We are a voice at the forefront, celebrating Black businesses and their successes, inspiring community pride, and equipping youth to feed into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and employment streams in Canada We are gaining tremendous traction with our programs Our national impact and presence are seen in our advocacy for and influence in the Federal Black Entrepreneurship Program
We take great pride in the roadmap created by an effective team of volunteer Board members and an able and highly efficient team, who has been led from the outset by CEO Tiffany Callender We continue to feel pride in the work that they are doing and admire the many leaders we are developing within their ranks to take us forward We are very fortunate to both recruit and develop great talent and commend them on an impactful year
FACE Coalition is dedicated to stimulating economic growth and creating generational wealth for Canadians of African descent It synthesizes over 100 years of experience serving Black Canadians and aims to economically empower businesses through support, mentorship, and innovative lending plans Its objective is to help businesses conduct operations more effectively and achieve entrepreneurial goals and objectives. Congratulations to the Board, staff and entrepreneurs and founders for another successful year Let us continue our progress with momentum
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
Tiffany Callender
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
HE CEO
Yet, in the face of these challenges, FACE remained steadfast in its mission to foster economic inclusion and entrepreneurial growth We deepened our community engagement, expanded access to capital, and strengthened partnerships that support long-term impact
Since the inception of the BELF, we have approved of $671 million in loans and disbursed $504 million
Despite the evident economic challenges compounded by cross-border friction, we approved $14.1 million in loans and successfully disbursed $12 million during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, approving 154 loans and disbursing 131
Although this marks a slight decrease in the amount and number of approved and disbursed loans from the previously reported period, it is important to note that these figures still illustrate that Black entrepreneurs continued to advance their businesses, trusting FACE in that process even in uncertain times.
*Approved loans have increased to $71.5 million since the reporting period ended.
FACE is supporting Black entrepreneurs through financial and advisory measures, including:
Proactively monitoring loan performance and tailored support;
Guidance on supply chain diversification to mitigate tariffrelated risks
Supporting the Black Business Community
Our unwavering dedication to economic inclusion and success for Black-owned businesses across Canada is reflected in every loan we disburse These investments are more than financial transactions They are catalysts for innovation, resilience, and growth By enabling businesses to weather challenges, scale operations, and generate employment, we are actively contributing to the economic vitality of the communities we serve
During the year under review, FACE strengthened its support for Black entrepreneurship through impactful partnerships with TD Ready Commitment and Interac The Propelling Black Entrepreneurship Program expanded access to financial services and business formalization, while Interac collaborations boosted visibility through national activations and marketplaces Together, these initiatives enhanced outreach, empowered entrepreneurs, and laid the groundwork for continued growth and engagement across Canada’s Black business ecosystem
It was during this period where we began our first cross-border partnership with Black Ambition, a US-based non-profit founded by Pharrell Williams With aligned missions aimed at supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and resources to help them scale their businesses and close the wealth gap, this partnership will materialize in a project to be launched in the 2025-2026 fiscal year
Community engagement remained a cornerstone of our outreach strategy, serving as a powerful tool for connection, education, and impact. Our participation in more than 100 events nationwide ranging from FACE-organized gatherings to speaking engagements where we shared insights on the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (BELF) allowed us to engage directly with Black business communities across Canada Whether presenting, networking, or attending as guests, these moments created space for meaningful dialogue and collaboration Each interaction helped deepen understanding of BELF, strengthen trust, and amplify the support available to Black entrepreneurs. As we continue to grow, these engagements will play a vital role in expanding our reach, fostering new partnerships, and shaping a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Through strengthened partnerships and expanded access to financial services, we’re building the foundation for a stronger, more connected Black business ecosystem.”
