Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Dipo Alli, CEO of the Black Business Ventures Association | Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Online
Traditionally, Alberta is known for energy, but its technology sector has been growing fast. The question is who gets to take part. For Black founders, breaking into tech often means building without the networks, investors and mentors that other startups rely on.
Fortunately, that is changing. Black tech startups in Alberta now have a dedicated champion working to connect them with the wider tech ecosystem, build their revenue and prepare them for investment. In fact, that organization has set a bold national target.
So on Thursday, October 22, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with the second of two fireside chats that day, featuring Dipo Alli, CEO of the Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA).
Who Is Dipo Alli?
Today, Dipo leads the Black Business Ventures Association, an Edmonton-based organization focused on Black-led technology and tech-enabled businesses. He has also spoken publicly about making the leap from working professional to full-time founder. In addition, he is associated with Migr8 Capital.
Above all, his focus is practical: helping Black founders build businesses that earn revenue and attract investment.
This investment strengthens Alberta’s Black entrepreneurship ecosystem by helping founders build revenue-ready, investment-ready businesses. (Dipo Alli, on BBVA’s 2026 federal funding)
Inside the Black Business Ventures Association
BBVA was founded in 2020 with a clear goal: help create 1,000 successful Black-led tech and tech-enabled businesses in Canada by 2030. To get there, it bridges the gap between Black founders and the broader Canadian technology ecosystem.
For example, BBVA’s 2022 Milestone Report surveyed more than 270 emerging Black tech-enabled startups. Then, in 2023, it launched the Founders 50, a ranked list celebrating the top 50 Black-founded technology companies. Most recently, in February 2026, PrairiesCan announced $1.5 million for BBVA to deliver personalized coaching, stronger ecosystem collaboration, and more visibility for Black-led tech businesses in Alberta.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Tech is where scale happens
In general, technology businesses can grow faster and further than most traditional businesses. Therefore, when Black founders build in tech, they unlock a path to jobs, investment, and wealth at a much larger scale. (Read our Day 3 spotlight on Black tech founders in Canada.)
2. Visibility attracts opportunity
After all, investors, partners and customers cannot back founders they never see. That is why initiatives like the Founders 50 matter: they put Black-founded companies in front of the people who can help them grow.
3. Revenue first, then investment
Importantly, Dipo’s focus on revenue-ready businesses is a powerful lesson. A business that earns money has more options, more leverage and more credibility with investors. In short, traction speaks louder than a pitch deck. (See also our Day 20 conversation on what investors look for in founders.)
4. Breaking the third strike
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, including overconcentration in professional services. BBVA’s work moves more Black founders into technology, a high-growth sector where we are underrepresented.
5. Readiness is a journey
Of course, becoming investment-ready takes preparation. This is where ACBN’s 3C Framework™ comes in: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on your model, revenue and numbers. Next, connect with ecosystems like BBVA and ACBN. Finally, access the capital that fits your stage, from microloans to investment.
Ready to build a revenue-ready business? ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
What You Will Walk Away With
- How Black founders are building tech companies in Alberta and across Canada
- What it means to be revenue-ready and investment-ready
- Why visibility and ecosystem connections accelerate growth
- Lessons on moving from professional to full-time founder
- A live Q&A with the CEO of the Black Business Ventures Association
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black Business Ventures Association?
The Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) is an Edmonton-based organization founded in 2020 that supports Black-led tech and tech-enabled businesses. Its goal is to help create 1,000 successful Black-led tech businesses in Canada by 2030.
What does investment-ready mean?
Generally, an investment-ready business has a clear model, real traction, organized financials, a strong team and a plan for how new capital will drive growth.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 22
Day 22 features two fireside chats as part of a full month of workshops through October. So join us for both, starting with Michelle Christian of BPES and continuing with Dipo Alli of BBVA.
Fireside Chats with Michelle Christian and Dipo Alli | BEEConference Day 22
Thursday, October 22, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
