Black Innovation Zone:
Celebrating Black Excellence in Tech
Heritage Unveiled:
Celebrating Black Canadian History
Working to Make Black Canadian Voices Heard: Digital Access & Public Space
BEP Pitch Competitions: Showcasing Innovation
Launch of Newcomers Program
Capacity Building Webinar: Writing Successful Grants
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Canadians,
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) has made remarkable progress in enhancing economic security, education, and health within Black communities. Over the past quarter, we have supported over 60 new Black entrepreneurs and distributed more than $37,000 in financial aid to Black Canadians. We are excited to announce that our new French BEP cohort, debuted on August 8th, with close to 30 new registrants. Our education initiatives have also been impactful, providing thousands of dollars in educational bursaries to hundreds of students. Additionally, our presence at the 2024 Elevate Conference as part of the Black Innovation Zone a tremendous success. The Black Innovation Zone included $40,000+ in pitch competition micro contribution prizes, resources and networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, and special talks by Black business leaders! As part of our Black Builders Network and BEP Program we were able to giveaway 50 tickets valued at at $450 each! Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference!
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
P.S. Tickets to our Impact Gala Fundraiser in September are selling out quickly!
Letter From Executive Director
Fellow Canadians,
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) has made remarkable progress in enhancing economic security, education, and health within Black communities. Over the past year, we have supported over 60 new Black entrepreneurs and distributed more than $37,000 in financial aid to Black Canadians. We are excited to announce that our new French BEP cohort, debuted on August 8th, with close to 30 new registrants. Our education initiatives have also been impactful, providing thousands of dollars in scholarships to hundreds of students. Additionally, our presence at the 2024 Collision workshop celebrating Black Innovation was a tremendous success. The pre-event attracted around 150 attendees, the main workshop saw 70 participants, and the after-party drew over 200 attendees. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we are making a difference!
In solidarity,
Chris Thompson
Executive Director,
Federation of Black Canadians
P.S. Tickets to our Impact Gala Fundraiser in September are selling out quickly!
Black Innovation Zone:
Celebrating Black Excellence in Tech
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. Additionally, our presence at the 2024 Elevate Conference as part of the Black Innovation Zone a tremendous success. The Black Innovation Zone included $40,000+ in pitch competition micro contribution prizes, resources and networking opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, and special talks by Black business leaders! As part of our Black Builders Network and BEP Program 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.
Heritage Unveiled: Celebrating Black Canadian History
On October 12th, we gathered in Montréal, QC for Heritage Unveiled, an event celebrating the profound contributions of Black Canadians to our nation’s history and culture. Funded by the Youth Take Charge Program under Canadian Heritage, this engaging afternoon featured:
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Keynote Presentation by renowned historian Rito Joseph, highlighting Black Canadian advocacy, civil rights, music, and cultural achievements.
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Panel Discussion & Q&A featuring Chris Luamba, Wilkinson Derisme, Samanta Nyinawamuntu, and Lourdenie Jean, connecting history to their impactful work.
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Live Performances by Joyciana and Ryan, celebrating Black culture.
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Networking Lunch, fostering meaningful connections among attendees.
Join the Black Builders Network
Register to enjoy exclusive features and services.
The Black Builders Network, brought to you by FBC, is a Black Business and Nonprofit Resource Hub, your go-to destination for accessing a wide range of resources designed to support and empower black entrepreneurs, non-profits, and businesses.
- Discounted and free tickets to select conferences and events (collision and elevate)
- Membership to the Canadian Federation of Independent businesses (CFIB)
- Trusteeship and grant writing consultations for grassroots organizations
- Capacity Building resources (funding, guides, webinars)
- Priority to grants and special projects
and more!
Femicide: Unveiling the Silent Tragedy
FBC released a crucial blog post: Femicide: Unveiling the Silent Tragedy.
FBC’s working groups highlighted femicide; the deliberate killing of women due to their gender and its intersection with racism, domestic violence, and media neglect. Black women, in particular, face a heightened risk, with their stories often underreported. The article emphasizes the urgent need for societal recognition and action to prevent gender-based violence.