In October 2024, FACE alongside a powerful coalition of Black leaders, including LouisEdgar Jean-Francois, CEO of Groupe 3737; Dr. Gerald Grant from the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub; and Liban Abhokor, Co-CEO of the Foundation for Black Communities took to Parliament Hill to meet with government stakeholders and call for the renewal of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) and the Black Entrepreneurship Program This two-day intervention was critical in urging sustained federal investment to ensure that Black-led businesses and communities continue to build momentum and unlock generational wealth across Canada
Future Outlook
We remain committed to advancing Black entrepreneurship and economic inclusion across Canada. As the economic landscape continues to shift, we recognize the importance of not only growing our portfolio but also expanding our network of capital partners and forging relationships beyond our borders. To weather future uncertainties and seize emerging opportunities, we must invest in building resilient pathways ones that connect entrepreneurs to resources, mentorship, and markets
Through expanded loan programs and strategic partnerships, we aim to drive sustainable growth and long-term impact Our vision is rooted in adaptability, innovation, and advocacy for policies that address the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs Together, we are laying the foundation for a more equitable future one where Black-owned businesses thrive, scale, and contribute meaningfully to Canada’s evolving economy Thank you for your continued support
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
Page13
Amount of Loans Disbursed by Region
Alberta: $1.13M
British Columbia: $389K
Manitoba: $392K
Quebec: $2.41M
New Brunswick: $110K
Ontario: $6.61M
Prince Edward Island: $100K
Nova Scotia: $740K
Nunavut: $150K
Operations Management
The 2024–2025 fiscal year was marked by strategic staffing, internal development, and enhanced organizational engagement.
New Roles and Team Promotions
The year began with key personnel changes, including the onboarding of a new Customer Service Representative and the departure of the Entrepreneurship Relationship Manager Internal mobility was a strong focus, with several promotions recognizing high performance and leadership potential Promotions were confirmed cross accounting, accounts payable, and credit sales functions, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to talent development.
Employee Engagement
Strategic planning and team cohesion were prioritized through a two-day management offsite meeting in May 2024, which aligned leadership on fiscal goals and fostered collaboration. Celebratory initiatives such as the virtual annual awards gala and ongoing birthday and anniversary acknowledgments contributed to a positive workplace culture.
Human Resources implemented several operational enhancements An HR action plan was developed in response to the April 2024 Employee Opinion Survey and shared with leadership The employee handbook was translated into French to ensure accessibility, and concise policy reminders were regularly disseminated to reinforce compliance Contracts with external HR platforms were concluded, streamlining internal systems
Technology integration advanced with the development and rollout of a platform which embedded Performance and Recruitment Modules Role-specific goals and metrics were embedded into the platform, and senior management participated in preparatory sessions to ensure smooth implementation aligned with organizational objectives.
Quarterly performance evaluations were completed across the organization, and annual compensation reviews were communicated individually
Our January 2025 Employee Opinion Survey achieved strong results and a 95% participation rate, followed by leadership review and a company-wide briefing to inform future engagement strategies.
2 days dedicated to the management offsite that aligned leadership on fiscal goals and collaboration.
Recruitmentin2024/2025
Talent acquisition efforts intensified in Q4, with the successful backfill of a management role and the creation of two new strategic positions: Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Project ereconfirmed,with edforApril2025 Training mainedapriority.
Throughout the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Marketing and Communications team at FACE Coalition executed a robust and multi-channel strategy to elevate brand visibility, engage stakeholders, and promote Black entrepreneurship across Canada Through a regionally tailored outreach strategy across Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Western Canada, the department engaged Black entrepreneurs and promoted access to funding and support through the broader BEP ecosystem.
Events and Outreach
The team participated in more than 100 in-person events, including trade fairs, summits, expos, and community workshops, spanning all regions of the country These engagements provided critical opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, showcase FACE’s programs, and foster economic empowerment Public webinars and virtual presentations were hosted regularly, covering topics such as financial literacy, government procurement, and business development. These sessions were often delivered in collaboration with ecosystem partners and reached diverse audiences across Canada.
Quebec outreach prioritized historically Black communities and capital cities, with a total of 28 in-person, virtual and hybrid events. Storytelling and testimonials were central to the strategy, helping build trust and relatability.
Atlantic Canada included 26 events across various formats in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland. The strategy emphasized capital cities and larger Black communities. Regional storytelling and community-focused messaging were key components.
Western Canada outreach focused on Alberta, BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, with a total of 18 virtual and in-person events. Events in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Winnipeg were complemented by educational content and testimonials.
EventsinOntario
Ontario experienced the highest level of engagement, hosting 48 events across various formats, emphasizing Southern Ontario regions like the GTA, Hamilton, and Ottawa.
