Afro Caribbean Business Network

Category: Business Tips

  • Impact Investing for Black Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Jillisa Brown

    Impact Investing for Black Entrepreneurs: Lessons from Jillisa Brown

    Watch full video interview here: https://youtu.be/hVQ-KDDWaqQ

    As Black entrepreneurs, we know the challenge: while some organizations talk about raising $75 million, many of us are still figuring out how to access our first $10,000 grant. The funding gap is real. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

    That’s why hearing from Jillisa Brown, Executive Director of The Table of Impact Investment Practitioners (TIIP), was so powerful. Jillisa is a leader in Canada’s social finance ecosystem and has made it her mission to ensure Black entrepreneurs and other underrepresented founders are not left behind. Her insights can help us reframe how we think about money, growth, and our role in the impact investing landscape.

    Here’s what stood out from the conversation:

    Think bigger about funding

    Jillisa challenges us to raise our financial ambition. If others are aiming for $100 million, why can’t we? For Black entrepreneurs, impact investing is about claiming our seat at the table and understanding that scale is possible for our businesses too.

    Get investment ready

    Grants are a starting point, but they’re not the finish line. Jillisa emphasizes preparing your business for investment: building capacity, strengthening leadership, and positioning yourself for capital that fuels growth. Success isn’t just about spreadsheets—it’s also about self-discovery and community building.

    Position yourself as an expert

    As a young Black woman in a space lacking diversity, Jillisa faced skepticism and microaggressions. Her response? Do the research, master the details, and show up with confidence. For us, the lesson is clear: expertise breaks barriers.

    Representation matters

    TIIP’s leadership includes Black women, Indigenous leaders, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This representation ensures that our voices shape how capital is deployed. But representation only matters if we show up. We must engage, apply, and contribute—otherwise, others will claim we weren’t interested.

    Build funder relationships early

    Waiting until applications open is too late. Building genuine connections with funders ahead of time gives us insights, influence, and sometimes even opportunities before the public knows about them. Relationships create access.

    Why this matters

    Impact investing for Black entrepreneurs isn’t just about raising money—it’s about rewriting the rules of who gets funded, who gets seen, and who builds wealth in Canada. Jillisa’s story proves that when we show up, prepare, and push for scale, we can change the landscape for generations to come.

    To dive deeper into Jillisa’s wisdom and learn how you can step into the impact investment space, watch the full interview here: Watch the full conversation on YouTube

    Watch full video interview here: https://youtu.be/hVQ-KDDWaqQ

  • Black Entrepreneur Estate Planning: Why Living Well Means Planning Ahead – Interview with MINNELLE WILLIAMS

    Black Entrepreneur Estate Planning: Why Living Well Means Planning Ahead – Interview with MINNELLE WILLIAMS

    Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/K0eW63KFGjA

    As Black entrepreneurs, we pour everything into building our businesses—serving clients, creating opportunities, and investing in our community. But one question often gets overlooked: what happens to all of this after we’re gone?

    That’s where Black entrepreneur estate planning becomes essential. It’s not just about protecting your family—it’s about protecting your business, your community impact, and the generational wealth you’ve worked so hard to create.

    Recently, Minnelle Williams, founder of Ending Well with Minnelle, shared powerful insights drawn from her experience as a licensed funeral director, end-of-life Doula, and certified executor assistant. Her mission is to normalize estate planning and succession conversations in our community, ensuring that we live well and leave well.

    Succession planning is community care

    Your business is bigger than you—it affects employees, family, and your community. Without a succession plan, you risk leaving behind debt and confusion. Estate planning ensures your business legacy continues, and resources stay in your family and community instead of being lost to taxes.

    Generational wealth starts with action

    Many entrepreneurs delay planning, thinking, “I’ll deal with it later.” But the best time to create a plan is now, while you’re healthy and clear-headed. Just as we buy insurance for protection, estate planning for Black entrepreneurs should become a standard part of building wealth.

