Federal BlackEntrepreneurshipEcosystem Conference
About the Ecosystem Fund
The Ecosystem Fund is a $100 million investment from the Government of Canada aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners nationwide. Administered by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), the fund supports 44 Black-led, not-for-profit organizations to develop or expand essential services such as mentorship, networking, financial planning, and business training for Black entrepreneurs. This initiative strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promotes economic opportunities for Black entrepreneurs
Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
- Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
- Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor)
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
About the Annual Federal Black Entrepreneurship Conference
Since 2022, the Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) has worked to unify 44 funded organizations and Black entrepreneurs across Canada. ACBN hosts an annual conference to foster collaboration, innovation, and networking while addressing ecosystem challenges and successes.
2022 CONFERENCE
Held at Sheridan College Pilon School of Business in Mississauga, Ontario, the event brought together 310 attendees to explore the theme “Solving Complexity Through Collaboration.” Over three days, participants examined the progress of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, with the event reaching 200,000+ people via social media.
2023 CONFERENCE
Taking place in Windsor, Ontario, this conference focused on overcoming organizational barriers and enhancing networking strategies. Black-led organizations, funded groups, and entrepreneurs came together to discuss effective marketing and communication tools. The event saw 350 attendees and a social media reach of 310,000+.
2024 CONFERENCE
The upcoming conference will take place in Ottawa, ON, at Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business, this conference will mark three years of ACBN’s efforts to drive innovation, leadership, and community growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs, share success stories, and explore new funding opportunities.
2024 CONFERENCE DAYSMonday, Oct 28 | Tuesday, Oct 29 | Wednesday, Oct 30
Explore Ecosystem Funded Organizations
Africa Development Network Foundation
African Canadian Civic Engagement Council
Afro Caribbean Business Network Foundation
Aspire for Higher Elite Basketball
Audace au Féminin
BIPOC Foundation
Black Business and Professional Association
Black Business Association of BC
Black Business Initiative
Black Business Ventures Association
Black Canadian Women in Action Society
Black Creek Community Health Centre
Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Black Healthcare Professionals Network
Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce
Canadian Imperial Advantage
Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region
CaribbeanTales
Casa Foundation for International Development
Centre d’Encadrement Pour Jeunes
Centre d’encadrement pour jeunes femmes immigrantes
CONNECTURE CANADA
Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa Carleton (CÉSOC)
Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association
Council for Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta
DESTA Black Youth Network
Dream Legacy Foundation
Empowerment Squared
Federation of Black Canadians
Festival Management Committee
Fondation Fabienne Colas
Fonds Afro-entrepreneurs
Foodpreneur Lab
Groupe 3737
La Solidarité des femmes et familles interconnectées francophones du Niagara (SOFIFRAN)
Mouvement Ontarien des Femmes Immigrantes Francophones
Nigerian Canadians for Cultural, Educational and Economic Progress
Open HXOUSE Inc
OYA Black Arts Coalition
Orijin village
Ògo Tàwa
Reelworld Screen Institute
REPAF-Réseau des Entrepreneurs et Professionnels Africains
Sommet socioéconomique des jeunes des communautés noires
The Tribe Network
The Fabienne Colas Foundation
The Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury
Assessing Progress: Key Insights into Black Entrepreneurship Initiatives in Canada
Progress and Challenges for Black Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Stakeholder Interviews Between July and December 2023, Senators Amina Gerba and Colin Deacon conducted extensive interviews with key stakeholders to assess the progress and remaining obstacles in...