Applications Open Year-Round
Become fundable:
The Growth Pathway for black entrepreneurs in Ontario.
Build the exact file lenders say yes to: a structured 12-month program with 1-on-1 coaching.
Partnered with
YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE FUNDABLE YET
Who is the Growth Pathway for?
The Growth Pathway is for Black and Afro-Caribbean entrepreneurs in Ontario who want to access business funding but aren’t sure they’d qualify yet. Whether you’re already running a business or you’ve been turned down by a bank before, this program gets you lender-ready over twelve months.
You’re a fit if you are:
An existing business owner who is cash-constrained and wants a clear path to capital
Someone recently declined for a loan who wants to know exactly why and how to fix it
Ready to commit to twelve structured months of doing the work to become fundable
Behind on taxes, owing the CRA, or worried about your credit — you are not disqualified
The program
What does the Growth Pathway involve?
A structured, coached 12-month program that builds your complete lender-ready file, one step at a time, with a coach beside you. It covers nine areas:
Funding foundations
Clarify your goal and measure your starting point.
Documentation
Gather and organize the exact documents lenders require.
Business financial health
Build clear financial statements and cash-flow projections.
Credit & personal finances
Understand and actively improve your credit toward lender thresholds.
Operations & scaling readiness
Show a lender your business runs on solid systems.
Marketing & sales proof
Demonstrate real revenue traction.
Underwriting literacy
Learn to think like a lender so nothing surprises you.
Your case for support
Prepare your written funding case and practise the lender conversation.
Readiness review & connections
Finalize your package and get introduced to the right lender.
You also get
5-10
One-on-one coaching sessions tailored to your gaps.
Monthly
Group coaching with other entrepreneurs on the same path.
Weekly
Marketing & sales working groups to build real revenue traction.
And when you qualify, your ACBN Inner Circle membership is sponsored in full for the twelve months — so cost is never the barrier to doing the work.
When can I apply?
Applications are open year-round
You can apply for the ACBN Growth Pathway at any time — applications are open year-round. Once accepted, you begin your structured twelve-month journey with your cohort and coach.
New coaching spots open on the first of every month, and they’re limited — real one-on-one support only works in small numbers. To be considered for this month’s intake, apply before the end of the month.
Growth Pathway
The ACBN Growth Pathway
Apply
Complete the Growth Pathway application. It tells us where your business stands and whether you qualify for sponsorship.
Get reviewed
We assess your readiness and let you know if you’re accepted and sponsored.
Build for 12 months
Coaching, training, and community as you become fundable.
Work toward capital
Position to apply for the ACBN microloan and other funding earned through the work.
The honest promise
Is funding guaranteed? No, but readiness is
Let’s be clear and honest: the Growth Pathway does not guarantee you a loan. No legitimate program can — lending decisions belong to lenders. What we help you do is become fundable: prepared, organized, and confident to approach lenders with a file that gives you the best possible chance of a yes.
What we expect from you
Commit to the twelve-month program and do the work between sessions.
Be honest about where you are, including credit, taxes, and documents.
Move through the steps with steady commitment.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US
A clear plan and real coaching.
Honest feedback, every step.
Move through the steps with steady commitment.
YOUR NETWORK STARTS HERE
A Community to connect. An Inner Circle to grow.
ACBN Community — Free Membership
New to ACBN? Start here. Join the Community free and get access to our weekly Thursday programs, networking, expert
sessions, and updates. It’s your welcome into the network — no fee, no commitment.
ACBN Inner Circle — paid membership
Ready for more? Inner Circle membership unlocks expert consultants, the Venture Planner tool, HighLevel CRM, business promotion, free Legacy Symposium access, and monthly check-ins. $47/month or $500/year.
Your Questions, answered directly
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the ACBN Growth Pathway?
The Growth Pathway is open to Black and Afro-Caribbean entrepreneurs based in Ontario, including those who have been declined for a loan before.
How much does the Growth Pathway cost?
ACBN Inner Circle membership is valued at $500. When you apply and qualify for the Growth Pathway, ACBN sponsors your membership in full for the twelve-month program — at no cost to you. Those who don’t qualify for sponsorship can still join as a paid member.
Does the program guarantee I'll get a loan?
No. The Growth Pathway helps you become fundable — the documents, credit, and confidence to approach lenders — but lending decisions are always made by the lenders themselves.
How long is the Growth Pathway?
It’s a structured twelve-month program, with 5–10 one-on-one coaching sessions plus monthly group coaching and weekly working groups.
What if my credit is bad or I owe the CRA?
You’re still a fit. In fact, you’re exactly who the program is for. Credit repair and getting current with the CRA are core parts of becoming fundable.
Do I pay to apply?
No. Applying is free. The application is how we see whether you qualify for the program and for sponsored membership.
When can I start?
Applications are open year-round. New coaching spots open the first of each month, so apply before month-end to be considered for the next intake.pplications are open year-round. New coaching spots open the first of each month, so apply before month-end to be considered for the next intake.
Start becoming fundable today
You don’t need perfect credit. You don’t need it all figured out. You just need to start. Apply for the Growth Pathway, or book a free readiness call and we’ll map exactly where you are and what to fix first — one conversation, a clear plan, no pressure.