Afro Caribbean Business Network

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Social Innovation in Canada: Insights from Louise Adongo on Building Mutuality and Collective Power
At ACBN, we believe in the proverb I am because we are. That philosophy drives our commitment to mobilizing ecosystems through shared knowledge and collaboration.
We recently sat down with Louise Adongo, Executive Director of Inspire Communities in Nova Scotia, to discuss the future of social innovation in Canada and what it means for entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders. Louise brings a rare combination of science, bureaucracy, and grassroots experience, grounded in a lifelong commitment to social justice.
Her insights remind us that if we want to change systems, we must cut through jargon, embrace mutuality, and design funding models that truly serve communities.
1. Demystify the jargon, embrace mutuality
The world of social finance and social innovation often hides behind complicated terms. Louise stresses that at its core, these concepts are simple—and rooted in practices we already know.
Think of susu’s or roscas—community members pooling money, holding each other accountable, and circulating funds for mutual benefit. That is the essence of social finance.
Key takeaway for entrepreneurs: Don’t let jargon exclude you. Break it down, simplify your own language, and design programs that feel accessible to the people they’re meant to serve.
2. Resourcing for transformational change
Louise points out that traditional funding models often prioritize speed and numbers over depth and equity. True systemic change requires multi-year, flexible resources that measure success differently.
- Advocate for upfront capital instead of reimbursement-based funding.
- Push for metrics that value quality of participation, not just outputs.
- Treat social purpose work with the same respect and financing as private-sector work.
Lesson for business owners: Secure funding that gives you room to create lasting impact, not just short-term activity.
3. The challenge of leadership for Black executives
As a Black executive director in a non-B3 organization, Louise highlights the barriers Black leaders face. Often, they are placed on “glass cliffs”—expected to succeed in difficult roles while funding support is pulled back.
Takeaway for entrepreneurs and boards: Support BIPOC leaders beyond optics. Leadership transitions require resourcing, mentoring, and board-level commitment to ensure leaders are set up for success.
4. Multi-solving for community needs
Equity and climate justice are deeply interconnected. Louise calls on us to stop fragmenting issues and instead adopt multi-solving approaches that address immediate needs like food, housing, and mental health while advancing larger goals like climate resilience.
Tip for innovators: Bring experts into community conversations, not the other way around. Real change happens when solutions meet people where they are.
5. A call to action: revive cooperatives and mutuals
Louise’s final message is clear: cooperatives and mutuals are powerful vehicles we’ve allowed to fade from the narrative. They are proven tools for survival, ownership, and collective wealth.
Her advice: Don’t wait until the crisis hits. Learn these models now and bring them back into your networks, businesses, and families as strategies for long-term prosperity.
Conclusion: Building the future of social innovation in Canada
Louise Adongo’s wisdom reminds us that social innovation in Canada doesn’t need more jargon—it needs clarity, mutuality, and courage. For Black entrepreneurs, embracing these principles means building stronger businesses while also shaping systems that work for us all.
Watch the full interview with Louise Adongo here: Watch on YouTube
Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership
October 2, 2025
Community Land Trusts in Canada: A Pathway to Ownership and Security for Black Entrepreneurs interview with Chiyi Tam
At ACBN, we believe in I am because we are—a principle that calls us to build together, share resources, and create sustainable futures.
We recently sat down with Chiyi Tam, Director of the Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT), to explore how community land trusts in Canada are reshaping ownership and offering stability to businesses, especially those owned by minorities and new immigrants.
With real estate speculation driving up costs and displacing small businesses, CLTs present a powerful alternative: collective ownership that keeps land in community hands forever.
1. Ownership through collective power
Individual entrepreneurs often can’t compete with large real estate investors. CLTs change the dynamic. By pooling resources, businesses and community members can purchase and secure properties that would otherwise be lost to speculation.
- Pooled strategy: Shared mortgages, revenue, and grant applications make ownership possible.
- Protecting small businesses: KMCLT has helped secure long-term leases for immigrant-owned food vendors and other minority-owned shops.
- Collective survival: CLTs shift power from dependency on wealthy benefactors to community-led ownership.
Key insight: Ownership through a CLT means moving from survival to security, ensuring businesses stay rooted in their neighborhoods.
2. Hybrid financial innovation
CLTs thrive by blending business strategies with social innovation. By acquiring commercial and residential properties, they prevent evictions, stabilize rents, and build long-term affordability for entrepreneurs.
