Watch full interview here; https://youtu.be/Trtm3wFdcRY
When I think about why I became an entrepreneur, it wasn’t just to build a business—it was to build a future. Like many in our community, I’ve seen how systemic exclusion and lack of access have limited opportunities for generations of Black families. The drive to create something lasting, to pass down wealth and stability, is what keeps me moving forward even when the road gets tough.
Hearing Tiffany Callender, CEO and co-founder of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) Coalition, speak about her journey reaffirmed what I already knew deep down: we are playing a different game, and we need to play it strategically. Tiffany’s insights aren’t just theory—they’re a roadmap for Black entrepreneurs like you and me who want to scale, build wealth, and create something future generations can stand on.
Here are the lessons I’m carrying with me:
Master access to capital and networks
Too many of us start behind the line because we don’t have the same relationships with banks and financial institutions. But that doesn’t mean the doors are closed. Organizations like FACE exist to give us another pathway—managing funds like the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, which offers up to $250,000. The real key is knowing the full landscape: loans, grants, tax credits, even venture capital. We can’t afford to miss out on resources designed for us.Focus on the four pillars of scaling
Tiffany breaks it down clearly: to grow, we need access to best practices, networks, sponsorship, and capital. It’s not enough to hustle in isolation—we need mentors, champions, and systems that push us further than we could go alone. Without these pillars, growth is fragile. With them, it’s sustainable.Tap into B2G—business with government
This one hit home. Serving customers (B2C) builds a foundation, working with other companies (B2B) fuels growth, but doing business with government (B2G) is where real wealth creation happens. Government contracts are massive, stable, and too often overlooked by our community. If we want to scale faster, this is the vertical we need to activate.Build wealth through collaboration, not isolation
We can’t forget that we’re standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. They knocked down doors; our job is to walk through and bring others with us. That means asking for help when we need it, supporting each other when we’re strong, and building networks that insulate our community from the systemic gaps in justice, education, and housing. Wealth isn’t just personal—it’s collective.Invest in the next generation
Generational wealth isn’t just money—it’s opportunity. As Black entrepreneurs, we have a duty to create jobs for our youth, to be the place where they get their first shot, and to equip them with tools like financial literacy and skills in fast-growing fields like AI and technology. That’s how we ensure they start further ahead than we did.
Takeaways you can use right now
Map out all the funding resources available to you—not just one. Apply widely.
Build your business plan around the four pillars: best practices, networks, sponsorship, and capital.
Research government procurement opportunities and position your business for contracts.
Reach out to at least one other Black entrepreneur this month to explore collaboration.
Commit to investing in at least one young person through employment, mentorship, or training.
We’re in a moment where the Black business community is rising like never before. The opportunity to build generational wealth is here, but it will take strategy, courage, and collective effort. Let’s not wait another generation—let’s build it now.
Watch full interview here; https://youtu.be/Trtm3wFdcRY
