Afro Caribbean Business Network

Category: ACBN Interviews

  • AI for Black Entrepreneurs: How Innovation Can Drive Sustainable Growth with Foster Akugri

    AI for Black Entrepreneurs: How Innovation Can Drive Sustainable Growth with Foster Akugri

    At ACBN, we stand on the African principle Ubuntu “I am because we are.” Our mission is to mobilize ecosystems through authentic conversations with thought leaders shaping the future of business.

    We recently sat down with Foster Akugri—Head of Innovation at Old Mutual Limited in Ghana and Founder of the Hack Lab Foundation—to explore how AI for Black entrepreneurs can work together to unlock productivity, scale businesses, and build sustainable impact. His insights offer a roadmap for every business owner ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    1. Harnessing AI to Multiply Productivity

    AI has shifted from theory to reality. From tools like ChatGPT to design platforms and automation systems, AI is redefining what’s possible.

    What business owners can take away:

    • Cut turnaround time: AI streamlines research, drafting, and analysis, letting you deliver results in hours instead of days.

    • Expand your capacity: Free up time from repetitive tasks and focus on people, strategy, and relationships.

    • Leverage creative tools: Tap into generative AI for posters, flyers, animations, and website design without needing large budgets.

    Key Insight: AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about giving entrepreneurs the breathing room to innovate and lead.

    2. AI and the Future of Work

    AI is flattening barriers to entry, making space for non-technical founders to launch tech-enabled ventures.

    • Reduced barriers: Anyone with vision can now use AI platforms to build prototypes or execute technical tasks.

    • Rise of the generalist: Tomorrow’s professionals will be able to wear many hats, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    • The caveat: AI provides knowledge, but not wisdom. Human experience and judgment remain irreplaceable.

    3. Building Businesses That Last

    Foster’s experience supporting SMEs highlights one recurring issue: too many businesses lack proper systems and governance.

    Lessons for entrepreneurs:

    • Great ideas need structure—set up systems that can run without you.

    • Adopt institutional discipline—borrow lessons from banks and large firms to build processes that ensure sustainability.

    4. Innovation Through Anticipation and Community

    The Hack Lab Foundation is a model for forward-thinking entrepreneurship. By training communities on emerging skills years before they’re needed, they help talent leapfrog industries.

    For ACBN business owners, this means:

    • Stay ahead of global trends like blockchain or AI.

    • Use competitions and collaborative challenges to inspire innovation within your teams.

    5. Lead with Purpose, Become a Change Agent

    Foster’s closing message is clear: entrepreneurs must prioritize purpose and community impact.

    • Put stakeholders first: Impact investors seek businesses driven by mission, not just profit.

    • Shift perspective: Where others see problems, train yourself to see opportunities.

    • Be the change agent: Leadership starts with self-discipline—your mindset sets the tone for your family, community, and business.

    Closing Call

    AI is one of the greatest tools of our generation, and for Black entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to level the playing field. The key is to embrace it, prepare your business with strong systems, and lead with purpose.

    Watch the full interview with Foster Akugri here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Navigating the Promise and Pitfalls of Social Finance in Canada: Insights from Heather Simpson

    Navigating the Promise and Pitfalls of Social Finance in Canada: Insights from Heather Simpson

    At ACBN, our foundation is the proverb “I am because we are.” We believe in ecosystem mobilization—sharing knowledge, uncovering challenges, and building pathways to collective success.

    We recently sat down with Heather Simpson, Founder of S4G and a consultant specializing in non-profits and social enterprise, to explore the opportunities and realities of social finance in Canada. Her insights shed light on how this emerging system could reshape access to capital for historically underserved communities and what business owners should keep in mind as the Social Finance Fund (SFF) rolls out.

    Where Social Finance in Canada Shows the Most Promise

    The Social Finance Fund was designed to drive investment into areas overlooked by traditional capital markets. According to Heather, two sectors stand out:

    1. Affordable Housing and Social Purpose Real Estate
      These are tangible, real assets lenders understand—essentially mortgage lending—and they meet urgent societal needs.

