Category: Business Tips

  • Investing for Change: Lessons on Impact Investing in Africa from David Harley of Third Way Capital

    Investing for Change: Lessons on Impact Investing in Africa from David Harley of Third Way Capital

    At ACBN, we are guided by the proverb “I am because we are”—a reminder that prosperity is built through community and collective action. In this spirit, we recently sat down with David Harley, CEO of Third Way Capital, to explore how impact investing in Africa is reshaping opportunities for entrepreneurs, communities, and investors alike.

    Third Way Capital is a venture holding company investing in scale-ready SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a mission to see the region become home to some of the best-run companies in the world. Harley’s perspective provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking to align profitability with purpose.


    1. Impact Means More Than Financial Returns

    Impact investing in Africa is not charity—it’s a sustainable model of growth. Harley defines it as any investment made with a clear, focused outcome beyond financial return, ensuring the business itself is viable and stakeholders thrive.

    Insight for entrepreneurs: Clearly define your non-financial goals—such as advancing gender equality or green energy adoption—just as you define financial targets. This clarity attracts investors while reinforcing your commitment to holistic success.


    2. Measure Impact Like You Measure Profit

    For impact to be credible, it must be measured. Harley stresses that entrepreneurs should treat impact goals like financial KPIs, with quarterly reviews, progress tracking, and adjustments along the way.

    Business takeaway:

    • Set best-in-class standards for your goals.

    • Track your operational changes and spending toward those goals.

    • Acknowledge that some impact metrics are qualitative, but still essential to measure.


    3. Patient Capital Builds Lasting Growth

    Traditional private equity models often don’t work in developing markets because they demand rapid returns. In Sub-Saharan Africa, businesses often need patient capital—funding that gives them time to build infrastructure and long-term solutions.

    As Harley puts it: “You’re building the tracks as well as the train.”

    Insight for entrepreneurs: If your business is pioneering new systems in underserved markets, communicate your need for patient growth to investors. Seek funders who understand this long-term vision rather than those pushing for quick exits.


    4. Inclusion and Challenging Legacy Biases

    Despite women representing up to 80% of professionals in the impact space, only about 30% hold leadership positions. Racial inequities also persist—African-led funds are often unfairly perceived as riskier than Western-led ones, despite superior local knowledge.

    Business takeaway:

    • Tap into Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), which are opening up to diverse leaders.

    • Leverage diaspora networks for funding, expertise, and global connections.

    • Recognize that true risk lies in ignoring local expertise, not in embracing it.


    A Call to Entrepreneurs: Align Profit with Purpose

    David Harley’s insights remind us that impact investing in Africa is about more than capital—it’s about building ecosystems of equity and growth. For entrepreneurs, this means staying clear on your values, seeking aligned investors, and being bold enough to lead with purpose even when the old models resist change.

    🎥 Watch the full interview with David Harley here: YouTube Interview

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

  • The Bravery of Purpose: Redefining Aging, Care, and Social Purpose Entrepreneurship with Carla Leon from Just Like Family Home Care

    The Bravery of Purpose: Redefining Aging, Care, and Social Purpose Entrepreneurship with Carla Leon from Just Like Family Home Care

    At ACBN, we stand firmly on the proverb “I am because we are.” Our mission is to mobilize the ecosystem through leaders who challenge convention and build models of business rooted in integrity and impact. Recently, we sat down with Carla Leon, President & CEO of Just Like Family (JLF), to explore how her organization is disrupting franchising, elder care, and community building through social purpose entrepreneurship.

    Carla’s story is a reminder that when you anchor your work in empathy and love, it’s possible to grow rapidly, scale boldly, and still put people first.


    1. Build From Empathy and Shared Values

    The spark for JLF came from a deeply personal need: the founder couldn’t find adequate care for his mother. That act of service became the seed for a movement.

    Insights for entrepreneurs:

    • Hire and partner with people who share your values—not just financial goals.

    • Question “the way it’s always been done.” JLF redefined franchise onboarding and partnerships by asking: What if we put people first?


    2. Scale Faster With Social Acquisition

    While grassroots growth is powerful, Carla stresses that social acquisition accelerates impact. JLF’s acquisition by over 50 charities boosted growth by 20% in just three months.

    Lesson for business owners: Consider strategic acquisitions with mission-driven partners. It’s a win-win model—faster growth for your business and dividends for organizations doing community work.