3. Learning from history
Chiyi points to examples like the Chinese diaspora’s family associations, which pooled money a century ago to purchase housing. Those investments still provide affordability today.
Lesson for Black entrepreneurs: Our history is full of mutual aid and cooperative strategies. CLTs are a modern continuation of that legacy.
4. Economic democracy in action
CLTs are more than a housing solution—they’re a form of economic democracy. Members don’t just advocate for change; they help decide how land is used.
The next wave of CLTs is moving from preservation to development—constructing new buildings and keeping the revenue local instead of losing it to global developers.
Why this matters for Black entrepreneurs
The CLT model has deep roots in Black civil rights organizing in the American South, where it was created to protect Black farmers from losing land. Today in Canada, CLTs are connected to anti-racist work, Indigenous land back movements, and cultural reclamation projects in places like Nova Scotia.
For Black business owners, CLTs are not just about property—they are about justice, sovereignty, and building the foundation for generational wealth.
Call to Action
If a CLT doesn’t exist in your area—start one. If it does, get involved, become a member, and help raise funds. Every building saved is a step toward reclaiming control of our neighborhoods and securing a future where small businesses thrive.
To learn more about how CLTs can reshape ownership for entrepreneurs, watch our full ACBN interview with Chiyi Tam: Watch on YouTube
Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: https://acbncanada.com/membership/
October 1, 2025
AI for Black Entrepreneurs: Insights from Stephany Sani-Edwards
At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That means embracing tools and knowledge that strengthen our community. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of those tools—and according to Stephany Sani-Edwards, Strategic Program Design Consultant and servant leader, it may be the most important resource for Black entrepreneurs right now.
Stephany is clear: AI for Black entrepreneurs is about empowerment, not fear. Used wisely, it can free up our time, lower barriers to resources, and help us build systems that position our businesses for long-term growth.
The mindset shift: AI gives back your time
Like the internet decades ago, AI is just a tool. Its impact depends on how we use it. Stephany highlights that AI can take over repetitive tasks, freeing us to focus on strategy, creativity, and collaboration—the work that truly drives growth.
Key takeaway: See AI not as a threat, but as a partner that expands your capacity to lead.
Mastering prompt engineering: Garbage in, garbage out
The power of AI depends on the quality of your input. To get great results, you need to master prompt engineering—learning how to ask the right questions and give clear instructions.
Practical tips:
- Be explicit and step-by-step.
- Ask the AI to confirm your instructions back to you.
- Let the AI ask clarifying questions before giving final outputs.
- Use AI to improve your prompts so your results keep getting better.
Lesson for entrepreneurs: Invest time upfront in your prompts, and you’ll save hours later in execution.
AI as a resource builder for small businesses
For Black entrepreneurs, especially those just starting, financial barriers can be steep. AI levels the playing field by making once-costly services accessible.
Examples Stephany shared:
- Content creation without hiring a writer.
- Drafting business models and plans at no cost.
- Instantly generating professional presentations.
- Building websites without coding knowledge.
- Automating tasks to reduce errors and save time.
Key takeaway: AI fills essential business roles when you don’t yet have the resources to hire.
Don’t let fear hold you back
Stephany warns that fear of AI is really fear of the unknown. Education is the cure. By experimenting with tools, joining study groups, and embracing training, Black entrepreneurs can move from consumers to leaders in the AI space.
Her message: “Don’t let fear stop you. AI is a tool—one that can prepare us to thrive in the future economy.”
To hear Stephany Sani-Edwards break down practical strategies for using AI in your business, watch the full interview here: Watch on YouTube
September 30, 2025
Black Entrepreneur Financial Freedom: Insights from Harpreet Gill
Watch full video interview here: https://youtu.be/Hytub8liU_c
At ACBN, we believe in the power of I am because we are. Our collective strength lies in sharing the knowledge and tools that help our community thrive.
In this spirit, we sat down with Harpreet Gill, a certified financial advisor and educator, to unpack how entrepreneurs—especially Black business owners—can achieve financial freedom. Harpreet’s journey began when a bank refused her access to her own financial information. That moment of systemic denial fueled her transition from 17 years in social work to finance, with a mission to bring ownership and wealth strategies directly to our community.
Her message is clear: financial freedom for Black entrepreneurs is possible when we understand the rules, apply the knowledge, and build systems for generational wealth.
From self-employed to business owner
Harpreet introduces the Cash Flow Quadrant, popularized by Robert Kiyosaki, to highlight the difference between trading time for money and building systems that generate wealth.
- Left side (Employee & Self-Employed): You stop working, you stop earning. No real financial freedom.