    A will is only the beginning

    Minnelle reminds us that a full estate plan includes more than just a will. It also requires:

    • Updated wills that reflect your current wishes

    • Power of Attorney for both health and property decisions

    • A living will or advanced care plan to guide your loved ones

    • Funeral and cemetery arrangements, even if unpaid in advance

    • Your life story and legacy—because passing on values is as important as passing on assets

    Conversations create clarity

    Too many families are left guessing about their loved one’s wishes, leading to conflict. Open conversations about estate planning can prevent this. Use resources like Minnelle’s interview as a starting point to bring your family into the discussion.

    Innovation is shaping the future

    Estate planning is evolving. With virtual services, online pre-arrangements, and modern tools, planning is becoming more accessible and relevant for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

    Take action today

    If we want generational wealth to truly grow in our community, we need to normalize Black entrepreneur estate planning. Don’t wait until it’s urgent—the best time to plan is now.

    Minnelle Williams has created a free downloadable workbook to help you take the first steps toward creating your legacy plan. Visit her site, grab the guide, and start the conversation with your family.

    Because living well also means leaving well—and ensuring the businesses we build today continue to serve our community tomorrow.

    Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/K0eW63KFGjA

  • From Struggle to Strength: What Black Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Building Together – interview with BIPOC Foundation Founder CLEMENT ESENE

    From Struggle to Strength: What Black Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Building Together – interview with BIPOC Foundation Founder CLEMENT ESENE

    Watch Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/PY8DsYH1Kv0

    Starting and growing a business in Canada as a Black entrepreneur is not a straight road. I know firsthand how the hoops and hurdles can feel endless—applications that go nowhere, resources that are hard to reach, and a system that wasn’t built with us in mind.

    That’s why hearing from Clement Esene, founder of the BIPOC Foundation, hit me so strongly. His story reminded me that the struggles we face aren’t just personal; they’re proof of the systemic gaps we’re up against. More importantly, they’re also opportunities to build something stronger for ourselves and for those coming behind us.

    Here are the lessons I’m carrying forward:

    1. Let your struggles shape your mission
      Clement and his partner faced serious challenges when starting their first company, Daniola Corporation. Instead of accepting those barriers, they built the BIPOC Foundation so others wouldn’t have to go through the same obstacles. The takeaway for us: your setbacks aren’t wasted—they can become the blueprint for solutions that change the game for your community.

    2. Focus on capacity and financial inclusion
      It’s not enough to get one-off help. What we need are systems that strengthen our capacity and make sure we’re included in real financial opportunities. That means finding and supporting organizations that are pushing for long-term empowerment and representation, not just quick fixes.

    3. Learn the difference between resources and funding
      Too often, entrepreneurs expect every support organization to hand out money. Clement was clear: not every group funds directly. Some, like the BIPOC Foundation, connect you to the right knowledge, networks, and partners that eventually open doors to capital. The key is knowing what each organization offers—and maximizing it.

    4. Demand aftercare, not just programs
      One program or workshop isn’t enough. What makes the difference is aftercare—ongoing advisory services that guide you to mentorship, funding, or the right partnerships. Don’t just sign up for programs; make sure you’re tapping into the long-term support systems that will walk with you past graduation.

    5. Celebrate progress, but keep building
      Yes, we’ve seen new funding streams and historic investments in the last few years. But Clement reminds us—it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The real work is building solid foundations so our community has permanent access to resources, representation, and economic power.

    6. Put community first
      At the end of the day, business success isn’t just about us as individuals. It’s about lifting as we climb. If our wins don’t translate into community progress, we’re missing the point. Like Dr. King said, we haven’t truly started living until we rise above individual concerns and act for humanity.

    Takeaways you can use right now

    • Reframe your struggles as data points—clues to what the community needs you to build.

    • Invest your time in organizations focused on long-term empowerment, not short-term hype.

    • Get clear on whether a group offers resources, connections, or funding—and use them wisely.