    3. Redefine Stakeholders, Not Just Customers

    JLF reframed success by asking: Who else is impacted by our service? Beyond clients, they saw caregivers, families, and communities as stakeholders.

    Insight: Map your broader ecosystem. If 30% of family caregivers experience declining health, as JLF discovered, your model must address those ripple effects.


    4. Invest in Quality and People

    JLF is reshaping elder care by positioning itself as a premium provider. How? By paying caregivers 20–25% more than competitors.

    Takeaway: If you want quality, pay for it. Compensation reflects values, attracts talent, and strengthens brand prestige.


    5. Use Scale to Solve Social Issues

    With infrastructure in place, JLF extends its mission into adjacent projects:

    • A Seniors Virtual Calendar to fight isolation, offered in multiple languages.

    • A Publishing House helping seniors share their stories, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society.

    Lesson for entrepreneurs: Once profitable, use your platform to tackle systemic challenges in your sector.


    Be Brave: Purpose Is the Ultimate Strategy

    Carla reminds us that the greatest barrier is often perception. When JLF pulled off a rapid social acquisition in 113 days—something experts said was “impossible”—they proved that bravery, grit, and purpose are the real drivers of innovation.

    For Black entrepreneurs in the ACBN network, the message is clear: embrace social purpose entrepreneurship, stretch beyond limits, and lead with love.

    🎥 Watch the full interview with Carla Leon here: YouTube Interview

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

  • AI for Small Business Growth: How Dwayne Matthews is Helping Entrepreneurs Secure Economic Power

    AI for Small Business Growth: How Dwayne Matthews is Helping Entrepreneurs Secure Economic Power

    At ACBN, we live by the proverb “I am because we are.” It is through collective knowledge and shared insight that we uncover opportunities to thrive. Recently, we sat down with Dwayne Matthews—global education consultant, UN-recognized leader, and one of the foremost voices on the future of work—to unpack how AI for small business growth can transform our community’s economic future.

    Dwayne’s message is clear: Artificial Intelligence isn’t just about disruption—it’s about empowerment. By shifting from fear to strategy, Black entrepreneurs can harness AI to scale their businesses, create new opportunities, and build generational prosperity.


    Demystifying AI: A Tool, Not a Threat

    Matthews emphasizes that AI is not conscious—it’s a probability engine, predicting strings of words based on vast datasets. The risk is real, but the opportunity is greater.

    Insight for Business Owners: View AI as a practical tool, not an existential threat. Its power lies in automating tasks, amplifying creativity, and opening doors to growth once blocked by gatekeepers.


    The Genie’s Lamp: How AI Unlocks Small Business Potential

    For entrepreneurs, AI is like having a genie’s lamp: it can make things possible that once felt out of reach.

    Practical opportunities include:

    • Affordable Scaling: Access services once limited to corporations—like advanced research, data analysis, or customer service—without hiring full teams.

    • Rapid Web Development: AI can now create professional websites with e-commerce and SEO in hours, not months, and at a fraction of the cost.

    • Training & Documentation: By uploading business processes into AI, you create a virtual trainer, making it easier to scale staff and systems efficiently.

    Key Takeaway: Don’t “boil the ocean.” Use AI to target specific advantages that give you an edge over bigger competitors.


    Securing Economic Power Through AI

    AI is not only changing how we work—it’s changing how we earn and invest.

    • Jobs of the Future: Companies are actively hiring people with AI and ChatGPT expertise. Prompt engineering alone is commanding six-figure salaries.

    • Remote Opportunities: AI-driven roles create pathways for people in emerging economies to earn North American wages.

    • Investment Opportunities: Companies like Nvidia, which power AI’s infrastructure, represent a major part of the “picks and shovels” of this new gold rush.

    Lesson for Entrepreneurs: AI is a pathway to economic power. It creates opportunities for new jobs, new businesses, and smart investments.


    Strategic Thinking Over Panic

    Transformation always brings disruption. Matthews urges entrepreneurs to focus on strategy, not fear:

    • Contextualize Risk: Bias and misinformation aren’t new—they’ve always existed. Develop clear strategies to navigate them.

    • Keep Your North Star: Always ask, “What is the job I’m trying to get done?” Let this guide your AI use.

    • Lead with Ethics: Build human-led, purpose-driven businesses, with AI as a supporting tool, not the driver.


