Afro Caribbean Business Network

Tag: Business Tips

  • AI for Small Business Growth: How Dwayne Matthews is Helping Entrepreneurs Secure Economic Power

    AI for Small Business Growth: How Dwayne Matthews is Helping Entrepreneurs Secure Economic Power

    At ACBN, we live by the proverb “I am because we are.” It is through collective knowledge and shared insight that we uncover opportunities to thrive. Recently, we sat down with Dwayne Matthews—global education consultant, UN-recognized leader, and one of the foremost voices on the future of work—to unpack how AI for small business growth can transform our community’s economic future.

    Dwayne’s message is clear: Artificial Intelligence isn’t just about disruption—it’s about empowerment. By shifting from fear to strategy, Black entrepreneurs can harness AI to scale their businesses, create new opportunities, and build generational prosperity.

    Demystifying AI: A Tool, Not a Threat

    Matthews emphasizes that AI is not conscious—it’s a probability engine, predicting strings of words based on vast datasets. The risk is real, but the opportunity is greater.

    Insight for Business Owners: View AI as a practical tool, not an existential threat. Its power lies in automating tasks, amplifying creativity, and opening doors to growth once blocked by gatekeepers.

    The Genie’s Lamp: How AI Unlocks Small Business Potential

    For entrepreneurs, AI is like having a genie’s lamp: it can make things possible that once felt out of reach.

    Practical opportunities include:

    • Affordable Scaling: Access services once limited to corporations—like advanced research, data analysis, or customer service—without hiring full teams.

    • Rapid Web Development: AI can now create professional websites with e-commerce and SEO in hours, not months, and at a fraction of the cost.

    • Training & Documentation: By uploading business processes into AI, you create a virtual trainer, making it easier to scale staff and systems efficiently.

    Key Takeaway: Don’t “boil the ocean.” Use AI to target specific advantages that give you an edge over bigger competitors.

    Securing Economic Power Through AI

    AI is not only changing how we work—it’s changing how we earn and invest.

    • Jobs of the Future: Companies are actively hiring people with AI and ChatGPT expertise. Prompt engineering alone is commanding six-figure salaries.

    • Remote Opportunities: AI-driven roles create pathways for people in emerging economies to earn North American wages.

    • Investment Opportunities: Companies like Nvidia, which power AI’s infrastructure, represent a major part of the “picks and shovels” of this new gold rush.

    Lesson for Entrepreneurs: AI is a pathway to economic power. It creates opportunities for new jobs, new businesses, and smart investments.

    Strategic Thinking Over Panic

    Transformation always brings disruption. Matthews urges entrepreneurs to focus on strategy, not fear:

    • Contextualize Risk: Bias and misinformation aren’t new—they’ve always existed. Develop clear strategies to navigate them.

    • Keep Your North Star: Always ask, “What is the job I’m trying to get done?” Let this guide your AI use.

    • Lead with Ethics: Build human-led, purpose-driven businesses, with AI as a supporting tool, not the driver.

    Final Word: Offense, Not Defense

    Historically, our communities have created billion-dollar cultural movements—Carnival, ride-sharing models, music, and more. AI is the amplifier that allows us to scale these innovations globally.

    Now is the time to play offense, not defense. By embracing AI for small business growth, entrepreneurs in the ACBN network can build prosperity, secure economic independence, and shape the future.

    🎥 Watch the full interview with Dwayne Matthews here: YouTube Interview

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

  • Impact Financing in Canada: How the DUCA Impact Lab is Building Banking That Benefits All with Keith Taylor

    Impact Financing in Canada: How the DUCA Impact Lab is Building Banking That Benefits All with Keith Taylor

    We recently sat down with Keith Taylor, Executive Director of the DUCA Impact Lab, to explore how their innovative approach to impact financing in Canada is transforming access to fair banking and reshaping what financial equity looks like.

    Here are the key takeaways and insights for Black entrepreneurs and business owners in our network who are committed to innovation, sustainability, and community trust.