    • Push for advisory and aftercare support that carries you beyond programs.

    • Commit to building not just for yourself, but for the collective future of Black entrepreneurs in Canada.

    The future we’re working toward is bigger than any one of us. It’s about creating a Canada where Black entrepreneurs don’t have to fight twice as hard just to start. And that starts with how we choose to build today.

    Watch Full Interview Here: https://youtu.be/PY8DsYH1Kv0

  • Building Generational Wealth as a Black Entrepreneur: What I’ve Learned – Interview with TIFFANY CALLENDER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FACE COALITION

    Building Generational Wealth as a Black Entrepreneur: What I’ve Learned – Interview with TIFFANY CALLENDER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FACE COALITION

    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:

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. 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

  • From Doubt to Doing: Lessons Black Entrepreneurs Can Use Right Now – Interview with SHERNETT MARTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANCHOR

    From Doubt to Doing: Lessons Black Entrepreneurs Can Use Right Now – Interview with SHERNETT MARTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ANCHOR

    Watch Full Interview here: https://youtu.be/V2NoooV7E0M

    When I first started my journey as an entrepreneur, I remember being told in subtle and not-so-subtle ways that I wouldn’t make it. I’ve heard professors, employers, and even peers say that “people like me” wouldn’t graduate, get hired, or succeed in leadership. Those words stung. But they also fueled me. I realized quickly that the very traits others saw as weaknesses—speaking up, caring deeply, pushing for excellence—were the things that made me who I am.

    Hearing the story of Shernett Martin, Executive Director of Anchor Canada and founder of Black Girls Inc., reminded me of that truth. Her path from being told she would fail to building transformative spaces for Black women entrepreneurs offers lessons that every one of us can use to grow stronger businesses and stronger communities.

    Here are the insights I’m carrying forward:

    1. Speak your truth and trust your instincts
      Don’t quiet your spirit for anyone. If something feels right to you, chances are hundreds of others feel the same. Those instincts are not barriers; they’re gifts. The scars we carry make us more effective leaders because we lead with authenticity.

    2. Monetize what you love and leverage your skills
      Every experience you’ve had—whether in teaching, law, healthcare, or another field—can become an asset in your business. Shernett turned her teaching skills into a framework that helped Black women transform passion projects into real revenue. The same can happen for us: the tools are already in our hands.

    3. Build networks that take care of themselves
      One of the most powerful things I’ve seen is how much brilliance we already have in our own community. Shernett’s Sisterlood retreats showed that when Black women came together, they didn’t need to look outside for resources—printing, marketing, legal advice, all of it was in the room. For us as Black entrepreneurs, interdependence is the key to scaling.

    4. Secure sustainable funding and structure
      Grants are a great starting point, but long-term success comes from building sustainable revenue and operational systems. That means securing corporate sponsors, creating permanent roles with benefits to retain talent, and finding safe, dedicated spaces that reflect and serve our community. Without these foundations, even the best programs can fizzle out.

    5. Be a doer in this renaissance moment
      We are living in a renaissance for Black entrepreneurship. The time for waiting is over. We don’t need perfection to begin—what we need is consistent action. Every step we take opens doors for those coming after us.

    Takeaways you can apply today

    • Trust that your lived experience is a leadership asset, not a liability.

    • Audit your own skills—then find ways to monetize them in service of your community.

    • Look first within your network for resources before going outside.

    • Start building for sustainability now: sponsors, staff, and space.

    • Take one action this week toward your vision—don’t wait for perfect conditions.

    The future of our community depends on more of us becoming doers. Our time is now.

