Democratizing Funding: How Happly AI is Transforming Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs
Watch full interview here: https://youtu.be/cqGBNcGBA3I
As Black entrepreneurs, we know the struggle of starting and scaling a business often comes with limited access to capital. While others secure government grants and funding opportunities, many of us are left draining personal savings and maxing out credit cards.
That’s why Thierry Lindor’s story matters. Lindor is the co-founder of the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) and founder of Happly AI—a platform built to change the game for Black entrepreneurs. His mission is simple: democratize access to funding and make innovation and self-care non-negotiable in our entrepreneurial journey.
Demand your fair share
The creation of FACE was born out of mobilization. Rather than asking politely for inclusion, Lindor and his team demanded a seat at the table. That boldness resulted in the Black Entrepreneurship Program and a $330 million funding envelope. Today, FACE provides loans ranging from $10,000 to $250,000, helping Black entrepreneurs move from startup to scale-up.
Happly AI: Matching you with dollars, not dead ends
Happly AI was born out of Lindor’s lived experience of struggling to fund his ventures while watching others easily tap into grants. His solution? An AI-powered platform that connects entrepreneurs to grants, loans, pitch competitions, incubators, and soon, government procurement opportunities.
The process is simple: Find. Apply. Qualify.
Find: Discover available funding that matches your profile.
Apply: Save hours with auto-filled forms powered by Natural Language Processing.
Qualify: Get smart corrections on applications to increase your chances of success.
Early users—including Lindor himself—secured over $250,000 in grants. For some, Happly AI was the difference between staying stuck in a side hustle and moving full-time into entrepreneurship.
Innovation is in our DNA
Lindor argues that innovation is intrinsic to our survival. As a community that has historically faced more barriers, we’ve also become stronger problem-solvers. True innovation is not about flashy tech—it’s about turning challenges into solutions.
Scaling changes the economy for everyone
Imagine if every Black-owned microbusiness grew by just a few employees. Research shows this could create 600,000 jobs, reduce Black unemployment by 40%, and add $55 billion to the economy. Scaling isn’t just personal—it’s community transformation.
Mental health is non-negotiable
Lindor is candid about his own struggles with depression and burnout. His message is clear: self-care is peak performance. Just as athletes rely on therapists to stay in top form, entrepreneurs must see therapy and mental health support as essential tools for resiliency.
Closing reminder: Stay in your lane and keep thriving
On curated platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, comparison is inevitable. Lindor reminds us: “Somebody else’s accomplishment is not an attack on your performance.” Focus on your path, your community, and your growth.
To hear the full conversation and see how Happly AI is democratizing funding for Black entrepreneurs, watch the full interview here: Watch the full interview on YouTube