Working to Make Black Canadian Voices Heard: Digital Access & Public Space
Bridging the Digital Divide: FBC Partners with the City of Toronto
On October 17, FBC released the Toronto WiFi Strategy Report, marking our partnership with the City of Toronto’s ConnectTO program. This initiative expands free public Wi-Fi access and tackles digital barriers affecting Black Torontonians. Through surveys and focus groups, FBC identified key challenges like affordability, reliability, and limited infrastructure.
Our findings underscore the importance of equitable digital solutions, including partnerships with service providers, improved network infrastructure, and rental device programs through community organizations.
Sankofa Square: Reimagining a Landmark with Community Input
On November 18, FBC partnered with Sankofa Square to ensure community voices were central in reimagining one of Toronto’s most iconic public spaces. Over 80 participants joined us via Zoom to share their vision for Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), aiming to create an inclusive and culturally rich space.
Named after the Akan word meaning “go back and get it,” Sankofa Square represents learning from the past to shape the future. Insights from this event will guide the square’s upcoming transformation, with new branding set to launch in early 2025.
Annual General Meeting
Our 2024 annual general meeting brought together members from across the nation to engage in the governance and future planning of the organization. The meeting highlighted:
- Annual Impact Report & Financial Statements
- Discussion on By-laws and Organizational Growth
- Upcoming Initiatives, including the Black Entrepreneur Program (BEP)
Attendees also had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback and vote on FBC’s upcoming activities, ensuring the collective voice of its members was heard. Paid members played an integral role in shaping the next year’s agenda, with discussions centering on progress updates, initiatives like the Black Entrepreneur Program (BEP), and how FBC can continue to empower Black communities in Canada.
Black Entrepreneurship Pitch Competitions: Showcasing Innovation
Held on November 5, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Black Francophone entrepreneurship, marking the Federation of Black Canadians’ first-ever French cohort event. With over 80 attendees and seven dynamic pitches, the competition showcased innovative business ideas ranging from tech solutions like Grasper AI to creative ventures such as NADO MAYO ARTISTRY and culinary excellence with Traiteur aux Saveurs Uniques.The event highlighted the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit within Canada’s Black Francophone community.
Winners:
- First Place: Riquiel Keudem (WeSpare Finance Inc.)
- Second Place: Abire Mayo (NADO MAYO ARTISTRY)
- Third Place: Yann Saah (Grasper AI)
- Audience Favorite: Ebode Steve Lambert (Webinfiny)
Black Entrepreneurship Pitch Competitions: Showcasing Innovation
The BEP Pitch Competition was a night of inspiration, creativity, and entrepreneurial excellence, bringing together a vibrant community of Black business leaders and aspiring innovators. Attendees witnessed a showcase of talent as five entrepreneurs pitched their ventures to a panel of judges: Efosa Obano, Rachael Obasan, and Robert Tyndale. The competition provided a valuable platform for participants to receive expert feedback, refine their ideas, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Winners:
- $5,000 Grand Prize: Kelechi Oriaku (Uselooking), AI-driven platform combating social isolation.
- $5,000 Winner: Korina Thomas-Reynolds (Roots to Routes Academy), empowering Black students through education.
- $2,500 People’s Choice Award: Lota Chukwu (Caiel Inc.), data analytics consultancy.
Launch of Newcomers Program
On November 15, FBC launched its Newcomers Program, funded by Catapult Canada & Rideau Hall, to support Black youth, particularly newcomers and NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) individuals in Alberta and Ontario.
Developed from fall 2024 focus group findings, the program aims to engage 50+ Black youth, providing skills development workshops, mentorship, and wrap-around support. In partnership with Oasis Lending Group, the Oasis x FBC Newcomer Mentorship Program is currently having biweekly mentorship, resume building, financial literacy, and job market navigation. The first Ontario cohort kicked off in February 2025. We have now opened registration until March 30th for our Alberta Cohort!
Capacity Building Webinar: Writing Successful Grants
On November 28, FBC hosted a Grant Writing Webinar led by Daniel Twijuke, a funding specialist who has secured $4.7 million in grants. Participants learned strategies for crafting compelling grant applications, developing logic models, and aligning proposals with funder priorities.
The session attracted over 80 attendees eager to refine their grant-writing skills. As Daniel emphasized,
“A well-structured logic model not only tells a compelling story but also gives funders the confidence that your program will deliver tangible results.”.
FBC remains committed to building capacity within the Black community, equipping organizations with tools for securing critical funding.
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