Impact Report
Black Innovation Zone
Testimonials and Spotlights
Black Excellence
Collective Action
Community & Change
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Community Members,
As we wrap up another successful quarter, we at FBC are grateful to everyone who continues to support Black communities in Canada. Together, we’ve expanded opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and communities across the country while strengthening partnerships that help drive lasting change. Thank you for being part of our growing community. I look forward to celebrating even more milestones with you throughout the year, especially at our 2026 Impact Gala this October.
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
Measuring Progress. Inspiring Change:
The 2025 Impact Report Is Here
Real change begins with measurable impact. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report highlights the progress we’ve made together over the past year and the lives that have been transformed through FBC programs, partnerships, and advocacy. Inside, you’ll find key achievements, participant success stories, national initiatives, financial highlights, and the collective impact made possible through the support of our members, volunteers, funders, and community partners.
Our impact in 2025 includes:
- 200+ Black entrepreneurs supported through our on-demand programming and access to the Black Innovation Zone, helping founders grow and scale their businesses.
- Over $700,000 in financial support distributed through wages, bursaries, and grants to Black organizations, youth, and entrepreneurs.
- Officially became a registered charity, making it easier and more rewarding for individuals and organizations to invest in our mission and community impact.
- 600+ Black voices mobilized for justice reform through focus groups, surveys, and community engagement events, ensuring lived experiences helped shape meaningful change.
- 50+ Black community partners collaborated with us, demonstrating the power of collective action to address our communities’ greatest challenges.
- Thousands of Black Canadians reached through in-person events, virtual webinars, and community programming, expanding opportunities for learning, connection, and empowerment.
These milestones are a testament to what we can accomplish together. Thank you to our partners, supporters, volunteers, and community members for helping make 2025 a year of meaningful impact. We look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.
Where Innovation Meets Opportunity:
Inside the Black Innovation Zone
Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when ideas, entrepreneurs, and communities come together. Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) is a collective of Black-led organizations united to create access and opportunities for Black founders, investors, and professionals across the Canadian landscape. FBC is one of the key organizational leads and co-founders of BIZ.
On May 11, 2026, the Black Innovation Zone came to Web Summit Vancouver, launching a Pre-Summit Reception ahead. The event brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and community leaders to network, spark new partnerships, and celebrate the growing momentum of Black innovation across Canada.
Through networking opportunities, strategic partnerships, business showcases, and technology-focused events, the Black Innovation Zone creates pathways for collaboration, business growth, and economic empowerment.
Web Summit
This quarter, more than 300 community members participated in Web Summit activities through the Black Innovation Zone. Participants explored emerging technologies, connected with industry experts, built valuable professional relationships, and discovered new opportunities within Canada’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Melamoon: Where creativity meets culture.
Through our collaboration with Melamoon, the Federation of Black Canadians is proud to support a growing community of Black entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. This free networking and pitch event brings together founders, investors, mentors, and supporters to foster meaningful connections, share ideas, and strengthen Canada’s Black business ecosystem. Whether you’re pitching or simply looking to connect, everyone invested in the future of Black entrepreneurship has a place at Melamoon. Together, we’re helping build opportunities, amplify innovation, and create lasting impact through collective growth. Learn more about the organization here.
Sankofa Square
Community remains at the heart of innovation. Through Sankofa Square, FBC continues creating welcoming spaces where culture, entrepreneurship, networking, and community engagement intersect, helping strengthen connections that lead to meaningful opportunities.
Board Member Spotlight:
Meet Ope: Helping Shape the Future of FBC
FBC is proud to spotlight Ope, whose thoughtful leadership and strategic insight continue to strengthen the Federation of Black Canadians. Ope Adenekan is currently completing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Saskatchewan. His professional background is rooted in the private sector, where he has worked in sales and, most recently, finance. Through his experiences, Ope has come to recognize that public policy is deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives, and he is excited to apply his background toward shaping policies that create meaningful change. He believes that diverse experiences lead to stronger solutions and is honoured to bring his unique perspective to the FBC Board. Outside of work, Ope enjoys hiking, reading, and travelling.
Program Testimonial
Ajibola Ogunbiyi
Making a difference starts with people who choose to lead with purpose. We’re honoured to celebrate Ajibola Ogunbiyi, whose dedication to community, passion for service, and commitment to creating opportunities continue to leave a meaningful mark across Canada. Through his leadership and advocacy, Ajibola exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and empowerment that drives the Federation of Black Canadians’ mission. Thank you, Ajibola, for your continued leadership and for inspiring positive change in our communities.
Ajibola gained critical job-readiness skills through targeted resume development and interview preparation tailored to the Canadian job market. Through one-on-one mentorship, he clarified his career pathway in business analysis and strategy, earning his first co-op job in Canada. He is committed to leveraging his MBA training to build a meaningful career in business strategy while giving back by supporting and mentoring fellow newcomers.
Save the Date!
The 2026 FBC Impact Gala Is Coming
An unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and community awaits. Join us on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Dreams Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario, as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Black leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and changemakers from across Canada.
The annual FBC Impact Gala is our signature fundraising event, bringing together community members, corporate partners, elected officials, and supporters to recognize excellence, celebrate success, and invest in programs that continue creating opportunities for Black Canadians.
Expect an evening filled with inspiring stories, outstanding entertainment, prestigious awards, meaningful networking, and exciting opportunities to support the future of our communities. Ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities will be announced soon, we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Help Build a Stronger Future
The Federation of Black Canadians is now a registered Canadian charity, which means your donation is now eligible for a charitable tax receipt! Your support helps break down systemic barriers, expand opportunities for Black youth, and advance our work in health, education, employment, and justice. Every gift makes a difference. Donate here today and help create lasting change.
Active Programs
Get Involved with FBC
Become a Member of the Federation of Black Canadians
Your membership strengthens our national voice. By joining the Federation of Black Canadians, you directly contribute to programs that empower communities, influence policy, and open doors for the next generation. Members get updates, invitations to national events, and opportunities to shape the future of Black leadership in Canada. Together, we can build a country grounded in equity, opportunity, and justice.
This quarter reaffirmed the power of collaboration, representation, and resilience within our communities. Each initiative, partnership, and event showcased FBC’s unwavering dedication to equity and empowerment. As we look ahead to the next quarter, we remain committed to amplifying Black voices, investing in youth, and advancing systemic change. Together, we are building a future where every Black Canadian has the opportunity to thrive. Stay connected with us and don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook @fbcfcn.
Volunteer With Us
Volunteers are a crucial aspect to the strength and success of the Federation and we provide a variety of ways to get involved. You can learn more here.
Become a General Member
General members of FBC will receive regular communications and access to contact lists for other African Canadian organizations across Canada. You can sign up to become a member here.
Become a Paid Member
Paid members of FBC receive invitations to our Annual General Meeting and receive voting rights at our meetings. You can become a paid member here.
Invest In Us
By supporting FBC, you can have a positive impact on our ability to keep much-needed programs (such as BEP and SSLP) accessible for the Black community. Find out more.