- Right side (Business Owner & Investor): You own systems and make money work for you. This is where wealth grows and taxes shrink.
Key takeaway: If you are self-employed, your next step is building systems so your business can thrive without you. That’s how financial freedom begins.
Leveraging debt the right way
In Canada, wealth isn’t built just by saving—it’s built by understanding credit. With a strong credit score, you can leverage other people’s money to invest, scale, and build. Financial literacy, Harpreet reminds us, isn’t about math—it’s about knowing the rules of the game and using them to your advantage.
Habits that build wealth
Knowledge only matters when applied. Harpreet advises entrepreneurs to start with their personal finances before scaling their businesses:
- Review your last 2–3 months of bank statements. Label every purchase as a need or want.
- Recognize that many people overspend $600–$700 a month on convenience items without realizing it.
- Start small and start now—time is the most valuable asset in investing.
Protecting your legacy with generational wealth
Generational wealth is more than a buzzword—it’s strategy and preparation. Harpreet breaks down the hidden costs many families overlook:
- Debt transfers to next of kin.
- Estate freezes with capital gains, probate, and final taxes.
- The solution: Life insurance. It covers tax liabilities and transfers wealth tax-free. Without it, families may lose 50% of their assets just to cover taxes.
Ready to take action?
Harpreet’s advice is simple: don’t wait. In just 3.5 years, she paid off $33,000 in debt, saved $93,000 for her first property, built a $30,000 emergency fund, and transitioned into full-time entrepreneurship.
Her mission now includes building financial literacy curricula, children’s resources, and hosting major events like the Branding and Business Scaling Conference (September) and the Wealth Building Gala (November).
Watch the full ACBN interview with Harpreet Gill to learn how to build systems, leverage the rules of money, and protect your legacy: Watch on YouTube
September 28, 2025
Black Entrepreneur Support in Canada: Insights from former BBPA President Ross Cadastre
Black Entrepreneur Resilience: Lessons from Former BBPA President Ross Cadastre
At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. It reminds us that as we uncover systemic challenges, we also uncover new opportunities.
In our recent conversation with Ross Cadastre, former President of the Black Business Professionals Association (BBPA), we explored what it truly means to build equity, resilience, and generational wealth as Black entrepreneurs in Canada. With over 40 years of history, the BBPA is one of the country’s longest-serving organizations dedicated to supporting Black businesses. Ross’s insights provide not just reflection, but a roadmap for business owners navigating today’s shifting economic landscape.
Equity and growth through the BBPA
The BBPA’s mandate is clear: no Black-owned business left behind. Through over 20 programs—including scholarships, the Harry Jerome Awards, and the Bates program—BBPA equips entrepreneurs with resources, visibility, and training to accelerate growth.
Takeaway for entrepreneurs: Access to capital matters, but so does access to training and resources. Building your foundation with the right support systems is just as important as raising money.
The rise of Black entrepreneurship
Ross highlighted a paradox: while systemic issues continue to push Black professionals out of corporate roles, this is fueling a boom in entrepreneurship. Today, fewer than 5% of Canadian entrepreneurs are Black, but that number is expected to rise significantly in the next five years.
For Ross, who left corporate Canada after experiencing anti-Black racism, entrepreneurship wasn’t just an option—it was the path to freedom and wealth creation. His story proves what many of us know in our bones: resilience is inherited.
Overcoming barriers and building for the future
Even in his own business, Ross notes that finding good talent is always a challenge, regardless of economic conditions. His message is that excellence never goes out of demand—and Black entrepreneurs must prepare themselves to meet that demand.
Looking ahead, BBPA’s goal is to expand nationally, ensuring programs and partnerships are available in every province across Canada. While he acknowledges recent funding injections, Ross is clear: “It’s great, it’s not enough, but it’s a start.”
A war, not a battle
Ross leaves us with a lesson every entrepreneur should remember: this journey is long. It’s not about winning one battle—it’s about persevering through the war.
Key reminders for entrepreneurs:
- Show up consistently, even when it’s hard.
- Stay focused on your long-term vision.
- Take it one day at a time.
We are a resilient people. If we persevere, we will build lasting generational wealth and create the future our community deserves.
Watch the full interview with Ross Cadastre here: Watch on YouTube
September 26, 2025
Democratizing Funding: How Happly AI is Transforming Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs interview with Thierry Lindor
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
September 25, 2025
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
September 24, 2025
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
September 23, 2025
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
September 22, 2025
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
September 21, 2025