    Watch Full Interview here: https://youtu.be/V2NoooV7E0M

  • Building Trust, Wealth, and Legacy: Essential Business Strategy from Elder Wisdom – Interview with ELDER ABENA GINELLE SKERRIT

    Building Trust, Wealth, and Legacy: Essential Business Strategy from Elder Wisdom – Interview with ELDER ABENA GINELLE SKERRIT

    Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/jLD5XtdHuQY
    The foundation of our network, captured beautifully by the proverb, “I am because we are,” reminds us that true entrepreneurial success is never achieved in isolation. Recently, our network had the immense privilege of drawing wisdom from Elder Abena Ginelle Skerritt, a phenomenal leader and executive whose decades of work demonstrate how traditional principles translate into powerful, sustainable economic and community development.
    As business owners navigating complex markets, her insights—spanning collective economics, strategic land ownership, and selfless leadership—offer a powerful roadmap for building companies that are resilient, profitable, and rooted in purpose.
    Here are the key business strategies we can adopt from Elder Skerritt’s remarkable body of work:
    ——————————————————————————–
    1. Redefining Capital: Trust as Your Highest Yield
    We often focus solely on maximizing interest rates and quarterly profits. However, Elder Skerritt’s work with the Susu model challenges us to look beyond conventional financial metrics.
    Susu, a system of collective economics, is moving significant resources within the community—approaching a million dollars over two years in her groups alone. When questioned about the lack of traditional interest, Elder Skerritt notes that the true interest comes in the form of trust and resiliency built within the community.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Trust is Your Prime Asset: For business owners, this means shifting focus from transactional relationships to relational ones. The trust and resiliency you build with customers, suppliers, and partners provide actual value that shields you during economic downturns, far exceeding short-term gains.
    • Embrace Cooperative Models: Look for ways to pool resources, invest together, or start shared businesses with others in the network. This collective effort, which our ancestors utilized successfully, moves larger capital and stabilizes the entire ecosystem. We must be able to understand and function in a capitalist society, but we should prioritize a collaborative, cooperative model based on our own values.
    • Solving Foundational Problems: Elder Skerritt connects Susu savings to helping the community achieve sustainable self-determination around housing, specifically saving for a down payment. Our businesses should similarly seek ways to link our core services to solving foundational community problems, ensuring our economic models are built for liberation and progress.
    2. Strategic Asset Acquisition and Supply Chain Resilience
    Elder Skerritt and her husband operate Adinkra Farm, a 42-acre property one hour north of Toronto, which acts as a center for food sovereignty and community gathering. This initiative is a practical realization of a vision held by her husband’s 1970s band for acquiring land.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Invest in Hard Assets for Self-Determination: Land ownership provides fundamental stability and allows for activities (like drumming and gathering) that might be restricted in the city. For businesses, this translates into aggressively pursuing real estate and foundational assets that secure your operations long-term and provide a space for community engagement.
    • Manage the Supply Chain Crisis: Elder Skerritt notes the importance of taking up challenges around rising food prices and questionable nutritional value. Our businesses must similarly address the reliability and nutritional value (quality) of our input sources. Exploring diversification—like hydroponics or growing high-demand crops—is a necessary step for future sustainability.