Digital Engagement
Digital engagement remained a cornerstone of the team’s strategy. Across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, the team published thousands of pieces of content, resulting in over 350,000 impressions and thousands of new followers across all platforms Instagram and LinkedIn emerged as high-performing platforms, with Instagram reaching over 28,000 accounts and gaining more than 3,000 new followers in Q4 alone LinkedIn consistently delivered strong engagement, with over 23,000 impressions and 196 new followers in the final quarter
Email marketing was another key driver of engagement Over the year, more than 60 newsletters were distributed, reaching tens of thousands of recipients. These newsletters supported event promotion, program updates, and storytelling initiatives that highlighted the impact of FACE’s work. Notable campaigns included regional spotlights, funding announcements, and invitations to webinars and expos.
Media coverage expanded significantly, with features in Forbes, The Globe and Mail, Now Toronto, TheFutureEconomy.ca, and Brandon Gonez Show, among others. These articles and interviews positioned FACE as a national leader in Black entrepreneurship and highlighted its innovative tools and community impact
Our marketing efforts are a key player in anchoring FACE’s visibility across these key regions, thus granting access to critical resources to Black entrepreneurs We are extremely grateful for the exceptional work undertaken by the marketing team during this period and look forward to reinforcing the value that FACE brings to BEP ecosystem and beyond
“By mee commun are: onlin and acro we stren awarene reach, an impact o
Community Events
The following lists several events that FACE’s Regional Marketing and Communications Officers organized and/or participated in during the year in review.
Boss Up Your Branding – Toronto, Ontario
This was the first-ever in-person FACE event in Ontario With over 126 registrants, the session featured branding tips, networking, and a panel including Nobellum and Human Squad Entrepreneurs praised the quality and accessibility of the event
This event coached young entrepreneurs on building value-driven relationships and introduced them to the Black Entrepreneurship Program and its benefits
Ontario
CEE Toronto Industry Event – Toronto, Ontario
York Small Business Enterprise Centre Workshop : Breaking Barriers –Newmarket, Ontario
FACE partnered with YSBEC to deliver a workshop on funding challenges and opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, including testimonials and a dynamic Q&A session
Halton Region Workshop: Enabling Economic Empowerment – Oakville, Ontario
This empowering session demystified the loan process and showcased the Business Listing Tool, helping Black entrepreneurs in Halton build visibility and connections
Innovation Factory Business Pitch Webinar – Online, Ontario
FACE facilitated a webinar for Black entrepreneurs, sharing details about the BELF and wraparound support. Many attendees were new to FACE and eager to engage.
Black Excellence Pitch Night - Innovation Factory – Hamilton, Ontario
FACE served as a judge at this inspiring pitch competition, engaging with founders and helping select winners. The event celebrated innovation and resilience in the Black business community.
Luminato Festival
The Luminato Festival in Toronto, established in 2007, is an annual multi-arts festival that showcases a wide range of artistic disciplines. The festival aims to celebrate creativity and provide a platform for local and international artists to present and exhibit their works and products. FACE Coalition recently sponsored 7 productbased entrepreneurs who sold products ranging from food products, clothes, jewelry, haircare and skincare products.
Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
EntrepreNoir Expo – Quebec City, Quebec
FACE hosted its first Entrepreneur Expo, featuring inspiring speakers and 10 local vendors. It was a pivotal moment for many entrepreneurs beginning their journey.
Audace au Féminin: Summit and Salon International de la Femme Noire Expo –Montreal, Quebec
Held at the Grand Quai, this four-day event included a summit which tackled community issues and funding challenges through roundtable discussions with leaders from BDC, CHAFRIC, and others The Noire Expo featured booths operated by local Black entrepreneurs, panels, and a visit from Prime Minister Trudeau FACE in financial
Women Entrepreneurs in Action – Montreal, Quebec
Procurement Canada f Women’s Rights ge about funding work
ebec
ured a keynote by historian Rito Joseph and a panel on economic equity FACE highlighted its inclusive loan model
Western Canada
Liberian
Association of Canada (LAC) Business Funding Forum – Calgary, Alberta
FACE presented its loan program to the Liberian community, sparking excitement and follow-up conversations about funding access
Held at Fort Edmonton Park, this vibrant event featured vendors and workshops. FACE connected with entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners
Black Business Edmonton Trade Fair – Edmonton, Alberta
Alberta
British Columbia
Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan –Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan
As a corporate vendor, we had the privilege of engaging directly with attendees, sharing information about the FACE Loan Program, and showcasing how we’re working to empower Black-owned businesses across Canada.