    2. The Environmental Sector and Net Zero Commitments
      As Canada moves toward its Paris Agreement goals, the demand for environmental technologies and services will grow. The SFF could help de-risk these emerging markets where traditional investors hesitate.

    Profitability and Earned Income: Facing Reality

    Many non-profits and social enterprises dream of replacing grant dependency with earned income. Heather reminds us:

    • Margins are tight. Like most small businesses, social enterprises typically provide stability and jobs, but rarely massive profits.

    • Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment. A social enterprise cannot be expected to outperform traditional businesses while also carrying social deliverables.

    • Philanthropic capital still matters. Social finance is a tool, not a full replacement for grants.

    Key takeaway for entrepreneurs: Earned income is powerful, but it works best when combined with other funding streams.

    Access Depends on Intermediaries

    For social finance in Canada to reach marginalized entrepreneurs, the choice of intermediaries—those who distribute the funds—is critical.

    • Trust and localization matter. Without community-rooted lenders and loan funds, many racialized and immigrant-owned businesses won’t benefit.

    • Specialized programs are required. Tools like guarantee funds, loan loss pools, and operational subsidies are essential to support smaller, riskier, or unconventional borrowers.

    What Must Be Clarified for Success

    Heather points out that the SFF will only succeed if it:

    1. Commits to disaggregated data to track who is receiving capital—and who is not.

    2. Focuses on demand-side metrics like loan applications and decline reasons, not just money disbursed.

    3. Builds sector capacity through grants and training so organizations can realistically prepare for financing.

    4. Clarifies its main focus. If housing and real estate are priorities, this must be transparent so organizations don’t waste time chasing inaccessible funds.

    Closing Thought: Building Equity Through Finance

    The rollout of the Social Finance Fund is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Done well, it could reshape how racialized communities, non-profits, and social purpose businesses access the capital needed to build equity and long-term sustainability. Done poorly, it risks reinforcing the same barriers it was designed to dismantle.

    Watch the full interview with Heather Simpson here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Racialized Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Alfred Bergeson on Tribe, Wealth, and Ecosystem Building

    Racialized Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Alfred Bergeson on Tribe, Wealth, and Ecosystem Building

    At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That philosophy calls us to build together, share knowledge, and create systems where Black and racialized entrepreneurs can thrive.

    We recently connected with Alfred Bergeson, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, to explore how his organization is disrupting the Canadian innovation landscape and carving out new pathways for racialized entrepreneurs in Canada.

    Based in Halifax but born in Ghana, Alfred founded Tribe Network as a not-for-profit that connects racialized founders with resources, networks, and opportunities that were once out of reach. His vision is bold: build an ecosystem that is self-sustaining, community-centered, and global in scope.

    Why community is the foundation

    Tribe Network was born when Alfred realized how unwelcoming mainstream innovation hubs were for racialized entrepreneurs. Few members, mentors, or leaders reflected the community. Instead of leaving frustrated, Alfred created a space where belonging and representation are central.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs: You cannot build alone. Your success depends on your “tribe”—a network that mentors, invests, and celebrates alongside you.

    From grants to generational wealth

    Tribe started with grant programs like the Black Startup Project, offering $500–$5,000 to help entrepreneurs get started. But Alfred is clear: grants alone won’t close the wealth gap.

    That’s why Tribe is launching Tribe Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund aiming to raise $20 million to invest in racialized entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond. With equity investments of $250,000 or more, Tribe is preparing founders to scale globally while building generational wealth at home.

    Insight for Black entrepreneurs: Prepare now to attract equity capital. Build ventures that investors see as scalable, not just survivable.

    Closing the investment gap

    Currently, Black founders receive less than 1% of venture capital dollars in Canada. This is more than inequity—it’s a missed market opportunity. Diverse teams have been shown to outperform, delivering up to three times higher returns.

