The Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) packed the house again with hundreds of Black entrepreneurs present, this time at Elevate Festival 2024. As one of the founding partners, the Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) with our other founding partners Nobellum, Black Founders Network and Black Entrepreneur Alliance were on the Conference floor hosting meetups, networking and letting everyone know about the different programs and groups available with the partners of the Black innovation Zone. The Black Innovation Zone provides a dedicated space for Black entrepreneurs, innovators, and tech leaders to showcase their ideas, collaborate, and build meaningful connections, taking over sections of conferences such as Elevate and Collision.
FBC is proud to support Black entrepreneurs in Canada, by providing them with spaces dedicated to their growth. The Black Innovation Zone included $40,000+ in pitch competition prizes, resources and networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, and special talks by Black business leaders! As part of our Black Builders Network and BEP Porgram we were able to giveaway 50 tickets valued at at $450 each!
FBC, with the help of BIZ and Elevate, hosted a pitch competition for our BEP program participants on the Startup Stage handing out over $10k worth of prizes. Our pitch competitors, Brenda Akenorah (MyWellSelf), Feyiyaso Enuiyin(Owambe), Kiara Jaunai-holder(Kairah’s Kitchen), and Bren Kugarmoorthy(Elev8) all had 3 minutes to pitch the startup to the judges and the spectators of the room of the Lower stage area at Meridian Hall.
Ultimately, Elev8’s commitment to helping athletes improve their recovery and fitness won the grand prize of 5k. Thank you to our judges, Erica Effah (Erica Tiwaa Agency), Rochelle Smith (Beauty Braids and Beyond) and Sagal Adbi (Black North Iniative) and everyone who came out to support!
To view our full album of photos click here.
Key Events at the Black Innovation Zone @ Elevate:
- What is the Black Innovation Zone launch
- BEA Innovation Hub – Housing Support and Needs for Entrepreneurs
- Black Innovation Zone: Community Partners
- Opportunity to connect and learn about our community partners including: CBCC, BOF, BNI, Tribe and DMZ
- Nobellum Black Women in STEM Showcase
- $10k Pitch
- Black Entrepreneurship Program Showcase
- $10k Pitch competition
- Black Women in Innovation Showcase
- $20k pitch competition
- CBCC Black Women in STEM
- Showcasing the mentorship and resource opportunities offered by CBCC
- Build your Brand, Showcasing Autenticity and Impact
- Attendees learned special personal and networking skills
- DMZ Founders Connect
- Q&A with DMZ’s Founders
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 n 8 week 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
For more information, visit the BEP Program page.