FACE Event: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Yukon & NWT – Online, Yukon
In partnership with the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, FACE hosted a virtual session aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs in the region. The session brought together six participants from within the Chamber, creating an intimate space for dialogue, sharing experiences, and exploring opportunities for growth.
Saskatchewan
Yukon
Atlantic Canada
Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs: Resource Fair and Networking Event
–
Truro, Nova Scotia
FACE joined the Native Council of Nova Scotia, Futurpreneur and 18 other organizations from around the region for an exciting and informative event designed specifically for aspiring Indigenous and black/indigenous entrepreneurs
Dal Innovation Open Street allowed FACE the opportunity to share about the loan program and resources to interested students and faculty who could potentially be future entrepreneurs
During Small Business Week, this networking opportunity hosted by Tribe Network allowed for FACE to present loan information to current and prospective entrepreneurs, and other attendees
Tribe Small Business Week – Halifax, Nova Scotia
Dal Innovation Open Street– Halifax, Nova Scotia
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Roadshow – Fredericton – Fredericton, New Brunswick
Held at Food by Fatou, this networking event featured local cuisine and engagement with entrepreneurs.
Roadshow – Saint John – Saint John, New Brunswick
This was the second stop on the New Brunswick Roadshow. Held at Kent Theatre, it was another valuable opportunity to introduce FACE and its offerings to current and prospective entrepreneurs.
Roadshow – Moncton – Moncton, New Brunswick
This evening event at Venn Innovation offered insights and resources for entrepreneurs, with FACE and the Black Professional Network Inc (BBPN) sharing tools and next steps for business growth.
The above roadshows were in partnership with Black Business Professional Network Inc.
Client Support
During the year under review, the FACE Support Centre advanced the Ontario Candidate in Progress initiative a targeted project designed to connect loan applicants with FACE’s ecosystem partners in Ontario The goal was to support applicants in completing preliminary documentation and facilitate successful loan submissions Through this outreach effort, more than 10,000 clients were contacted, resulting in 133 successful referrals, as confirmed by internal tracking
Over the course of the fiscal year, the Support Centre facilitated a total of 266 referrals across Canada. A significant increase was observed in the fourth quarter, which accounted for 149 referrals particularly in 94 in Ontario and 32 in Quebec.
The Support Centre also encouraged disbursed applicants to complete the FACE Impact Survey. The team reached out to 237 disbursed clients and conducted follow-ups, achieving a response rate of over 20% The feedback collected offered valuable insights into program outcomes and client experiences
The Support Centre advanced the Ontario Candidate in Progress initiative, contacting over 10,000 clients and generating 133 successful referrals.
A total of 266 referrals were facilitated nationwide, with Q4 driving the largest surge at 149 referrals.
20%+
Response rate to the FACE Impact Survey from 237 disbursed clients.
Loan Application Monitoring and Service Excellence
Throughout 2024–2025, FACE maintained daily monitoring of the BOBI loan application platform to ensure timely follow-up with applicants This operational diligence supported application readiness and document completion With a service level agreement (SLA) target of updating clients within five business days of file receipt at a 95% rate, the Support Centre exceeded expectations achieving a 97% update rate during the period under review.
Operational Efficiency
Over the course of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, FACE Coalition made significant strides in enhancing internal systems and operational workflows to support a more agile, data-informed, and resilient organization.
To strengthen professional development across departments, we launched learning and performance management modules, enabling managers to assign tailored elearning courses to their teams This initiative streamlined the upskilling process and ensured that employees had access to role-specific training resources that support long-term career growth.
In parallel, we began developing this performance management module to centralize quarterly and annual evaluations This tool is designed to bring greater consistency and transparency to performance reviews, aligning individual goals with organizational priorities
To improve service delivery, we transitioned to a cloud-based customer service platform that offers enhanced reporting and analytics. This upgrade has allowed us to better monitor client interactions, track performance metrics, and respond more effectively to the needs of our community
As part of our commitment to excellence in lending, we partnered with Moody’s Analytics to deliver targeted training to both the lending team and management The program focused on credit assessment, business development, and client engagement, reinforcing our team’s capacity to make informed, strategic decisions
Finally, we continued to uphold robust cybersecurity standards Through phishing simulations and awareness campaigns, we equipped staff with the tools to recognize and respond to digital threats, ensuring our organization remains vigilant and secure in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Enhanced Service Delivery
Transitioned to a cloud-based customer service platform, improving reporting, analytics, and responsiveness to client needs.