    1. Turn Community Challenges into Market Differentiation

    The DUCA Impact Lab was born out of addressing exclusion. Decades ago, credit unions emerged because newcomers to Canada were denied access to mainstream banking. Today, the Lab views those same barriers not as setbacks but as opportunities to innovate.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Center your business model around solving systemic access challenges. By creating pathways for underserved markets, you’re not only serving your community—you’re building a competitive edge that sets you apart.

    2. Use Impact Financing to De-Risk Growth

    The Lab specializes in impact financing in Canada, proving that lending to underserved groups can be both viable and profitable. Their focus on gathering data and building a track record is essential to shifting narratives around risk.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: When seeking funding, use data and measurable results to demonstrate your community’s reliability and potential. Success stories create confidence for investors and open doors to larger capital pools.

    3. Measure Value Beyond Dollars

    One of the Lab’s flagship pilots, the Escalator Loan, consolidates predatory high-cost debt into fair, cash flow-based repayment plans. The impact extends far beyond financial metrics. Borrowers reported improvements in:

    • Food and housing security

    • Mental health and family well-being

    • Children’s education and extracurricular access

    • Healthcare access (dentistry, prescriptions)

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Highlight the holistic impact of your product or service. Funders and partners are increasingly looking at non-financial outcomes as part of the business case.

    4. Build with Trust and Transparency

    The Escalator Loan pilot revealed that women of colour disproportionately rely on predatory lending. For these communities, the barrier is not creditworthiness—it’s trust.

    Insight for Entrepreneurs: Design your services with transparency and cultural responsiveness at the core. Building trust with historically excluded communities is not just socially responsible—it’s smart business.

    Collaboration and Scale: The Future of Banking Equity

    The DUCA Impact Lab’s long-term goal is to shift the entire retail credit landscape in Canada, embedding equity into mainstream banking. But to achieve scale, partnerships are critical.

    Call to Action for ACBN Members:
    The Lab is seeking partners to:

    1. Help identify individuals who could benefit from the Escalator Loan model.

    2. Collaborate on scaling this program nationally, ensuring its impact reaches more communities.

    Together, we can ensure that banking, credit, and capital truly serve everyone.

    Watch the Full Interview

    Learn more about how impact financing in Canada can unlock opportunity for your business and community. Watch our full interview with Keith Taylor here: Watch on YouTube

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

  • Fundraising in Canada: Unlocking Capital and Impact for Black Entrepreneurs with Andre Beaudry

    Fundraising in Canada: Unlocking Capital and Impact for Black Entrepreneurs with Andre Beaudry

    At ACBN, our work is rooted in the proverb “I am because we are.” Collaboration, collective power, and community investment are at the heart of building lasting impact.

    We recently sat down with Andre Beaudry, Founder of Velocity Collaboration and a veteran of Canada’s fundraising ecosystem, to uncover essential insights for business owners and organizations navigating philanthropy. His expertise offers practical strategies on fundraising in Canada—from securing corporate partnerships to tapping into generational wealth—and shows how Black entrepreneurs can mobilize resources to create transformational change.

    The Secret to Securing Funds: Alignment and Accountability

    At its core, fundraising is about aligning values. Success comes when your vision connects directly with a donor’s priorities.

    Fundraisers act as the bridge between philanthropists—who want to create impact—and entrepreneurs, who know how to make it happen. For business owners, demonstrating accountability and keeping donors informed is crucial for building trust and long-term relationships.

    Philanthropy is especially vital in Canada. Government funding leaves gaps in healthcare, education, childcare, and community services—and your business or organization may be the solution donors are seeking.

    Where the Capital Is: Canada’s Largest Asset Pools

    To elevate your fundraising in Canada, you must know where the biggest opportunities lie:

    1. Corporate Canada (ESG focus): Companies are increasingly investing in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Align your mission with their goals to unlock powerful partnerships.

    2. The Aging Population: One of the wealthiest cohorts in Canadian history is ready to give. Their focus is legacy and measurable impact. Craft your message around long-term change.

