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