    Final Word: Offense, Not Defense

    Historically, our communities have created billion-dollar cultural movements—Carnival, ride-sharing models, music, and more. AI is the amplifier that allows us to scale these innovations globally.

    Now is the time to play offense, not defense. By embracing AI for small business growth, entrepreneurs in the ACBN network can build prosperity, secure economic independence, and shape the future.

    🎥 Watch the full interview with Dwayne Matthews here: YouTube Interview

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

  • Impact Investing in Canada: How the Definity Foundation is Redefining Capital and Equity with Arti Freeman

    Impact Investing in Canada: How the Definity Foundation is Redefining Capital and Equity with Arti Freeman

    In a powerful conversation with Arti Freeman, CEO of the Definity Foundation, we explored how the organization is leveraging all forms of capital—not just grants—to create what they call a justice model of philanthropy. For Black entrepreneurs and community leaders, their approach offers valuable lessons on impact, equity, and sustainable growth.


    A Justice Model for Philanthropy

    Founded in 2018 with $100 million from the demutualization of Economical Insurance (now Definity Insurance), the Definity Foundation has made equity its central purpose. Instead of a traditional charity model, DF embraces a justice model of philanthropy—acknowledging historical wrongs while investing in Black, Indigenous, racialized, and equity-seeking communities.

    Particular attention is given to women and youth of colour, who are often the furthest behind in access to resources and opportunities.


    Key Insights for Business Owners

    1. Think Holistically About Capital

    DF reminds us that true equity requires more than just financial resources. They leverage:

    • Financial Capital: including impact investing.

    • Human Capital: the skills and expertise of their team.

    • Social Capital: networks, influence, and partnerships.

    • Physical Assets: spaces and infrastructure that can be repurposed for equity work.

    Lesson: Entrepreneurs should also map their holistic assets. Beyond money, how can your networks, knowledge, or spaces fuel equity and innovation?


    2. Align Investments with Purpose

    One of DF’s early moves was investing in Raven Indigenous Capital Partners. This impact investing strategy ensures resources create equity, not just returns.

    Lesson: Business owners can also align reserves, supply chains, or partnerships with impact-driven values. Every dollar should advance your mission.


    3. Trust Community Ingenuity

    DF’s relational model trusts that communities already have the brilliance to solve their own challenges. Their role is to provide flexible, long-term funding and reduce traditional power imbalances.

    Lesson: Instead of micromanaging, provide flexible support to your teams and partners. Innovation thrives when those closest to the challenge lead.


    4. Make Learning Your Strategy

    DF is committed to testing, adapting, and evolving quickly based on feedback.

    Lesson: Entrepreneurs should adopt the same mindset—launch, learn, and adjust. Courageous action and humility to learn are the real growth engines.


    5. Choose Collaboration Over Competition

    “The days of the Lone Wolf are over,” Freeman notes. DF works alongside other foundations, sharing knowledge and due diligence to accelerate change.

    Lesson: Entrepreneurs can achieve more by collaborating—sharing insights, resources, and strategies—to strengthen the entire ecosystem.


    Building the Future Together

    The Definity Foundation is proving that impact investing in Canada can go beyond grants and create systemic change. Their work challenges us to rethink how we use our assets, relationships, and influence to advance justice.

    For business owners in the ACBN network, the takeaway is clear: equity and impact are built collectively, not in isolation.

    🎥 Watch the full interview with Arti Freeman here: YouTube Interview

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

  • Impact Financing in Canada: How the DUCA Impact Lab is Building Banking That Benefits All with Keith Taylor

    Impact Financing in Canada: How the DUCA Impact Lab is Building Banking That Benefits All with Keith Taylor

    We recently sat down with Keith Taylor, Executive Director of the DUCA Impact Lab, to explore how their innovative approach to impact financing in Canada is transforming access to fair banking and reshaping what financial equity looks like.

    Here are the key takeaways and insights for Black entrepreneurs and business owners in our network who are committed to innovation, sustainability, and community trust.


    1. Turn Community Challenges into Market Differentiation

    The DUCA Impact Lab was born out of addressing exclusion. Decades ago, credit unions emerged because newcomers to Canada were denied access to mainstream banking. Today, the Lab views those same barriers not as setbacks but as opportunities to innovate.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Center your business model around solving systemic access challenges. By creating pathways for underserved markets, you’re not only serving your community—you’re building a competitive edge that sets you apart.