    • The Power of Dual Purpose: Adinkra Farm is both a farm and a renovated community gathering space. Our business properties can serve multiple purposes, generating revenue while fulfilling a social purpose, reinforcing the principle of “I am because we are.”
    3. Selfless Leadership and Becoming a Reliable Source
    Elder Skerritt defines good eldership not by age, but by maturity, selflessness, and a broad scope of vision that goes beyond immediate personal issues. Elders must be out there, interacting with the community, so people know they can rely on them for guidance—whether it’s on work situations, property ownership, or implementing economic systems like Susu.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Lead with a Wide Scope: True leadership requires selflessness and the ability to maintain a scope of thinking that looks beyond immediate profit and addresses long-term relationship, business, and life direction for those in your orbit.
    • Build Authority Through Reliability: The community relies on Elder Skerritt for referrals and advice because they see what she and her husband are actively doing. This consistency transforms into credibility. As business leaders, we need to be visible, interacting with our community, and providing reliable information and expertise. This reputation is invaluable for attracting talent and customers.
    • Provide Practical Guidance: From fashion advice to business strategy, an effective leader offers actionable insights. We should aim to be the go-to source for specific practical knowledge within our industry.
    4. Intentional Succession Planning and Coaching
    We often lament the absence of young people in our key meetings and events. Elder Skerritt provides a solution: Elders must make themselves available and actively engage in succession planning. This involves proactively hiring and coaching young people in economic opportunities.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Succession is Active, Not Passive: Don’t wait for the next generation to show up; hire them and coach them. Intentional development involves inviting young talent to assist at workshops, giving them the marker, and putting them in positions where they have to learn by doing.
    • Invest in Future Leadership: By prioritizing young people in economic opportunities, we ensure the sustainability of our businesses and the continuity of our values. This approach mitigates leadership gaps and transfers institutional knowledge effectively.
    5. The Mandate for Self-Knowledge
    Elder Skerritt’s call to action for young people is simple yet profound: Be informed and get informed. The information necessary for success may not be easily accessible through normal methods, requiring deliberate effort, using music as a historical resource, and asking elders directly.
    The Business Takeaway:
    • Self-Knowledge is Strategy: An entrepreneur cannot truly know their path or contribution without knowing the history of their people. This historical literacy provides context for struggle, identifies traditional models of success (like the co-operative subsistence model), and guides our strategic purpose.
    • Leverage Internal Wisdom: Our parents and community elders hold vital information about our personalities and purpose that can guide our business trajectory. We must deliberately seek out and utilize this wisdom when setting our overall life direction and business goals.
    By weaving together these lessons—prioritizing trust over simple profit, investing strategically in assets, leading selflessly, and actively developing the next generation—we ensure that our businesses are not just solvent, but sovereign.
    Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/jLD5XtdHuQY
  • Beyond the Balance Sheet: Lessons from Eldership That Will Transform Your Business