    Message for ACBN members: Supporting racialized entrepreneurs is not charity—it’s smart investment.

    Building our own ecosystem

    Tribe isn’t just one organization—it’s building an entire ecosystem that complements and challenges existing structures. By creating culturally relevant pathways into entrepreneurship and innovation, Tribe ensures our community doesn’t just participate in Canada’s economy but leads it.

    The future is Tribe Ventures

    With Tribe Ventures, Alfred is building a global platform that invests in racialized entrepreneurs in Canada while also linking to opportunities across Africa. It’s about ownership, sustainability, and ensuring our community is never left behind in the innovation economy.

    Watch the full interview with Alfred Bergeson here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Social Purpose Real Estate in Canada: Insights from Graham Singh

    Social Purpose Real Estate in Canada: Insights from Graham Singh

    At ACBN, we hold firm to the principle I am because we are. That means looking beyond short-term fixes and investing in solutions that build collective strength for generations.

    This week, we sat down with Graham Singh, CEO of the Trinity Centres Foundation, to explore one of the largest untapped opportunities in Canada: social purpose real estate. With nearly $500 billion worth of faith-based properties across North America in transition, Graham believes we are standing at the edge of a once-in-500-year opportunity to redefine ownership, impact, and equity in our communities.

    For Black entrepreneurs and impact investors, this conversation is more than real estate—it’s about creating sustainable spaces that fuel business, community services, and generational wealth.

    The real estate revolution

    Faith-based properties once bustling with activity are now underused or at risk of being sold off to private developers. The Trinity Centres Foundation is stepping in to ensure these properties are not lost but redeployed for community benefit—through renovations, partnerships, and development projects that include affordable housing.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs: These properties represent an opportunity to connect impact investing with social good, creating space for non-profits, businesses, and community growth.

    Key lessons for entrepreneurs and investors

    1. Measure impact through reduced rent
      The biggest measurable outcome of social purpose real estate is lowering rent for non-profits and charities. Like affordable housing, this ensures essential community organizations can thrive in costly urban centres.

    2. De-risk to unlock institutional capital
      Large investors, like pension funds, require stable returns. By having foundations accept initial risk, these investments become viable. Montreal’s Initiative Immobile Communauté multiplied its fund fivefold through this model.

    3. Shift from landlord to equity partner
      Instead of just renting space, new models give community groups equity stakes in properties—stabilizing financing and decolonizing old ownership structures.

    4. Invest in human capital
      The Windmill Microfinance example shows that small loans to skilled immigrants unlock massive returns—reducing reliance on social services and filling vital roles in the economy.

    5. Push for policy intervention
      To compete with private developers, social purpose organizations need tools like first rights of refusal, longer timelines to raise capital, and rapid-deployment funds.

    A time for action and healing

    This opportunity is about more than property—it’s about equity, decolonization, and repairing systems that have historically excluded marginalized communities. By engaging in social purpose real estate in Canada, Black entrepreneurs can help secure spaces for charities, non-profits, and businesses that keep our ecosystem thriving.

    To dive deeper into this $500 billion opportunity and hear Graham Singh’s vision for Canada’s future, watch the full interview here: Watch on YouTube

  • Social Innovation in Canada: Insights from Louise Adongo on Building Mutuality and Collective Power

    Social Innovation in Canada: Insights from Louise Adongo on Building Mutuality and Collective Power

    At ACBN, we believe in the proverb I am because we are. That philosophy drives our commitment to mobilizing ecosystems through shared knowledge and collaboration.

    We recently sat down with Louise Adongo, Executive Director of Inspire Communities in Nova Scotia, to discuss the future of social innovation in Canada and what it means for entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders. Louise brings a rare combination of science, bureaucracy, and grassroots experience, grounded in a lifelong commitment to social justice.

    Her insights remind us that if we want to change systems, we must cut through jargon, embrace mutuality, and design funding models that truly serve communities.

