important KPIs, and regularly assess team performance Many use techniques and tools from the larger-scale-up industry, such as customer feedback loops, agile planning cycles, and goalsetting frameworks, but adapt them to their specific capacity and environment
Disclaimer:Thisarticleisforinformationalpurposesonly Black BusinessMagazinedoesnotendorseorguaranteeanyproducts, services,organizations,orindividualsmentioned.Readersare encouragedtoconducttheirownresearchandduediligence beforemakinganybusiness,financial,orpersonaldecisions
Interview By SK Uddin
Makafui Bokor is the Founder of ADENTITI, a human-centred cybersecurity company focused on helping individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and organizations stay safer online through practical education, awareness, and support. Based in Toronto, he is building a mission-driven brand that makes digital safety more relatable, understandable, and actionable for everyday people navigating an increasingly connected world
Through ADENTITI, Makafui combines cybersecurity awareness, public speaking, workshops, storytelling, and educational content to bridge the gap between technology and human behaviour. His work extends beyond traditional cybersecurity services by creating learning experiences, conversations, and initiatives that help people build confidence and resilience in the digital age.
FromFeartoConfidenceOnline:
In an exclusive interview with Black Business Magazine, Makafui Bokor, Founder of ADENTITI, shares a fresh and practical approach to cybersecurity that puts people, not just technology, at the centre of the conversation This discussion explores how digital safety can be simplified, humanized, and made accessible for everyday users, families, and entrepreneurs
As a founder, speaker, and advocate for practical digital safety, he is committed to making cybersecurity less intimidating, more human, and more useful for the communities and businesses that need it most
MakafuiBokor,FounderofADENTITI
ImageCourtesy:MakafuiBokor
What inspired you to create ADENTITI, and when did you first realize that cybersecurity needed a more human centred, everyday language approach rather than technical jargon and fear based messaging?
What inspired me to create ADENTITI was the realization that cybersecurity is often treated like a technical problem, when in reality, it is deeply human Most cyber incidents don’t begin with advanced hacking they begin with trust, confusion, distraction, or a simple mistake I saw that many people, families, and small businesses were not failing because they were careless, but because cybersecurity had never been explained to them in a way that felt clear, practical, and relevant to everyday life
That shift became very real for me when I noticed how often people would tune out the moment cybersecurity was discussed The language felt too complex, too fear-driven, and too far removed from their daily reality I realized that if people could not see themselves in the conversation, they were unlikely to act on it
MAKORE: AGAMETO
LEARNHOW TOSTAYSAFE
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Many people and small businesses don’t ignore cybersecurity because they don’t care, but because it feels confusing or overwhelming. In simple terms, how do you make digital safety feel relatable and practical for non‑technical audiences?
I start by removing the pressure to “be technical” and focusing instead on real-life behaviour Most people don’t need a lecture on cybersecurity frameworks, they need help recognizing everyday risks in a way that makes sense to them So I break digital safety down into simple, familiar situations: suspicious emails, fake urgency, weak passwords, oversharing online, unsafe links, and the small habits that can either protect or expose us.
I also avoid leading with fear Fear may grab attention, but it doesn’t always create lasting change People learn better when they feel informed, respected, and capable That’s why I focus on practical examples, relatable language, and scenarios people can immediately connect to in their personal life, workplace, or business
For small businesses especially, I frame cybersecurity as part of daily operations and trust not just IT When people begin to see that cybersecurity is really about habits, awareness, and decision-making, it becomes less overwhelming and much easier to apply consistently
ADENTITI blends education, storytelling, workshops, and digital content to teach online safety. What kinds of learning experiences or moments have you found most effective in helping people actually change their day to day online habits?
The most effective learning experiences are the ones where people can see themselves in the lesson When someone hears a story, sees a realistic scenario, or recognizes a situation they have personally experienced, the message becomes much more memorable That is why storytelling has been such a powerful tool in my work It helps move cybersecurity from something abstract to something personal and real
I have found that interactive learning also makes a big difference Workshops, discussions, and scenario-based activities tend to create stronger behaviour change than passive information alone, because people are actively thinking through what they would do in a real situation
Another key moment is when people realize that small actions matter A stronger password, slowing down before clicking, turning on multi-factor authentication, or simply questioning urgency can significantly reduce risk. When people understand that digital safety is built through consistent small habits, not perfection, they become more confident and more willing to take ownership of their online behaviour
As a founder building a purpose driven brand, what have been one or two of the biggest challenges you’ve faced on your entrepreneurial journey—and what has helped you stay resilient and keep moving forward?