    2. Use Impact Financing to De-Risk Growth

    The Lab specializes in impact financing in Canada, proving that lending to underserved groups can be both viable and profitable. Their focus on gathering data and building a track record is essential to shifting narratives around risk.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: When seeking funding, use data and measurable results to demonstrate your community’s reliability and potential. Success stories create confidence for investors and open doors to larger capital pools.


    3. Measure Value Beyond Dollars

    One of the Lab’s flagship pilots, the Escalator Loan, consolidates predatory high-cost debt into fair, cash flow-based repayment plans. The impact extends far beyond financial metrics. Borrowers reported improvements in:

    • Food and housing security

    • Mental health and family well-being

    • Children’s education and extracurricular access

    • Healthcare access (dentistry, prescriptions)

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Highlight the holistic impact of your product or service. Funders and partners are increasingly looking at non-financial outcomes as part of the business case.


    4. Build with Trust and Transparency

    The Escalator Loan pilot revealed that women of colour disproportionately rely on predatory lending. For these communities, the barrier is not creditworthiness—it’s trust.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Design your services with transparency and cultural responsiveness at the core. Building trust with historically excluded communities is not just socially responsible—it’s smart business.


    Collaboration and Scale: The Future of Banking Equity

    The DUCA Impact Lab’s long-term goal is to shift the entire retail credit landscape in Canada, embedding equity into mainstream banking. But to achieve scale, partnerships are critical.

    Call to Action for ACBN Members:
    The Lab is seeking partners to:

    1. Help identify individuals who could benefit from the Escalator Loan model.

    2. Collaborate on scaling this program nationally, ensuring its impact reaches more communities.

    Together, we can ensure that banking, credit, and capital truly serve everyone.


    Watch the Full Interview

    Learn more about how impact financing in Canada can unlock opportunity for your business and community. Watch our full interview with Keith Taylor here: Watch on YouTube

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

  • Fundraising in Canada: Unlocking Capital and Impact for Black Entrepreneurs with Andre Beaudry

    Fundraising in Canada: Unlocking Capital and Impact for Black Entrepreneurs with Andre Beaudry

    At ACBN, our work is rooted in the proverb “I am because we are.” Collaboration, collective power, and community investment are at the heart of building lasting impact.

    We recently sat down with Andre Beaudry, Founder of Velocity Collaboration and a veteran of Canada’s fundraising ecosystem, to uncover essential insights for business owners and organizations navigating philanthropy. His expertise offers practical strategies on fundraising in Canada—from securing corporate partnerships to tapping into generational wealth—and shows how Black entrepreneurs can mobilize resources to create transformational change.


    The Secret to Securing Funds: Alignment and Accountability

    At its core, fundraising is about aligning values. Success comes when your vision connects directly with a donor’s priorities.

    Fundraisers act as the bridge between philanthropists—who want to create impact—and entrepreneurs, who know how to make it happen. For business owners, demonstrating accountability and keeping donors informed is crucial for building trust and long-term relationships.

    Philanthropy is especially vital in Canada. Government funding leaves gaps in healthcare, education, childcare, and community services—and your business or organization may be the solution donors are seeking.


    Where the Capital Is: Canada’s Largest Asset Pools

    To elevate your fundraising in Canada, you must know where the biggest opportunities lie:

    1. Corporate Canada (ESG focus): Companies are increasingly investing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Align your mission with their goals to unlock powerful partnerships.

    2. The Aging Population: One of the wealthiest cohorts in Canadian history is ready to give. Their focus is legacy and measurable impact. Craft your message around long-term change.

    3. Creative Assets: Beyond cash, donors can gift real estate or other assets. Through tools like charitable remainder trusts, they receive immediate tax benefits while your organization gains long-term stability.


    Scaling Up: Lessons from Capital Campaigns

    If you’re planning a major project, understanding capital campaign strategy is essential:

    • Do your research: Be clear about your priorities before asking for money.

    • Run a feasibility study: Interview current and potential donors to determine what resonates and how much you can realistically raise.

    • Use a Quiet Phase: Raise 70–75% of your goal privately before launching publicly to protect your brand.

    • Empower volunteers: Campaign success often comes from well-connected volunteers making direct asks.