    3. Creative Assets: Beyond cash, donors can gift real estate or other assets. Through tools like charitable remainder trusts, they receive immediate tax benefits while your organization gains long-term stability.

    Scaling Up: Lessons from Capital Campaigns

    If you’re planning a major project, understanding capital campaign strategy is essential:

    • Do your research: Be clear about your priorities before asking for money.

    • Run a feasibility study: Interview current and potential donors to determine what resonates and how much you can realistically raise.

    • Use a Quiet Phase: Raise 70–75% of your goal privately before launching publicly to protect your brand.

    • Empower volunteers: Campaign success often comes from well-connected volunteers making direct asks.

    Collaboration Is the Key to Lasting Impact

    For small organizations and entrepreneurs, collaboration is not optional—it’s a necessity. Partnering with others allows you to share costs, strengthen influence, and achieve far greater results together.

    Final Insight: Fundraising in Canada is not just about money. It’s about building relationships, pooling community power, and creating opportunities for collective liberation.

    Watch the Full Interview

    For more on fundraising strategies, asset pools, and collaborative approaches, watch our full conversation with Andre Beaudry here: Watch on YouTube

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

  • AI for Black Entrepreneurs: How Innovation Can Drive Sustainable Growth with Foster Akugri

    AI for Black Entrepreneurs: How Innovation Can Drive Sustainable Growth with Foster Akugri

    At ACBN, we stand on the African principle Ubuntu “I am because we are.” Our mission is to mobilize ecosystems through authentic conversations with thought leaders shaping the future of business.

    We recently sat down with Foster Akugri—Head of Innovation at Old Mutual Limited in Ghana and Founder of the Hack Lab Foundation—to explore how AI for Black entrepreneurs can work together to unlock productivity, scale businesses, and build sustainable impact. His insights offer a roadmap for every business owner ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

    1. Harnessing AI to Multiply Productivity

    AI has shifted from theory to reality. From tools like ChatGPT to design platforms and automation systems, AI is redefining what’s possible.

    What business owners can take away:

    • Cut turnaround time: AI streamlines research, drafting, and analysis, letting you deliver results in hours instead of days.

    • Expand your capacity: Free up time from repetitive tasks and focus on people, strategy, and relationships.

    • Leverage creative tools: Tap into generative AI for posters, flyers, animations, and website design without needing large budgets.

    Key Insight: AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about giving entrepreneurs the breathing room to innovate and lead.

    2. AI and the Future of Work

    AI is flattening barriers to entry, making space for non-technical founders to launch tech-enabled ventures.

    • Reduced barriers: Anyone with vision can now use AI platforms to build prototypes or execute technical tasks.

    • Rise of the generalist: Tomorrow’s professionals will be able to wear many hats, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

    • The caveat: AI provides knowledge, but not wisdom. Human experience and judgment remain irreplaceable.

    3. Building Businesses That Last

    Foster’s experience supporting SMEs highlights one recurring issue: too many businesses lack proper systems and governance.

    Lessons for entrepreneurs:

    • Great ideas need structure—set up systems that can run without you.

    • Adopt institutional discipline—borrow lessons from banks and large firms to build processes that ensure sustainability.

    4. Innovation Through Anticipation and Community

    The Hack Lab Foundation is a model for forward-thinking entrepreneurship. By training communities on emerging skills years before they’re needed, they help talent leapfrog industries.

    For ACBN business owners, this means:

    • Stay ahead of global trends like blockchain or AI.

    • Use competitions and collaborative challenges to inspire innovation within your teams.

    5. Lead with Purpose, Become a Change Agent

    Foster’s closing message is clear: entrepreneurs must prioritize purpose and community impact.

    • Put stakeholders first: Impact investors seek businesses driven by mission, not just profit.

    • Shift perspective: Where others see problems, train yourself to see opportunities.

    • Be the change agent: Leadership starts with self-discipline—your mindset sets the tone for your family, community, and business.

    Closing Call

    AI is one of the greatest tools of our generation, and for Black entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to level the playing field. The key is to embrace it, prepare your business with strong systems, and lead with purpose.