One of the biggest challenges has been building something that is both meaningful and sustainable When you are creating a purpose-driven brand, especially in a space like cybersecurity, there can be tension between what is urgently needed in the community and what the market immediately understands or values That means part of the journey has been not only building the business, but also helping people understand why this kind of human-centred approach matters.
Another challenge has been learning to stay focused while building across multiple areas education, speaking, awareness, content, and brand growth without losing the core mission Entrepreneurship can stretch you in many directions, so clarity becomes very important
For families, professionals, or Black entrepreneurs who want to be safer online but don’t know where to start, what is one simple first step you recommend they take this week to improve their digital safety?
If I had to recommend one simple first step, it would be this: turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your most important accounts this week
That includes your email, banking apps, social media, and any business-related platforms you rely on It is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk, because even if a password is exposed, MFA creates an extra layer of protection
I recommend starting with email first, because your email often connects to everything else. Once that is secured, you are already in a much stronger position.
More importantly, taking one clear action builds momentum Digital safety does not improve because people try to do everything at once, it improves when they start with one meaningful habit and build from there Cybersecurity does not have to begin with fear or complexity It can begin with one practical decision that makes you safer today than you were yesterday
In an exclusive interview with Black Business Magazine, Tamar Huggins, Founder and CEO of Tech Spark AI, shares a bold vision for building technology that reflects culture, community, and ownership This conversation explores how AI can move beyond generic systems to become a tool for empowerment, representation, and economic advancement
Interview By Norman Musengimana
Tamar Huggins is an award-winning AI strategist, author, and serial tech entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of Tech Spark AI, an education technology company that uses culturally responsive AI to empower underserved communities through inclusive innovation Tamar developed Spark Plug AI, the first generative AI chatbot designed specifically to center the Black experience using African American Vernacular English and cultural intelligence Through her proprietary Legacy Intelligence™ framework, Tamar helps businesses and institutions unlock their historical knowledge and integrate AI in a way that protects budgets, reduces bias, and builds equity. Her work has supported over 200,000 students and helped raise over $20M for Black and Brown founders. Tamar has been featured in Essence, BET, TechCrunch, and Black Enterprise, and is recognized as a leading voice in AI, education, and digital sovereignty. She is also the author of Bossed Up: 100 Truths to Becoming Your Own Boss, God’s Way
Founder
You’ve spent over 15 years building platforms like Driven Accelerator, Tech Spark, and now Spark Plug AI to center Black founders, students, and communities in tech. What personal experiences first pushed you to create tech and funding systems specifically designed for Black and underrepresented innovators?
In 2009, after being laid off during the recession, I stepped away from corporate marketing and launched my first business, Knexxion Communication Group, a boutique PR agency that supported media and entertainment clients But as I grew that business, I noticed a pattern: Black entrepreneurs had brilliant ideas but no access to capital, tech training, or industry networks
That gap led me to found DRIVEN Accelerator Group in 2012, Canada’s first tech accelerator for Black and Brown founders I witnessed firsthand how Black-led innovation was overlooked unless it fit traditional, white-centered models of success Our founders were solving real-world problems with genius and grit, yet they were shut out of the very systems meant to support entrepreneurship
That fire followed me into education, where I saw Black students disengaging from tech because it didn’t reflect them. That’s why I created Tech Spark in 2015, and later, Spark Plug AI, to build systems that reflect our culture, amplify our genius, and keep us from having to code-switch just to be seen My mission has always been to give our people the tools, capital, and confidence to build the future on our terms
Spark Plug AI is described as the first generative AI chatbot built to center the Black experience, and your Legacy Intelligence™ framework focuses on ownership and institutional memory. How do you define “digital sovereignty” for Black communities, and why is it so important that we own the data and AI systems built from our culture?