    Collaboration Is the Key to Lasting Impact

    For small organizations and entrepreneurs, collaboration is not optional—it’s a necessity. Partnering with others allows you to share costs, strengthen influence, and achieve far greater results together.

    Final Insight: Fundraising in Canada is not just about money. It’s about building relationships, pooling community power, and creating opportunities for collective liberation.


    Watch the Full Interview

    For more on fundraising strategies, asset pools, and collaborative approaches, watch our full conversation with Andre Beaudry here: Watch on YouTube

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

  • 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

  • Day 2 – Are You On Mission? How to Write a Mission Statement for Small Business

    Day 2 – Are You On Mission? How to Write a Mission Statement for Small Business

    Why a mission statement matters for Black founders

    For Black entrepreneurs, clarity is both protection and power. because capital can take longer and networks may be thinner, a concise mission helps you focus energy, attract aligned partners, and say no to distractions that don’t build wealth or community. therefore, your mission must be short enough to remember and strong enough to guide decisions.

    What a mission statement for small business actually does

    A mission statement explains why your company exists and what drives your actions. in practice, it acts like a job description for the entire business—short, specific, and actionable. moreover, it should be ambitious yet achievable so it can shape everyday trade-offs.

    Why many mission statements fail

    First, they’re too long and packed with jargon. second, they try to serve “everyone,” which serves no one deeply. finally, they list activities instead of outcomes customers can feel. consequently, marketing scatters, hiring misaligns, and operations drift.

    A four-part framework that sticks

    use this simple structure to draft a mission statement for small business in minutes.

    1) why

    what belief or problem gets you out of bed? this anchors purpose and energy.

    2) who

    which community or customer will you serve first? be specific; your budget will thank you.

    3) how

    what is your core approach or advantage? ideally, an observer could watch you doing it.

    4) outcome

    what change do customers experience because of you—time saved, revenue gained, confidence, access, health, or convenience?

    fill-in template

    to serve [who] who struggle with [problem], we [how] so they can [outcome].

    Examples you can adapt

    service
    to serve busy urban professionals who lack car-care time, we deliver mobile, eco-friendly detailing so they can keep a clean vehicle without downtime.

    product
    to serve natural-hair customers facing limited options, we create plant-based, stylist-tested products so they can achieve healthy styles without harsh chemicals.

    community organization
    to serve Black entrepreneurs facing capital and network gaps, we provide microlending, training, and connections so they can grow revenue and build generational wealth.

    from paragraph to powerful: a real refinement journey

    during our session, facilitator Chris-Beth Cowie (ceo, Empowered 4x) showed how her team moved from a long list of activities to a single, memorable sentence. first, they cut buzzwords. next, they chose one primary customer. finally, they named one outcome that truly matters. as a result, the mission became short enough to live in conversation—and strong enough to anchor offers, hiring, and partnerships.

    pressure-test checklist

    1. under 20 words. if not, cut.

    2. clear who. if you wrote “everyone,” narrow.

    3. observable how. could a stranger watch your team and say, “yes, that’s what they do”?

    4. outcome that matters. pick one customers can feel or measure.

    5. trade-offs implied. a good mission makes some work a clear no.

    Make your mission operational

    your mission statement for small business must earn its keep across the company.

    Offers and pricing

    if your mission includes access, reflect it through payment plans, tiers, or scholarships. otherwise, the words will ring hollow.

    Marketing and partnerships

    choose channels and partners that actually reach your who. moreover, say no to awareness plays that won’t convert for your audience.

    Hiring and training

    onboard with your mission. then coach specific behaviors that match it, and celebrate team members who live it out.

    Metrics and storytelling

    select one outcome tied to your mission and report it monthly. additionally, collect proof—before/after metrics, quotes, or case studies that show the mission in action.

    The five-minute builder (do this today)

    1. write three bullets: your belief (why), your customer (who), and your main result (outcome).

    2. draft one sentence using the template.

    3. remove filler like innovative, dynamic, and impactful unless they are concrete.

    4. read it aloud to a peer; if they can repeat it back, you’re close.

    5. pick one metric you will track that proves the mission is alive.

    Why this matters for Black entrepreneurs

    a concise mission reduces the time tax of re-explaining your business in every room. consequently, champions in banks, accelerators, and procurement offices can advocate for you accurately. it also protects your energy—so you can say no to distractions and yes to the work that builds wealth and community impact.

