Afro Caribbean Business Network

Tag: black empowerment

  • Racialized Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Alfred Bergeson on Tribe, Wealth, and Ecosystem Building

    Racialized Entrepreneurs in Canada: Insights from Alfred Bergeson on Tribe, Wealth, and Ecosystem Building

    At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That philosophy calls us to build together, share knowledge, and create systems where Black and racialized entrepreneurs can thrive.

    We recently connected with Alfred Bergeson, Founder and CEO of Tribe Network, to explore how his organization is disrupting the Canadian innovation landscape and carving out new pathways for racialized entrepreneurs in Canada.

    Based in Halifax but born in Ghana, Alfred founded Tribe Network as a not-for-profit that connects racialized founders with resources, networks, and opportunities that were once out of reach. His vision is bold: build an ecosystem that is self-sustaining, community-centered, and global in scope.

    Why community is the foundation

    Tribe Network was born when Alfred realized how unwelcoming mainstream innovation hubs were for racialized entrepreneurs. Few members, mentors, or leaders reflected the community. Instead of leaving frustrated, Alfred created a space where belonging and representation are central.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs: You cannot build alone. Your success depends on your “tribe”—a network that mentors, invests, and celebrates alongside you.

    From grants to generational wealth

    Tribe started with grant programs like the Black Startup Project, offering $500–$5,000 to help entrepreneurs get started. But Alfred is clear: grants alone won’t close the wealth gap.

    That’s why Tribe is launching Tribe Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund aiming to raise $20 million to invest in racialized entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond. With equity investments of $250,000 or more, Tribe is preparing founders to scale globally while building generational wealth at home.

    Insight for Black entrepreneurs: Prepare now to attract equity capital. Build ventures that investors see as scalable, not just survivable.

    Closing the investment gap

    Currently, Black founders receive less than 1% of venture capital dollars in Canada. This is more than inequity—it’s a missed market opportunity. Diverse teams have been shown to outperform, delivering up to three times higher returns.

    Message for ACBN members: Supporting racialized entrepreneurs is not charity—it’s smart investment.

    Building our own ecosystem

    Tribe isn’t just one organization—it’s building an entire ecosystem that complements and challenges existing structures. By creating culturally relevant pathways into entrepreneurship and innovation, Tribe ensures our community doesn’t just participate in Canada’s economy but leads it.

    The future is Tribe Ventures

    With Tribe Ventures, Alfred is building a global platform that invests in racialized entrepreneurs in Canada while also linking to opportunities across Africa. It’s about ownership, sustainability, and ensuring our community is never left behind in the innovation economy.

    Watch the full interview with Alfred Bergeson here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Social Purpose Real Estate in Canada: Insights from Graham Singh

    Social Purpose Real Estate in Canada: Insights from Graham Singh

    At ACBN, we hold firm to the principle I am because we are. That means looking beyond short-term fixes and investing in solutions that build collective strength for generations.

    This week, we sat down with Graham Singh, CEO of the Trinity Centres Foundation, to explore one of the largest untapped opportunities in Canada: social purpose real estate. With nearly $500 billion worth of faith-based properties across North America in transition, Graham believes we are standing at the edge of a once-in-500-year opportunity to redefine ownership, impact, and equity in our communities.

    For Black entrepreneurs and impact investors, this conversation is more than real estate—it’s about creating sustainable spaces that fuel business, community services, and generational wealth.

    The real estate revolution

    Faith-based properties once bustling with activity are now underused or at risk of being sold off to private developers. The Trinity Centres Foundation is stepping in to ensure these properties are not lost but redeployed for community benefit—through renovations, partnerships, and development projects that include affordable housing.

    Takeaway for entrepreneurs: These properties represent an opportunity to connect impact investing with social good, creating space for non-profits, businesses, and community growth.

    Key lessons for entrepreneurs and investors

    1. Measure impact through reduced rent
      The biggest measurable outcome of social purpose real estate is lowering rent for non-profits and charities. Like affordable housing, this ensures essential community organizations can thrive in costly urban centres.

