The Black Innovation Zone at Collision 2024 was an amazing opportunity to bring together Black entrepreneurs and professionals. We are grateful to have been a part of the #BlackInnovationZone and to have helped provide free tickets, thanks to our Black Builders Network, and a space for Black Innovators to connect and Network! Collision 2024 was an incredible conference and an amazing growth opportunity for the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) and our neighbouring organizations! We came together to create a strong presence in the Canadian tech world through the resources and opportunities available for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.
About Collision
Over the course of three impactful days, Collision was filled with inspiring talks and discussions on popular topics in the tech world, including artificial intelligence, social media and digital marketing, entrepreneurship, health care advancements, and overcoming adversity in these areas. The conference brought together large tech companies, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and budding entrepreneurs, providing a platform to connect, share businesses, and network with other business owners, investors, and potential audience members.
One of the standout features of our participation was the creation of the Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) in collaboration with our fellow partner organizations: The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), Nobellum, and The Black Founders Network (BFN). This dedicated space hosted three days of scheduled panels, talks, and networking opportunities, introducing our organizations and missions to a wider audience while highlighting the work each organization does individually.
Our Involvement
On Day 3, FBC hosted a special panel that highlighted past winners of our Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Pitch Competition. The panel featured Erica Effah from Erica Tiwaa Agency, Rachel Adjei from The Abibiman Project, and Tosin During and Rochelle Smith from Beauty, Braids & Beyond. These remarkable women shared incredible insights into their individual journeys, inspiring everyone in attendance.
Additionally, we supported some of our other BEP members by providing them with booths to showcase their businesses and demonstrate how they can better enter the ecosystem. We were thrilled to see Owambe Technologies represented by their team and celebrated their success as one of five winners of the AmplifyHer Pitch Competition held by BFN. Ekogenie also had the opportunity to showcase their business at a booth, further underscoring the success of our past BEP cohorts and their representation of FBC at Collision.
Overall, Collision 2024 was a phenomenal experience for FBC. It allowed us to connect with a broader audience, celebrate the achievements of our members, and continue our mission of supporting Black Canadian entrepreneurs. We look forward to building on this momentum and achieving even greater successes in the future.
About Our Black Builders Network
The Black Builders Network is a transformative platform for individuals and organizations dedicated to shaping the future of Black communities in Canada. This membership is a gateway to a vibrant network of black entrepreneurs, non-profits and organizations.
By joining the Black Builders Network, you gain access to invaluable resources, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that empowers and amplifies your efforts. This platform not only fosters personal and professional growth but also drives collective action, addressing systemic issues and advocating for change.
About Our Black Entrepreneurship Program
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) by the Federation of Black Canadians offers free virtual training and mentorship for Black youth (ages 16-29) in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec. Participants engage in a 4-month entrepreneurship training covering essential business skills, a mentorship with Black community leaders, and a pitch competition with prizes up to $5,000. The program fosters collaboration, creativity, and business development among young Black entrepreneurs.
Our French and English speaking next cohort applications are NOW OPEN!
For more information, visit the BEP Program page.