    Beyond the Balance Sheet: Lessons from Eldership That Will Transform Your Business

    As business owners, we’re constantly searching for the secret sauce—the strategy, the technology, the market edge—that guarantees success. We chase profits, optimize processes, and worship the metrics that drive the bottom line. But what if the deepest insights for long-term health and growth don’t come from a textbook on corporate strategy, but from a profound understanding of community, relationship, and human nobility?
    I recently encountered the work of Dr. Joy DeGruy, author and dedicated healer, and her perspective on eldership and community—a concept deeply rooted in the principle “I am because we are”—offers a radical reorientation for how we should lead our teams and engage our customers.
    Here are the critical lessons I’m integrating into my business right now, and why you should too:
    ——————————————————————————–
    1. Relationships Are Your Highest Value Asset
    The Western world often encourages “ego worship” and materialism, prioritizing “stuff” and titles over genuine connection. But an 85-year Harvard study found the cause of happiness is good relationships. This aligns perfectly with the primary value system (axiology) of African descent, where the highest value lies in the relationship between people.
    What This Means for Leadership:
    We must stop treating our staff, partners, and clients as transactional resources. If your team is only focused on degrees, trophies, or the size of their next bonus, they will never find real happiness, and your company culture will remain brittle.
    • Focus on the Core: At the end of the day, success is defined by “who you love and who loves you.” We need to do the foundational work of building strong internal relationships.
    • Dethrone the Ego: Leadership isn’t about having the final word or holding onto the mic forever. As Dr. DeGruy notes, true eldership involves humility—knowing when to step back from the leadership spotlight and serve the community (even if that means offering to “wash the dishes” or “fold up the chairs”). This models “us and not me.”
    2. The Presence of the Elder Brings Order
    Dr. DeGruy shared a fascinating story about young bull elephants acting destructively until the mere presence of a powerful, experienced bull restored “order and appropriate balance” to the group. The young elephants needed the elder to know their place.
    This is a biological necessity that translates directly to the workplace:
    • Value Wisdom and History: Our long-term employees and experienced leaders are the “bull elephants.” They have wisdom gained from long experience, having “seen some things” and made plenty of mistakes.
    • Listen Intentionally: Emerging leaders must give the honor of their conversation to Elders. If we don’t listen, we risk repeating known failures, just like leaders who believe they “got this” only to realize a year later they didn’t.
    • Be a Stabilizing Force: Your presence as an experienced leader or owner should bring a sense of order to the space. When things feel chaotic or “out of order,” the intentional leadership of an experienced person is what restores balance.
    3. Acknowledgment Cultivates Intrinsic Nobility
    Eldership is fundamentally about making people feel seen, special, worthy, and capable. Dr. DeGruy described the casual nod exchanged between strangers as a powerful act of recognition: “I see you.”
    What This Means for Your Employees:
    • The “Juicy Face” Principle: When an employee walks into the room, do you “light up” for them? Your intentional smile and encouragement are essential to affirming their self-worth.
    • Combat Alienation: Dr. DeGruy shared an anecdote where Elders crossed the street to avoid rambunctious young men, sending a harmful message of alienation. In business, we harm our employees and future talent when we avoid engagement or fail to acknowledge their potential.
    • Bring Them Back to Their Best Selves: A leader’s role is to bring people “back to your intrinsic nobility” when they have forgotten it. Instead of moving away from difficult or inappropriate behaviour, we must lean in and gently remind individuals of the high standards and capabilities we expect from them.
    4. Rites of Passage Must Define Contribution, Not Just Independence
    Rites of Passage (ROP) is often misunderstood as simply gaining independence. Its true significance, however, is helping young people recognize their contribution to the wholeness of the village. The goal is to “excavate a person’s abilities” so they understand what they can bring to their people.
    • Prevent Destructive Behaviour: Dr. DeGruy cites the proverb: “If a child is not embraced by his village, he will burn it down to feel its warmth.” If your business doesn’t give young staff a clear, meaningful role, they will seek that warmth and validation elsewhere—potentially causing friction or leaving entirely.
    • Hone Individual Gifts for the Collective: Think of your business as an orchestra. While the collective sound is beautiful, sometimes the string section has to meet alone to hone its skill before contributing. Our training and mentorship programs should be designed to focus and excavate each person’s unique gifts, preparing them for their role in the company’s “collective sound.”
    5. Courage and Vulnerability Build Trust
    Dr. DeGruy’s biggest lesson learned is courage. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but doing what you have to do even when you are afraid. Courage requires vulnerability—trusting that when you fall, someone will catch you and help you get back up.
    • Make Failure an Opportunity: We must create a culture where staff feel safe to admit, “I’m not okay” or “I was wrong and I own it.” If employees are punished for not being perfect or for demonstrating humanity, they will never innovate or take necessary risks. Failure is simply an opportunity to learn.
    • The Power of Connection: Dr. DeGruy demonstrated courage by stopping a group of rambunctious young men and asking them about their life dreams, forging a relationship. By creating that relationship, she guaranteed they would protect her because she had validated them. In business, forming genuine relationships protects the organization far better than rigid rules.
    Dr. Joy DeGruy reminds us that our most vital call to action today is to address the assault on truth. This means embracing ourselves, honoring those who came before us, and standing in that truth despite global struggles with anti-Blackness.
    For us, the truth is that the human element—the relationship, the inherent worth, the courage to be vulnerable—is what builds an enduring, meaningful enterprise. If we focus on building up and healing relationships within our teams and communities, we will find the peace, and success, we all need.
  • Customer Acquisition Systems That Work for Black-Owned Businesses

    Customer Acquisition Systems That Work for Black-Owned Businesses

    How Black Entrepreneurs Can Build Stronger Customer Acquisition Systems

    For many Black entrepreneurs, attracting and retaining customers is one of the biggest challenges in building a sustainable business. While product development and operations often get attention, customer acquisition strategies remain underdeveloped. Without a structured approach, even well-managed businesses struggle to grow.