    1. Demystify the jargon, embrace mutuality

    The world of social finance and social innovation often hides behind complicated terms. Louise stresses that at its core, these concepts are simple—and rooted in practices we already know.

    Think of susu’s or roscas—community members pooling money, holding each other accountable, and circulating funds for mutual benefit. That is the essence of social finance.

    Key takeaway for entrepreneurs: Don’t let jargon exclude you. Break it down, simplify your own language, and design programs that feel accessible to the people they’re meant to serve.

    2. Resourcing for transformational change

    Louise points out that traditional funding models often prioritize speed and numbers over depth and equity. True systemic change requires multi-year, flexible resources that measure success differently.

    • Advocate for upfront capital instead of reimbursement-based funding.

    • Push for metrics that value quality of participation, not just outputs.

    • Treat social purpose work with the same respect and financing as private-sector work.

    Lesson for business owners: Secure funding that gives you room to create lasting impact, not just short-term activity.

    3. The challenge of leadership for Black executives

    As a Black executive director in a non-B3 organization, Louise highlights the barriers Black leaders face. Often, they are placed on “glass cliffs”—expected to succeed in difficult roles while funding support is pulled back.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs and boards: Support BIPOC leaders beyond optics. Leadership transitions require resourcing, mentoring, and board-level commitment to ensure leaders are set up for success.

    4. Multi-solving for community needs

    Equity and climate justice are deeply interconnected. Louise calls on us to stop fragmenting issues and instead adopt multi-solving approaches that address immediate needs like food, housing, and mental health while advancing larger goals like climate resilience.

    Tip for innovators: Bring experts into community conversations, not the other way around. Real change happens when solutions meet people where they are.

    5. A call to action: revive cooperatives and mutuals

    Louise’s final message is clear: cooperatives and mutuals are powerful vehicles we’ve allowed to fade from the narrative. They are proven tools for survival, ownership, and collective wealth.

    Her advice: Don’t wait until the crisis hits. Learn these models now and bring them back into your networks, businesses, and families as strategies for long-term prosperity.

    Conclusion: Building the future of social innovation in Canada

    Louise Adongo’s wisdom reminds us that social innovation in Canada doesn’t need more jargon—it needs clarity, mutuality, and courage. For Black entrepreneurs, embracing these principles means building stronger businesses while also shaping systems that work for us all.

    Watch the full interview with Louise Adongo here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Community Land Trusts in Canada: A Pathway to Ownership and Security for Black Entrepreneurs interview with Chiyi Tam

    Community Land Trusts in Canada: A Pathway to Ownership and Security for Black Entrepreneurs interview with Chiyi Tam

    At ACBN, we believe in I am because we are—a principle that calls us to build together, share resources, and create sustainable futures.

    We recently sat down with Chiyi Tam, Director of the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT), to explore how community land trusts in Canada are reshaping ownership and offering stability to businesses, especially those owned by minorities and new immigrants.

    With real estate speculation driving up costs and displacing small businesses, CLTs present a powerful alternative: collective ownership that keeps land in community hands forever.

    1. Ownership through collective power

    Individual entrepreneurs often can’t compete with large real estate investors. CLTs change the dynamic. By pooling resources, businesses and community members can purchase and secure properties that would otherwise be lost to speculation.

    • Pooled strategy: Shared mortgages, revenue, and grant applications make ownership possible.

    • Protecting small businesses: KMCLT has helped secure long-term leases for immigrant-owned food vendors and other minority-owned shops.

    • Collective survival: CLTs shift power from dependency on wealthy benefactors to community-led ownership.

    Key insight: Ownership through a CLT means moving from survival to security, ensuring businesses stay rooted in their neighborhoods.

    2. Hybrid financial innovation

    CLTs thrive by blending business strategies with social innovation. By acquiring commercial and residential properties, they prevent evictions, stabilize rents, and build long-term affordability for entrepreneurs.