    Watch the full interview with Foster Akugri here: Watch on YouTube

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

  • Day 1 – Small Business Month Series: Core Values for Small Business

    Day 1 – Small Business Month Series: Core Values for Small Business

    Small Business Month Series: Day 1 — Core Values for Small Business

    Welcome to the series

    ACBN Canada and Empowered 4x have teamed up for a 24-day sprint to help you start strong or tune up what you’ve already built. Day 1 set the foundation with facilitator Chris-Beth Cowie and ACBN co-founder Ryan Knight. Every session will be compiled into an Empowered 4x learning vault so you can revisit the material later.

    What are core values for small business?

    Core values for small business are the non-negotiable principles that guide how you operate—especially under pressure. They shape your brand, your team culture, and the customer experience. More importantly, they turn tough choices into consistent actions.

    Why this matters for Black entrepreneurs

    Because access to networks and capital can take longer, clarity saves time and protects energy. Clear values help you choose aligned partners, set fair policies, and build trust in rooms that weren’t designed with you in mind. As a result, your business moves with confidence instead of reacting to the loudest voice or the fastest dollar.

    Values beat vibes

    “Vibes” fade when stakes are high. Written values act like fences: you can’t write rules for every scenario, but values keep decisions inside healthy boundaries. Without them, small compromises can snowball into costly issues.

    Core values in real life

    • Partnership fit: A founder ended a restaurant partnership after a co-owner ignored allergen-safety protocols—integrity and safety weren’t shared values.
    • Customer care: Empowered 4x pairs a strict no-refund policy with grace. Even when a deadline is missed, the team explains policies, explores options, and aims for a better outcome. In practice, compassion and excellence sit beside accountability.

    Where core values show up daily

    • Hiring and leadership: Who you bring in and how you coach.
    • Pricing and policies: Payment plans, guarantees, refunds.
    • Partnerships: Which sponsors or collaborators you accept.
    • Operations: From safety checklists to how you handle mistakes.
    • Marketing: The promises you make—and keep.

    A 15-minute exercise to define your top 3–5

    1. Reflection moments
      When were you most proud at work? Which value was present? Conversely, when were you most frustrated? Which value was violated?

    2. Role models
      Who do you admire and why? What do you refuse to emulate?

    3. Hard lines
      Under financial pressure, what line would you never cross?

    4. Future story
      How do you want people to describe your business in 10 years?

    5. Daily behaviours
      What actions should happen even when no one is watching?

    Write down themes you repeat. Then cluster them into 3–5 clear words (for example: Integrity, Safety, Service, Equity, Excellence).

    Make values operational (not ornamental)

    • Translate each value into 2–3 behaviours
    “Safety” → “We label allergens and confirm orders twice.”
    “Equity” → “We publish payment-plan options on every offer.”

    • Add a decision rule
    “If a decision conflicts with any value, we pause and escalate.”

    • Publish and teach
    Include values in proposals, onboarding, and team meetings.

    • Review weekly
    Ask, “Where did we live our values? Where did we drift, and why?”

    Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

    • Too many values
    Fix: Cap it at five. If everything is a priority, nothing is.

    • Vague words
    Fix: Pair each value with behaviours a stranger could observe.

    • Values vs. incentives mismatch
    Fix: Align bonuses, promotions, and vendor choices to the values.

    ACBN x Empowered 4x: how we support you

    Empowered 4x is values-driven (community first, equity, excellence) and offers professional virtual office services, training, and coaching to help you build structure. ACBN focuses on breaking barriers—especially access to capital—through microlending, loan readiness, and ecosystem connections. Together, we help you turn values into momentum.

    Homework

    Identify your 3–5 core values and write behaviours under each. Then ask: do I live these values daily? If not, what will change this week?

    Next up: Day 2 — Mission

    Tomorrow we’ll craft a one-sentence mission that turns values into direction—and into decisions you can act on immediately.

    Be sure to join us for our next session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/empowered-4x-8081928236

    Dont forget to become an ACBN Member by visiting: https://acbncanada.com/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

  • 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

  • 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