    The Challenge: Higher Customer Acquisition Costs

    Black-owned businesses face 22% higher customer acquisition costs than their non-Black counterparts, according to the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce. Several factors contribute to this:

    • Limited access to established referral networks
    • Higher scrutiny from potential customers
    • Marketing efforts that depend too much on the founder’s direct involvement

    To overcome these barriers, Black entrepreneurs must develop systematic customer acquisition strategies that operate independently of their availability.

    Four Key Components of a Strong Customer Acquisition System

    Successful Black entrepreneurs implement four essential systems to attract, convert, and retain customers.

    1. Lead Generation: Move Beyond Passive Marketing

    Many businesses rely on sporadic social media posts, but this isn’t enough. A strong lead generation system includes:

    • Targeted digital marketing tailored to the ideal customer.
    • Referral programs that reward customers for word-of-mouth marketing.
    • Automated prospecting strategies that continuously attract new leads.

    2. Prospect Nurturing: Build Trust Over Time

    Many Black-owned businesses face a credibility gap that makes potential customers hesitate. A structured prospect nurturing system helps bridge this gap by:

    • Using automated email or text sequences to engage potential customers.
    • Providing valuable content that demonstrates expertise and builds trust.
    • Offering low-risk engagement opportunities like free resources, webinars, or trials.

    3. Conversion: Standardize the Sales Process

    Many founders handle sales informally, leading to inconsistent results. To improve conversion rates, businesses need:

    • A scripted sales framework to ensure clear, persuasive communication.
    • Standardized proposal templates that simplify the decision-making process.
    • Follow-up sequences that keep prospects engaged until they are ready to buy.

    4. Retention: Turn Customers Into Advocates

    Relying solely on new customer acquisition is costly and unsustainable. A customer retention system keeps clients engaged and drives repeat business. Effective strategies include:

    • Regular communication that provides ongoing value beyond the initial sale.
    • Exclusive offers and loyalty programs to keep customers returning.
    • Structured referral programs that turn satisfied customers into marketing partners.

    Learn Proven Customer Acquisition Strategies at the ACBN Legacy Symposium

    At the ACBN Legacy Symposium 2025, Black entrepreneurs will gain access to tested customer acquisition frameworks that have delivered results across multiple industries.

    By moving beyond sporadic marketing and founder-driven sales, business owners can create predictable revenue streams and long-term success in competitive markets.

    🔗 Register now to learn from industry experts: [Event Registration Link]

    ACBN Legacy Symposium

  • How Sheridan EDGE and ACBN Collaboration Creates Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs

    How Sheridan EDGE and ACBN Collaboration Creates Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs

    Innovative Partnerships Supporting Black Entrepreneurs in Canada

    Addressing Gaps Through Strategic Alliances

    Black founders in Canada face persistent gaps in entrepreneurial support. These gaps need more than small fixes—they require innovative institutional partnerships that combine different strengths. The teamwork between Sheridan EDGE and the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) shows how schools and community groups can create new paths for Black entrepreneurs.

    Leveraging Complementary Strengths

    This partnership uses each organization’s unique abilities to tackle specific barriers. Sheridan EDGE contributes:

    • Academic resources
    • Research capacity
    • Physical facilities
    • Connections to innovation networks

    Meanwhile, ACBN brings:

    • Deep community trust
    • Cultural expertise
    • Direct links to over 3,000 Black-owned businesses across Southern Ontario

    The Legacy Symposium Impact

    The annual ACBN Legacy Symposium highlights this partnership’s impact. Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus hosts the event, creating a professional setting that boosts the program’s value. This arrangement makes institutional resources available to community members who might otherwise feel left out.

    Knowledge Transfer That Works

    The venue matters, but the knowledge sharing matters more. This collaboration transforms academic theories into practical, culturally relevant tools. These tools address the specific challenges Black entrepreneurs encounter in their business journeys.