    3. Learning from history

    Chiyi points to examples like the Chinese diaspora’s family associations, which pooled money a century ago to purchase housing. Those investments still provide affordability today.

    Lesson for Black entrepreneurs: Our history is full of mutual aid and cooperative strategies. CLTs are a modern continuation of that legacy.

    4. Economic democracy in action

    CLTs are more than a housing solution—they’re a form of economic democracy. Members don’t just advocate for change; they help decide how land is used.

    The next wave of CLTs is moving from preservation to development—constructing new buildings and keeping the revenue local instead of losing it to global developers.

    Why this matters for Black entrepreneurs

    The CLT model has deep roots in Black civil rights organizing in the American South, where it was created to protect Black farmers from losing land. Today in Canada, CLTs are connected to anti-racist work, Indigenous land back movements, and cultural reclamation projects in places like Nova Scotia.

    For Black business owners, CLTs are not just about property—they are about justice, sovereignty, and building the foundation for generational wealth.

    Call to Action

    If a CLT doesn’t exist in your area—start one. If it does, get involved, become a member, and help raise funds. Every building saved is a step toward reclaiming control of our neighborhoods and securing a future where small businesses thrive.

    To learn more about how CLTs can reshape ownership for entrepreneurs, watch our full ACBN interview with Chiyi Tam: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: https://acbncanada.com/membership/

  • AI for Black Entrepreneurs: Insights from Stephany Sani-Edwards

    AI for Black Entrepreneurs: Insights from Stephany Sani-Edwards

    At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That means embracing tools and knowledge that strengthen our community. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those tools—and according to Stephany Sani-Edwards, Strategic Program Design Consultant and servant leader, it may be the most important resource for Black entrepreneurs right now.

    Stephany is clear: AI for Black entrepreneurs is about empowerment, not fear. Used wisely, it can free up our time, lower barriers to resources, and help us build systems that position our businesses for long-term growth.

    The mindset shift: AI gives back your time

    Like the internet decades ago, AI is just a tool. Its impact depends on how we use it. Stephany highlights that AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing us to focus on strategy, creativity, and collaboration—the work that truly drives growth.

    Key takeaway: See AI not as a threat, but as a partner that expands your capacity to lead.

    Mastering prompt engineering: Garbage in, garbage out

    The power of AI depends on the quality of your input. To get great results, you need to master prompt engineering—learning how to ask the right questions and give clear instructions.

    Practical tips:

    • Be explicit and step-by-step.

    • Ask the AI to confirm your instructions back to you.

    • Let the AI ask clarifying questions before giving final outputs.

    • Use AI to improve your prompts so your results keep getting better.

    Lesson for entrepreneurs: Invest time upfront in your prompts, and you’ll save hours later in execution.

    AI as a resource builder for small businesses

    For Black entrepreneurs, especially those just starting, financial barriers can be steep. AI levels the playing field by making once-costly services accessible.

    Examples Stephany shared:

    • Content creation without hiring a writer.

    • Drafting business models and plans at no cost.

    • Instantly generating professional presentations.

    • Building websites without coding knowledge.

    • Automating tasks to reduce errors and save time.

    Key takeaway: AI fills essential business roles when you don’t yet have the resources to hire.

    Don’t let fear hold you back

    Stephany warns that fear of AI is really fear of the unknown. Education is the cure. By experimenting with tools, joining study groups, and embracing training, Black entrepreneurs can move from consumers to leaders in the AI space.

    Her message: “Don’t let fear stop you. AI is a tool—one that can prepare us to thrive in the future economy.”

    To hear Stephany Sani-Edwards break down practical strategies for using AI in your business, watch the full interview here: Watch on YouTube

  • Social Innovation and Decolonization: Insights from Graham Singh on the 500-Year Shift

    Social Innovation and Decolonization: Insights from Graham Singh on the 500-Year Shift

    At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That philosophy pushes us to mobilize ecosystems, share knowledge, and engage with thought leaders who help us navigate profound changes shaping our world.

