The Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference · 2026
Building Black Economic Power.
Connecting Ecosystems. Creating Opportunities. Driving Growth.
October 1–31, 2026
The Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference (BEEC) 2026 is Canada’s premier gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, policymakers, researchers, corporate leaders, philanthropists, and community organizations committed to advancing Black economic prosperity.
More than a conference
A national platform for collaboration, innovation, and collective action.
Developed by ACBN, BEEC brings together the talent, capital, knowledge, networks, and opportunities needed to strengthen Black entrepreneurship and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
Throughout October, we’ll explore the ideas, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of Black entrepreneurship from scaling businesses and unlocking capital to building markets, harnessing innovation, and creating lasting wealth.
Because when an ecosystem comes together, new possibilities emerge.
Conference Agenda
Hear from leaders building what comes next.
Across a powerful lineup of fireside conversations, BEEC 2026 will bring together voices from across the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, scientists, technology leaders, community leaders, philanthropists, ecosystem builders, and changemakers.
Different perspectives. Different industries. One shared commitment:
Building a stronger future for Black entrepreneurship and Black economic prosperity.
Register for individual sessions below, or register for all 31 days here.
Day 01: Thurs, Oct 1
Thierry Lindor
Imagine how AI and emerging technology can unlock new possibilities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities.
Day 02: Fri, Oct 2
Dr. Trevor Charles
Unlock new perspectives on how research, innovation, and entrepreneurship can turn bold ideas into meaningful opportunities for businesses and communities.
Day 03: Sat, Oct 3
Melisa Ellis
Discover how inclusive innovation can create new pathways for Black entrepreneurs to build, scale, and thrive in the tech ecosystem.
Day 04: Sun, Oct 4
Alfred Burgeson
Discover how inclusive entrepreneurship can strengthen communities while creating greater access, belonging, and economic opportunity.
Day 05: Mon, Oct 5
Craig Wellington
Examine how access to capital and opportunity can help Black communities build wealth and long-term prosperity.
Day 06: Tues, Oct 6
Charles Buchanan
Bridge the gap between technology and community impact by rethinking who gets to participate in the digital future.
Day 07: Wed, Oct 7
Osita Nwajiufor
Harness the power of technology, entrepreneurship, and community to create opportunities and accelerate Black innovation.
Day 08: Thurs, Oct 8
Tiffany Callendar
Learn how expanding access to capital can create stronger pathways for Black entrepreneurs to build, scale, and thrive.
Day 09: Fri, Oct 9
Fiyin Obayan
Uncover how storytelling, visibility, and meaningful connections can turn ideas into opportunities for entrepreneurial growth.
Day 10: Sat, Oct 10
Dr. Kem Lubin
Consider what a more human-centred future of technology could mean for innovation, leadership, and society.
Day 11: Sun, Oct 11
Ryan Knight
Build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting founders with the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to grow.
Day 12: Mon, Oct 12
Olu Villasa
Day 12: Mon, Oct 12
Frank Onuh
Understand how purpose-driven leadership can turn community needs into opportunities for meaningful change.
Day 13: Tues, Oct 13
Dr. Somto Mbelu
Rethink how we approach AI through a lens of responsibility, inclusion, and meaningful impact.
Day 13: Tues, Oct 13
Michael Okolie
Day 14: Wed, Oct 14
Melizia Mensah
Strengthen communities through collaboration and collective action that create greater opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.
Day 15: Thurs, Oct 15
Wilfreda Edwards
Exploring how AI and digital innovation can strengthen communities while keeping equity, trust, and resilience at the forefront.
Day 16: Fri, Oct 16
Chris-Beth Cowie
Tap into ideas on empowerment, leadership, and creating opportunities for people and communities to flourish.
Day 17: Sat, Oct 17
Nerissa Allen
See how advocacy, community, and entrepreneurship can work together to advance Black-owned businesses.
Day 18: Sun, Oct 18
Efia Tekyi-Annan
Reimagine how empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community-building can open new pathways to personal and economic opportunity.
Day 18: Sun, Oct 18
Janice Bartley
Transform entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable businesses through inclusive support, practical resources, and stronger pathways for food founders.
Day 19: Mon, Oct 19
Christopher Trotman
Learn how community-focused finance and strategic support can help entrepreneurs build stronger, more sustainable businesses.
Day 20: Tues, Oct 20
Savior Joseph
Gain insight into what it takes to back bold ideas, build scalable ventures, and create lasting economic value.
Day 21: Wed, Oct 21
Elsie Cote
Imagine how community leadership and purpose-driven initiatives can create meaningful opportunities and lasting social impact.
Day 22: Thurs, Oct 22
Michelle Christian
Hear how strong networks and community leadership can open doors for Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Day 22: Thurs, Oct 22
Dipo Alli
Unlock insights on building stronger pathways to opportunity, growth, and success for Black entrepreneurs.