    Your next step

    write your 20-word mission now. then bring it to the workshop and we’ll sharpen it together—so it guides your offers, hiring, and marketing this quarter.

    Be sure to join us for our next session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/empowered-4x-8081928236

    Dont forget to become an ACBN Member by visiting: https://acbncanada.com/membership/

  • Day 1 – Small Business Month Series: Core Values for Small Business

    Day 1 – Small Business Month Series: Core Values for Small Business

    Small Business Month Series: Day 1 — Core Values for Small Business

    Welcome to the series

    ACBN Canada and Empowered 4x have teamed up for a 24-day sprint to help you start strong or tune up what you’ve already built. Day 1 set the foundation with facilitator Chris-Beth Cowie and ACBN co-founder Ryan Knight. Every session will be compiled into an Empowered 4x learning vault so you can revisit the material later.

    What are core values for small business?

    Core values for small business are the non-negotiable principles that guide how you operate—especially under pressure. They shape your brand, your team culture, and the customer experience. More importantly, they turn tough choices into consistent actions.

    Why this matters for Black entrepreneurs

    Because access to networks and capital can take longer, clarity saves time and protects energy. Clear values help you choose aligned partners, set fair policies, and build trust in rooms that weren’t designed with you in mind. As a result, your business moves with confidence instead of reacting to the loudest voice or the fastest dollar.

    Values beat vibes

    “Vibes” fade when stakes are high. Written values act like fences: you can’t write rules for every scenario, but values keep decisions inside healthy boundaries. Without them, small compromises can snowball into costly issues.

    Core values in real life

    • Partnership fit: A founder ended a restaurant partnership after a co-owner ignored allergen-safety protocols—integrity and safety weren’t shared values.
    • Customer care: Empowered 4x pairs a strict no-refund policy with grace. Even when a deadline is missed, the team explains policies, explores options, and aims for a better outcome. In practice, compassion and excellence sit beside accountability.

    Where core values show up daily

    • Hiring and leadership: Who you bring in and how you coach.
    • Pricing and policies: Payment plans, guarantees, refunds.
    • Partnerships: Which sponsors or collaborators you accept.
    • Operations: From safety checklists to how you handle mistakes.
    • Marketing: The promises you make—and keep.

    A 15-minute exercise to define your top 3–5

    1. Reflection moments
      When were you most proud at work? Which value was present? Conversely, when were you most frustrated? Which value was violated?

    2. Role models
      Who do you admire and why? What do you refuse to emulate?

    3. Hard lines
      Under financial pressure, what line would you never cross?

    4. Future story
      How do you want people to describe your business in 10 years?

    5. Daily behaviours
      What actions should happen even when no one is watching?

    Write down themes you repeat. Then cluster them into 3–5 clear words (for example: Integrity, Safety, Service, Equity, Excellence).

    Make values operational (not ornamental)

    • Translate each value into 2–3 behaviours
    “Safety” → “We label allergens and confirm orders twice.”
    “Equity” → “We publish payment-plan options on every offer.”

    • Add a decision rule
    “If a decision conflicts with any value, we pause and escalate.”

    • Publish and teach
    Include values in proposals, onboarding, and team meetings.

    • Review weekly
    Ask, “Where did we live our values? Where did we drift, and why?”

    Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

    • Too many values
    Fix: Cap it at five. If everything is a priority, nothing is.

    • Vague words
    Fix: Pair each value with behaviours a stranger could observe.

    • Values vs. incentives mismatch
    Fix: Align bonuses, promotions, and vendor choices to the values.

    ACBN x Empowered 4x: how we support you

    Empowered 4x is values-driven (community first, equity, excellence) and offers professional virtual office services, training, and coaching to help you build structure. ACBN focuses on breaking barriers—especially access to capital—through microlending, loan readiness, and ecosystem connections. Together, we help you turn values into momentum.

    Homework

    Identify your 3–5 core values and write behaviours under each. Then ask: do I live these values daily? If not, what will change this week?

    Next up: Day 2 — Mission

    Tomorrow we’ll craft a one-sentence mission that turns values into direction—and into decisions you can act on immediately.

    Be sure to join us for our next session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/empowered-4x-8081928236

    Dont forget to become an ACBN Member by visiting: https://acbncanada.com/membership/