    2. De-risk to unlock institutional capital
      Large investors, like pension funds, require stable returns. By having foundations accept initial risk, these investments become viable. Montreal’s Initiative Immobile Communauté multiplied its fund fivefold through this model.

    3. Shift from landlord to equity partner
      Instead of just renting space, new models give community groups equity stakes in properties—stabilizing financing and decolonizing old ownership structures.

    4. Invest in human capital
      The Windmill Microfinance example shows that small loans to skilled immigrants unlock massive returns—reducing reliance on social services and filling vital roles in the economy.

    5. Push for policy intervention
      To compete with private developers, social purpose organizations need tools like first rights of refusal, longer timelines to raise capital, and rapid-deployment funds.

    A time for action and healing

    This opportunity is about more than property—it’s about equity, decolonization, and repairing systems that have historically excluded marginalized communities. By engaging in social purpose real estate in Canada, Black entrepreneurs can help secure spaces for charities, non-profits, and businesses that keep our ecosystem thriving.

    To dive deeper into this $500 billion opportunity and hear Graham Singh’s vision for Canada’s future, watch the full interview here: Watch on YouTube

  • Social Innovation in Canada: Insights from Louise Adongo on Building Mutuality and Collective Power

    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

  • Community Land Trusts in Canada: A Pathway to Ownership and Security for Black Entrepreneurs interview with Chiyi Tam

    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/

  • AI for Black Entrepreneurs: Insights from Stephany Sani-Edwards

    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

  • Social Innovation and Decolonization: Insights from Graham Singh on the 500-Year Shift

    Social Innovation and Decolonization: Insights from Graham Singh on the 500-Year Shift

    At ACBN, we live by the principle I am because we are. That philosophy pushes us to mobilize ecosystems, share knowledge, and engage with thought leaders who help us navigate profound changes shaping our world.

    In our recent conversation, Graham Singh, CEO of the Trinity Centres Foundation, explained why we are living through what he calls a “once in 500-year operating system revolution.” His insights highlight the deep link between social innovation and decolonization, and why business owners must adapt if they want to remain relevant and impactful.

    Here are the key takeaways every Black entrepreneur should know.

    1. The once-in-500-year shift

    Singh describes the transformation of Abrahamic faiths as a generational revolution that began around the Second World War and is now accelerating.

    What this means for entrepreneurs:

    • Systemic change is permanent. The “old ways” of controlling institutions are not coming back.

    • Inclusion is the new standard. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are no longer optional—they are core to doing business in this era of decolonization.

    • Innovation follows disruption. When large systems shift, new opportunities emerge. Business owners must position themselves within this new landscape.

    2. Creativity beyond the walls

    Faith communities built schools and hospitals, but Singh notes that much of today’s most innovative work is coming from outside institutional walls—from those who have been “de-churched.”

    Insight for business owners: Innovation thrives where constraints are removed. If you want bold, transformative ideas, look beyond conventional circles. Tap into talent and communities that operate outside of legacy systems—they’re often the ones building tomorrow’s solutions.

    3. Social outcomes and finance go hand in hand

    Singh emphasizes that social innovation and decolonization can’t just be moral goals—they must be tied to financial models. For example, reducing loneliness and isolation through community-building produces measurable health and social outcomes.

    Why it matters for entrepreneurs:

    • These outcomes are investable.

    • Businesses that link social good with measurable financial returns are positioned for long-term sustainability.

    • The future of growth lies in connecting social innovation to social finance.

    Conclusion: Innovation is the path forward

    For Black entrepreneurs, Graham Singh’s message is clear: we are living in an era of systemic change, and those who embrace social innovation and decolonization will lead. The opportunity is not to restore the old—but to build the new.

    Watch the full interview with Graham Singh here: Watch on YouTube

    Learn about our ACBN Membership so we can work with you to build your business: ACBN Membership

  • Black Entrepreneur Financial Freedom: Insights from Harpreet Gill

    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

  • Black Entrepreneur Support in Canada: Insights from former BBPA President Ross Cadastre

    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

  • 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 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

  • 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