STRENGTHENING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE ORGANIZATION
Implemented targeted training with Moody’s Analytics to strengthen credit assessment, business development, and client engagement capabilities
Conducted phishing simulations and awareness campaigns to equip staff with the skills to identify and respond to digital threats.
Credit Review Application
In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, FACE Coalition’s Credit Risk Management team continued to uphold rigorous adjudication standards while supporting the organization’s mission to empower Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
Loans Approved
Performance Overview
The team reviewed a total of 200 loan submissions, approving 154, which represents a 77% approval rate. Of the 154 approvals, 131 loans were disbursed (85%).
These approvals translated into a total approval volume of $14.21 million, out of $20.41 million submitted for consideration. The strongest performance was observed in Q2, with a peak approval-persubmission rate of 92%, while Q4 saw a notable decline to 49%, reflecting increased caution amid shifting economic conditions.
Regionally, Ontario led with 80 submissions totaling $9.17 million, and 72 approvals amounting to $7.9 million. Quebec followed with 56 submissions and 42 approvals, representing $5.4 million and $3.2 million respectively. Western Canada contributed 41 submissions and 28 approvals, with a total submissions volume of $3.25 million with $2 million approved. Atlantic Canada saw 22 submissions and 11 approvals, totaling $2.59 million in submissions and $902,000 in approvals.
a 77% approval rate reflecting strong demand and solid portfolio performance.
Year-on-Year (YoY) Trends
Compared to the previous fiscal year (2023–2024), which saw 221 submissions and 176 approvals totaling $157 million, the current year reflects a slight decrease in submission volume and a decrease in both approval rate and approved value This shift underscores the team’s commitment to prudent risk management amid evolving market conditions
200
Projections and Strategic Outlook
Looking ahead to 2025–2026, projections estimate 181 submissions and 129 approvals, with an anticipated approval rate of 71% These figures reflect a cautious optimism, balancing growth with prudent risk management due to gradually lowering interest rates and uncertainties surrounding trade tariffs
Operational Enhancements
To strengthen adjudication and reduce rollbacks, the Credit Risk Management team will continue to deploy the following strategies:
Regular reviews of adjudication criteria to ensure alignment with FACE’s inclusive mandate
Data-driven analysis of loan performance to identify and address risk gaps.
Constructive feedback loops for ERMs to improve submission quality and reduce exceptions.
PERFORMANCERESULTS
In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, FACE Coalition continued to make significant strides in providing financial support to the black community, with $14,126,000 in loans approved and $12,033,556 disbursed as of March 31, 2025 (154 applications approved and 131 applications disbursed)
The organization's focused efforts to close the gap between approved loans and actual disbursements have continued to show meaningful progress. In the 2021/2022 fiscal year, the gap stood at 46%, which was significantly reduced to 22% by 2022/2023 and further narrowed to 17% in 2023/2024. Most recently, in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the gap decreased again to 15%, reflecting ongoing improvements in operational efficiency and support for loan recipients
It's crucial to acknowledge the external economic factors influencing these outcomes This year's reduced loan disbursement mirrors the prevailing economic conditions, characterized by cross-border trade tensions, high interest rates, sluggish consumption rates
Despite these challenges, FACE Coalition remains steadfast in providing vital financial assistance and fostering resilience within the Black business communities.
Funding Outcomes
Year-on-Year (YoY) Comparison of Loans Disbursed by Province
FACE Coalition, in managing the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (BELF), collaborates with various members of the Black Entrepreneurship Program This includes working alongside Black ecosystem organizations across different provinces to assist entrepreneurs in developing business plans and acquiring financial expertise
Since the fund's inception, FACE Coalition has gained support from partners with diversity programs that resonate with its mission and values These partners have played a crucial role in providing access to pertinent information and resources for loan applicants, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of the fund
Additionally, FACE Coalition has fostered and fortified relationships with local governments, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities, thereby broadening its reach and amplifying its impact.