To me, digital sovereignty means owning our culture, our code, and the data that powers our futures It’s the difference between being users of someone else’s system and being the architects of our own Historically, Black communities have contributed immensely to culture, language, and innovation, but in tech, we ’ ve been consumers, not decision-makers
With Spark Plug AI, we flipped that script It’s the first AI chatbot trained on Black vernacular, cultural cues, and the lived experience of young Black voices, including my own daughter’s It doesn’t just "sound Black " It thinks in culturally fluent ways that affirm our identity and intelligence
Through Legacy Intelligence™, we help organizations, especially schools, nonprofits, and corporations, unlock decades of untapped knowledge trapped in PDFs, reports, and outdated systems We then transform that into actionable data that fuels AI built for our communities If we don’t own our data, we risk being erased by the very technologies shaping society
Digital sovereignty is not a luxury It’s a lifeline If AI is the future, we have to be more than included We have to be in control
From helping raise over $20M for minority-led startups to raising $4M to “build AI for the culture,” you’ve navigated funding spaces that don’t always understand Black-led innovation. What do investors still get wrong about Black tech founders, and what mindset shifts are needed to truly back our ideas at scale?
Investors still make the mistake of measuring Black founders against a framework that was never built with us in mind We’re expected to prove more, earn less, and scale faster just to be seen as “investable ” Meanwhile, white founders often get funded on just a slide deck and a Stanford email address
What’s misunderstood is that Black founders aren’t just building products, we ’ re solving generational problems Our ideas often have cultural and economic depth thats hard to quantify on a spreadsheet, but incredibly impactful in real life
The mindset shift investors need is simple Stop looking for comfort. Start looking for cultural clarity. The future is intersectional, and Black founders are building for what’s next, not what’s familiar. Back us accordingly with capital, not just claps WhenIraised$7Mtobuildculturally responsiveAI,itwasn’tjustabouttech.Itwas aboutreclaimingnarrativepower.Similarly, thefoundersI’vesupported,whoraisedover $20M,weren’tjustpitchingapps.Theywere pitchingequity,access,andinnovationborn fromlivedexperience.
Tech Spark has delivered Afrocentric, culturally responsive STEM education to hundreds of thousands of students. What have you learned from working with Black youth and families about how representation, language, and culture change the way they engage with technology and see themselves as builders of the future?
What I’ve learned is simple When Black students see themselves in the technology, they stop consuming it and start building it It’s not that they lack interest or ability It’s that traditional tech spaces lack cultural fluency
At Tech Spark, we use culturally relevant pedagogy and AI tools like Spark Plug AI to reflect our students’ identities, histories, and voices We speak their language literally When a chatbot uses AAVE, or references Beyoncé, or affirms their brilliance, it makes them feel seen. That emotional resonance unlocks cognitive engagement.
Black families have also told us that they’ve never seen their children so interested in coding or AI until we brought culture into the curriculum So much of learning is about trust, and culture builds that bridge
Representation in tech isn’t a nice-to-have It’s the gateway to innovation If our kids don’t see themselves in the future, they won’t believe they can build it But when they do, they become unstoppable
For Black entrepreneurs who are building in AI, education, or community-centered tech but feel under-resourced or underestimated, what key message or practical first step would you offer about protecting their vision, building ownership, and “building the future on our terms”?
First, protect your vision like it’s sacred Because it is If you ’ re building tech for the culture, you ’ re not just an entrepreneur You’re a legacy architect And that means not everyone will understand your mission That’s okay Keep building
Second, start with what you do have Your story Your community Your values If capital isn’t available, build credibility through traction, storytelling, or partnerships Ownership starts with clarity Know what you ’ re creating and who it serves Then document it Trademark it Pitch it with power
Finally, don’t shrink your idea to make it palatable for people who were never meant to lead it. The future we need won’t be built with safe ideas or soft strategies. It’ll be built by those bold enough to break the mold.
You don’t need a huge following, just undeniable influence If God gave you the vision, trust that Hell make provision But you ’ ve got to move The world is waiting on what you ’ re building Just make sure it’s on your terms
Disclaimer:Theviewsandopinionsexpressedin thisinterviewarethoseoftheguestanddonot necessarilyreflecttheofficialpolicyorpositionof BlackBusinessMagazineoritsaffiliates The magazineiscommittedtosupportingBlack entrepreneursandfosteringconversationsthat promoteinclusionandeconomicempowerment