    Creating Valuable Learning Opportunities

    Sheridan students, especially those from Black communities, gain important hands-on learning through this partnership. Students meet successful Black entrepreneurs during symposium activities. These role models show career paths often hidden in traditional education.

    Developing Innovative Programs Together

    This teamwork has created new programs neither organization could build alone. The Black Founders in Clean Technology certificate program stands out as a groundbreaking approach. This program increases Black representation in high-growth sectors that typically show racial gaps.

    Building a Supportive Ecosystem

    Black entrepreneurs face structural barriers in business. This partnership offers something essential: a support system combining academic resources with community understanding. By connecting institutional knowledge with lived experience, Sheridan EDGE and ACBN create opportunities beyond basic networking or education.

    Creating a Model for Others to Follow

    As these organizations deepen their partnership, they create a blueprint for other Canadian schools. This model shows how educational institutions can move beyond diversity statements to build real paths for Black business success. Through strategic partnerships, organizations can systematically remove barriers for Black entrepreneurs. These efforts benefit individual founders and entire communities.

    Register for Symposium here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acbn-legacy-symposium-2025-tickets-1089074062839?aff=acbnblog

  • HR Systems That Scale: Insights from Franchising Expert Maliesa Cadogan for Black Entrepreneurs

    HR Systems That Scale: Insights from Franchising Expert Maliesa Cadogan for Black Entrepreneurs

    Scalable HR Systems: The Key to Growth for Black Entrepreneurs

    Breaking Through Business Plateaus

    What makes some businesses grow while others stay small? Often, it comes down to one key factor: human resources systems. For Black entrepreneurs ready to expand beyond founder-led operations, solid HR frameworks serve as vital infrastructure for growth.

    Meet the Expert: Maliesa Cadogan

    Maliesa Cadogan will speak at the upcoming ACBN Legacy Symposium. As an expert in franchise operations, she highlights that scalable HR systems must focus on three main areas. These include recruitment, training, and performance management. Each area needs systems that work without the founder’s daily involvement while still maintaining quality.

    Building Strong Recruitment Systems

    Recruitment systems form the foundation of scalable businesses. However, most small businesses hire reactively when positions open up. In contrast, Cadogan suggests an “always-on” talent search that finds potential team members before urgent needs arise. This forward-thinking approach includes:

    • Creating specific candidate profiles for each role
    • Using standard evaluation tools to reduce bias
    • Building talent pipelines through community partnerships

    For Black entrepreneurs, systematic recruitment helps overcome limited access to traditional hiring networks. By creating clear processes for finding candidates beyond personal connections, these systems widen the talent pool. Moreover, they reduce dependence on networks that have historically excluded Black professionals.

    Developing Effective Training Systems

    Training systems bridge the gap between hiring and performance. Based on her franchise expertise, Cadogan stresses the importance of modular, repeatable training programs. These programs break complex operations into teachable parts. Additionally, effective training systems feature:

    • Clear learning goals
    • Various teaching methods
    • Built-in skill assessments

    Implementing Performance Management

    Furthermore, performance management systems create accountability without requiring the founder’s constant presence. These frameworks establish:

    • Clear metrics for each position
    • Regular evaluation schedules
    • Consistent feedback methods that work independently

    The Franchise Connection

    For Black entrepreneurs considering franchising their businesses, these HR systems aren’t optional extras. In fact, they form the core of what franchisees actually buy. Therefore, the value of a franchise directly relates to how good and complete these systems are.

    Take Action at the ACBN Legacy Symposium

    At the ACBN Legacy Symposium, Cadogan will share specific frameworks for developing these essential systems. As a result, Black entrepreneurs will receive actionable templates they can implement right away. By addressing these HR components systematically rather than reactively, Black business owners can build organizations that grow far beyond what one person could manage. Consequently, they create businesses with both immediate impact and lasting value.

    Register for the Symposium