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
Government of Canada
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, a key component of the Black Entrepreneur Program, emerged from a partnership involving FACE Coalition, the Government of Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada), the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), and private sector financial institutions. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada committed $30 million to FACE Coalition to offer loans ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support Black business owners and entrepreneurs throughout C d Thi i iti ti i t l y the groundwork for future success and effect long-term s.
f Canada (BDC)
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) committed $130 million to the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund to finance loans ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 In addition to providing funding, BDC offers advice, administrative support, and loan servicing, including the disbursement of funds. As Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, BDC also provides tools and free resources to Black business owners. FACE Coalition, acting as the executing agent for the loan fund, is responsible for the arbitration related to the program, including the receipt and processing of loan applications. This collaboration ensures comprehensive support for Black entrepreneurs, from securing funding to accessing essential business resources.
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity)
As part of the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund (BELF), FACE Coalition launched a pilot microloan program in partnership with Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity) This initiative aimed to expand access to capital for Black entrepreneurs in Ontario and British Columbia respectively, offering loans ranging from $10,000 to $25,000
Launched in 2021 and concluding on March 31, 2025 with capital exhausted, the BELF Microloan Pilot Program demonstrated the impact of collaborative financial models in addressing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship. FACE Coalition extends its sincere gratitude to Alterna Savings and Vancity for their commitment and partnership in delivering this program.
The microloan initiative is currently under review in preparation for its next phase.
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
PARTNERSHIPINITIATIVES
Propelling Black Entrepreneurship Program with TD Ready Commitment
In 2024–2025, the Propelling Black Entrepreneurship Program significantly expanded its reach and deepened its impact across Canada. The program received 608 applications from Black entrepreneurs, a notable increase from 457 the previous year, reflecting growing demand for tailored business support. A total of 102 entrepreneurs received grants which enabled access to business planning, financial statements, and tax filing services.
These services helped formalize operations for business owners. Seventy-three percent of applicants opted for incorporation while 27% opted for sole proprietorship. Financial literacy workshops reached 475 participants, up from 275, equipping entrepreneurs with critical skills in financial management and strategic planning. At the time of the submission of the project impact report, 24 entrepreneurs applied for FACE loans, with 6 securing funding, while 17 applications were to be reviewed.
Community engagement efforts expanded through targeted social media outreach and bilingual informational sessions, reaching over 20,000 users and 391 participants respectively. This success resulted in the program’s renewal for 2025-2027 and FACE looks forward to providing access to these critical services to more Black entrepreneurs, expanding the reach of this impactful initiative.
During the period under review, FACE partnered with Gonez Media Inc—home to the Brandon Gonez Show and NOW Toronto—to amplify the voices of FACE-funded entrepreneurs nationwide. The campaign featured 4 video episodes and a 4-part article series, generating 554K+ views, 44.6K engagements, and 2.3M impressions across social platforms. On NOW Toronto, the articles achieved 18,800+ reads and 1.78M impressions, surpassing industry benchmarks by over 300%. This collaboration significantly expanded FACE’s reach and highlighted its impact within Canada’s Black entrepreneurial community.
ECOSYSTEMPARTNERS
Groupe 3737
Elevation is an innovative program offered by Groupe 3737, designed to empower entrepreneurs and startups with the tools and resources needed to accelerate their growth and success. This program provides participants with access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and specialized workshops tailored to the unique needs of early-stage ventures.
Event : Elevation Acceleration Program Cohort Launch | Programme Élévation
This event focused on financing opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem FACE, alongside several other institutions including BDC, Evol, Futurpreneur, and PME Montréal, shared insights on the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund and connected with 50 in-person and 10 virtual attendees seeking funding solutions The session provided practical guidance on accessing capital and highlighted collaborative pathways for Black-owned businesses to thrive
Casa Foundation
Casa Foundation’s Black Advisory Hub is committed to fostering economic growth and advancement within the Black community The Advisory hub offers many resources, including mentorship programs, business development workshops, and networking opportunities Through collaboration with industry experts and community leaders, the Hub provides tailored guidance and support to help individuals navigate challenges and seize opportunities in their respective fields
Event: Casa Foundation BAH Accelerator Session 6
This webinar allowed FACE to share details about the loan program to the CASA Foundation Black Advisory Hub Business Accelerator Program The audience was made up of entrepreneurs who were undergoing the accelerator program to prepare themselves to either start up or scale up their business.