    In our recent conversation, Graham Singh, CEO of the Trinity Centres Foundation, explained why we are living through what he calls a “once in 500-year operating system revolution.” His insights highlight the deep link between social innovation and decolonization, and why business owners must adapt if they want to remain relevant and impactful.

    Here are the key takeaways every Black entrepreneur should know.

    1. The once-in-500-year shift

    Singh describes the transformation of Abrahamic faiths as a generational revolution that began around the Second World War and is now accelerating.

    What this means for entrepreneurs:

    • Systemic change is permanent. The “old ways” of controlling institutions are not coming back.

    • Inclusion is the new standard. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are no longer optional—they are core to doing business in this era of decolonization.

    • Innovation follows disruption. When large systems shift, new opportunities emerge. Business owners must position themselves within this new landscape.

    2. Creativity beyond the walls

    Faith communities built schools and hospitals, but Singh notes that much of today’s most innovative work is coming from outside institutional walls—from those who have been “de-churched.”

    Insight for business owners: Innovation thrives where constraints are removed. If you want bold, transformative ideas, look beyond conventional circles. Tap into talent and communities that operate outside of legacy systems—they’re often the ones building tomorrow’s solutions.

    3. Social outcomes and finance go hand in hand

    Singh emphasizes that social innovation and decolonization can’t just be moral goals—they must be tied to financial models. For example, reducing loneliness and isolation through community-building produces measurable health and social outcomes.

    Why it matters for entrepreneurs:

    • These outcomes are investable.

    • Businesses that link social good with measurable financial returns are positioned for long-term sustainability.

    • The future of growth lies in connecting social innovation to social finance.

    Conclusion: Innovation is the path forward

    For Black entrepreneurs, Graham Singh’s message is clear: we are living in an era of systemic change, and those who embrace social innovation and decolonization will lead. The opportunity is not to restore the old—but to build the new.

    Watch the full interview with Graham Singh here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Black Entrepreneur Financial Freedom: Insights from Harpreet Gill

    Black Entrepreneur Financial Freedom: Insights from Harpreet Gill

    Watch full video interview here: https://youtu.be/Hytub8liU_c

    At ACBN, we believe in the power of I am because we are. Our collective strength lies in sharing the knowledge and tools that help our community thrive.

    In this spirit, we sat down with Harpreet Gill, a certified financial advisor and educator, to unpack how entrepreneurs—especially Black business owners—can achieve financial freedom. Harpreet’s journey began when a bank refused her access to her own financial information. That moment of systemic denial fueled her transition from 17 years in social work to finance, with a mission to bring ownership and wealth strategies directly to our community.

    Her message is clear: financial freedom for Black entrepreneurs is possible when we understand the rules, apply the knowledge, and build systems for generational wealth.

    From self-employed to business owner

    Harpreet introduces the Cash Flow Quadrant, popularized by Robert Kiyosaki, to highlight the difference between trading time for money and building systems that generate wealth.

    • Left side (Employee & Self-Employed): You stop working, you stop earning. No real financial freedom.

    • Right side (Business Owner & Investor): You own systems and make money work for you. This is where wealth grows and taxes shrink.

    Key takeaway: If you are self-employed, your next step is building systems so your business can thrive without you. That’s how financial freedom begins.

    Leveraging debt the right way

    In Canada, wealth isn’t built just by saving—it’s built by understanding credit. With a strong credit score, you can leverage other people’s money to invest, scale, and build. Financial literacy, Harpreet reminds us, isn’t about math—it’s about knowing the rules of the game and using them to your advantage.

    Habits that build wealth

    Knowledge only matters when applied. Harpreet advises entrepreneurs to start with their personal finances before scaling their businesses:

    • Review your last 2–3 months of bank statements. Label every purchase as a need or want.

    • Recognize that many people overspend $600–$700 a month on convenience items without realizing it.