Day 23: Fri, Oct 23
Clement Esene
Discover how entrepreneurship and community support can create more equitable pathways to economic opportunity.
Day 24: Sat, Oct 24
Diacre Bayishime
Connect with ideas on how networks, leadership, and collaboration can strengthen Black professional and entrepreneurial communities.
Day 25: Sun, Oct 25
Bryan Duarte
Unlock the potential of Black-led ventures through greater access to capital, investment, and opportunities to scale.
Day 26: Mon, Oct 26
Neil Price
Challenge how we define impact and consider better ways to turn community insight into meaningful outcomes.
Day 27: Tues, Oct 27
Clavia Alleyne
Recognize the power of advocacy, connection, and community in helping Black-owned businesses move forward.
Day 28: Wed, Oct 28
Josephine Grey
Explore how cooperative models and community-led solutions can build local resilience, shared opportunity, and economic empowerment.
Day 29: Thurs, Oct 29
Anthony Henry
Strengthen networks through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement that create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.
Day 30: Fri, Oct 30
Wils Theagene
Explore how financial strategy, capital, and entrepreneurship can help founders build resilient businesses and create long-term wealth.
Day 31: Sat, Oct 31
Chantelle Quow-Craig
Prepare for the future through inclusive succession planning that strengthens businesses, preserves legacies, and develops the next generation of leaders.
“Together, we are building an economy where Black entrepreneurs are not simply included… They are driving innovation, creating jobs, building wealth, and shaping Canada’s future.”
The Questions That Matter
What does it take to build lasting Black economic power?
Throughout BEEC 2026, we’ll explore the questions that matter:
How do we move Black businesses from survival to scale?
How do we expand access to capital, markets, and opportunity?
How do we build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems?
How do we leverage technology and AI without losing our values?
How do we turn entrepreneurship into lasting economic power and generational wealth?
These are not simply conversations about business.
They are conversations about ownership, opportunity, innovation, and the future of Black economic participation in Canada.
A Month of Possibility
One hour a day can transform the trajectory of your business, your network, and your impact.
Our daily virtual sessions make it possible for entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and ecosystem partners from across Canada and around the world to participate, regardless of location.
Expand your network
Connect with Black entrepreneurs, investors, funders, corporate buyers, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders committed to advancing shared prosperity.
Unlock new opportunities
Gain insights into financing, investment readiness, procurement, supplier diversity, and emerging markets.
Learn from proven leaders
Hear from leaders who have successfully built, scaled, and sustained thriving businesses and organizations.
Gain practical strategies
Take away strategies you can immediately apply to strengthen your business, organization, or entrepreneurial journey.
Build meaningful partnerships
Create lasting economic opportunities across provinces, industries, and sectors.
Influence the future
Contribute to national conversations and collaborative solutions that will shape Canada’s Black entrepreneurship ecosystem for years to come.
Celebrate Black excellence
Recognize the innovators, visionaries, and changemakers who are redefining what’s possible.
Turn one hour into opportunity
New partnerships, new clients, new investors, new knowledge, and new opportunities can start with one hour each day.
Conference Tracks
Explore the conversations shaping Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
Entrepreneurship & Business Growth
Moving businesses from survival to scale through growth strategies, innovation, exports, digital transformation, AI adoption, leadership, and resilience.
Access to Capital
Venture capital, impact investing, community finance, entrepreneurship through acquisition, lending, crowdfunding, and investment readiness.
Procurement & Market Access
Corporate procurement, government contracting, supplier diversity, international trade, and export readiness.
Technology & Innovation
Exploring AI, fintech, cybersecurity, digital commerce, emerging technologies, and future industries, while asking how technology can accelerate opportunity without losing our values.
Youth & Emerging Entrepreneurs
Building the next generation of Black innovators through mentorship, education, and entrepreneurial leadership.
Community Wealth Building
Cooperatives, social enterprise, employee ownership, community investment, and inclusive economic development.
Policy & Ecosystem Development
Strengthening Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem through collaboration, research, policy innovation, and systems change.
Built for the ecosystem
Whether you’re launching, growing, investing, or supporting.
Whether you are launching your first venture, growing an established business, investing in Black entrepreneurship, or supporting ecosystem development, the daily virtual sessions provide a powerful platform to learn, connect, collaborate, and lead.
The future of Black entrepreneurship will be built by an ecosystem.
Black entrepreneurship is not simply about creating businesses.
It is about building ecosystems.
It is about creating ownership.
It is about creating opportunity.
It is about building power.
Join us October 1–31, 2026 as entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, ecosystem builders, scientists, technology leaders, community leaders, and changemakers come together to listen, learn, connect, and build.