Africa Centre
Africa Centre’s Entrepreneurial Support initiatives are committed to fostering a thriving business community in Western Canada by addressing systemic barriers that hinder the prospects of aspiring Black entrepreneurs. The program equips entrepreneurs with the skills and support they need to launch and grow successful businesses.
Event: Africanival 2024
Held at Churchill Square, Africanival was a vibrant cultural festival celebrating African heritage and entrepreneurship The event featured live performances, food vendors, and networking opportunities for Black-owned businesses FACE participated actively, leveraging the platform to engage with entrepreneurs, promote the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, and strengthen community ties This engagement aligned with FACE’s mission to empower Black businesses through visibility, resources, and financial support
Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
BIPOC Foundation
The BIPOC Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) businesses, primarily in Western Canada
Event: BIPOC Foundation Legacy Gala
FACE Coalition had the privilege of attending the BIPOC Foundation Legacy Gala in Lethbridge, a remarkable event dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities The gala served as a powerful platform to underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the entrepreneurial ecosystem while honoring leaders and changemakers within the BIPOC community
Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA)
Founded in 1983, the BBPA is a non-profit, charitable organization that addresses equity and opportunity for the Black community in business, employment, education and economic development
Event: BBPA Harry Jermone Awards
FACE attended this Industry event in support of BBA HJA, which aimed at recognizing and awarding notable people within the Black community for their contributions The event also recognizes and honours excellence in achievement and supports higher education through the BBPA National Scholarship
Tribe Network
Tribe Network is an entrepreneurship and innovation hub for Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) with the goal of improving the wellbeing of BIPOC by supporting them to start, build and accelerate high-growth and high-value companies.
Event: Tribe Small Business Week
FACE participated in Tribe Network’s Small Business Week event, which served as a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and explore growth opportunities. FACE leveraged this engagement to promote the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund and strengthen partnerships within the Atlantic ecosystem
FACE Coalition 2024/2025 Annual Report
TESTIMONIALS
If you go out there and you see the lights on, it's FACE. FACE gave me the most important funding that I wanted, for renovations. FACE could provide that for me and without that we won't operate, if we can't renovate.
Emmanuel Eloka El Afrik Lounge Edmonton , Alberta
who understood our problems right from the start They followed us right away, and released 250,000 Dollars at a time when we really needed it That helped us seize opportunities
Fabrice Demtare
Geosquad Val-d'Or, Quebec
FACE was the first loan of its kind for people of colour, to truly get equitable access to funding for their businesses It was such a huge win for our community especially for in the business space and you were looking for loans This is revolutionary!
Tosin, Rochelle & Jada Beauty, Braids & Beyond Toronto, Ontario
my business to the next level Initially, the first loan enabled me to transition from a home-based business to a retail space in the mall, providing me with greater visibility and credibility.
Bless Tata
Bless Thee Fashion Inc . Calgary, Alberta
FACE understood the project They understood what we were trying to achieve. They looked beyond the numbers.They supported us financially. We had just automated our processes. We needed a slightly higher financing.
Jerry Compere
Fous de L’ile Montréal, Quebec
We cannot thank FACE enough A lot of people who have come in here and had transformations like mental health, physical transformations, none of that would have been possible without the money we recieved to get our dream turned into reality.
Ryan and Clinton Unity Gym Scarborough, Ontario
Without the loan from FACE, my business wouldn't exist today The loan enabled us to purchase essential equipment, including a refrigerator, oven, computer, and more In just our first 10 months of operation, we've achieved an impressive $100,000 in sales
Yannick Craigwell TREATSANDTREATS INC Vancouver, BC
clientele in Montréal As such, my visibility has increased which in turn expanded my expertise to industries beyond the life science domain.
Vanessa Lucien VL Solutions Inc. Montréal,
Quebec
We were at a stage where we couldn't even complete a cycle of payroll, because we had paid but not been reimbursed, and obviously we need to pay our staff, right? But as soon as we got the funds, we were able to complete it.
Andrews Baah Apollo Staffing Solutions Inc. Manitoba
With a loan from FACE, The Opus Café was able to begin its journey This funding played a crucial role in starting my business, and their experience with FACE provided me with hope and encouragement, showing me that their dream of business ownership was indeed attainable