    • Start small and start now—time is the most valuable asset in investing.

    Protecting your legacy with generational wealth

    Generational wealth is more than a buzzword—it’s strategy and preparation. Harpreet breaks down the hidden costs many families overlook:

    • Debt transfers to next of kin.

    • Estate freezes with capital gains, probate, and final taxes.

    • The solution: Life insurance. It covers tax liabilities and transfers wealth tax-free. Without it, families may lose 50% of their assets just to cover taxes.

    Ready to take action?

    Harpreet’s advice is simple: don’t wait. In just 3.5 years, she paid off $33,000 in debt, saved $93,000 for her first property, built a $30,000 emergency fund, and transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship.

    Her mission now includes building financial literacy curricula, children’s resources, and hosting major events like the Branding and Business Scaling Conference (September) and the Wealth Building Gala (November).

    Watch the full ACBN interview with Harpreet Gill to learn how to build systems, leverage the rules of money, and protect your legacy: Watch on YouTube

  • Black Entrepreneur Infrastructure Development: Insights from Isaac Olowolafe Jr.

    Black Entrepreneur Infrastructure Development: Insights from Isaac Olowolafe Jr.

    Watch the full interview with Isaac Olowolafe Jr. here: https://youtu.be/NH8cfvQjN2I

    At ACBN, we believe in I am because we are. That principle reminds us that building our collective future requires not only entrepreneurship but also ownership of the infrastructure that sustains our communities.

    We sat down with Isaac Olowolafe Jr., Founder of Dream Maker Inc. and Dream Legacy, to talk about his journey in real estate, venture building, and community mobilization. His message is clear: Black entrepreneur infrastructure development is non-negotiable if we want to build generational wealth and lasting impact.

    Dream Legacy: Building the economic bridge

    Dream Legacy was created to bridge gaps between the Black community and institutions. Its mission focuses on three pillars:

    1. Building institutional relationships – partnerships with universities, unions, corporates, and hospitals.

    2. Driving home ownership – helping families through brokerage services, building new housing units, and financial literacy.

    3. Growing small businesses – launching initiatives like the first Black Tech incubator at DMZ and a Skilled Trades program to train 1,000 Black entrepreneurs.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs: Scaling small businesses increases jobs, mentorship, and representation in our community.

    Data and execution drive change

    Isaac emphasizes that institutions respond to data and results. Dream Legacy is working with universities and Black organizations to collect data that translates into resource centres and systemic change.

    Lesson for business owners: To earn a seat at the table—whether in procurement, infrastructure budgets, or housing policy—you must prove your capacity through execution.

    Why Infrastructure, is Essential!

    Isaac is clear: our community cannot thrive without owning and developing infrastructure. Many communities have invested in this for decades; we’re just beginning. By becoming “city builders,” Dream Maker has shown how projects in Toronto can be models scaled across Canada.

    Insights for Black entrepreneurs:

    • Become part of the supply chain—learn how to plan, contract, and execute developments.

    • Understand the ripple effect—when we are at the table in major redevelopments, the economic impact creates jobs, capital, and social investment.

    • Collaborate—no one developer can carry this alone; building consortia strengthens collective capacity.

    Mentorship, trades, and ownership

    Representation matters. Dream Legacy is mentoring the next generation to avoid past mistakes, while ensuring youth see real examples in trades and entrepreneurship. With plans like a 28,000-square-foot Business Centre, the vision is to create spaces where Black entrepreneurs can learn, build, and grow.

    The call to action: Build for the long game

    Isaac reminds us that this is the economic phase of our community journey. Infrastructure development is expensive and risky, but without it, we cannot solve issues like healthcare gaps, job shortages, or housing needs.

    His challenge to us: Be in the trenches. Collaborate, share ideas, and commit to the long-term vision. The future is ours to build—but only if we build it ourselves.

    Watch the full interview with Isaac Olowolafe Jr. here: Watch on YouTube