Five years ago, while participating in entrepreneurial programs for Black youths, Ryan Knight and a group of other aspiring entrepreneurs saw a gap in scaling support for Black businesses in Canada. Black Youths graduated from the entrepreneur programs with nowhere to go for support to upscale their businesses, as Black focused organisasions were adamant that it was not within their mandate to help companies scale.

Not deterred, but inspired and charged to create this support entity for the Black youths, Ryan and six other entrepreneurs sat down to figure out what stage these youth businesses were in, and from that create a strategy to help them exponentially grow their businesses. From this group of visionary pioneers, ACBN was born.

ACBN’s mandate is to provide resources and opportunities that help Black business owners and operators to connect, build, grow, and achieve sustainability. We are committed to meeting and exceeding the business needs of our members, partners and other stakeholders. We continue to demonstrate this commitment through the implementation and enhancement of entrepreneurship programs and initiatives, designed to fuel wealth creation for all our stakeholders.

Our first year anniversary was held at the Chinguacousy Ski Chalet, and here we are 5 years later to commemorate our 5 year anniversary celebration of growth and successes, and looking at what another 5 years will look like.