Afro Caribbean Business Network

Tag: Networking

  • Customer Acquisition Systems That Work for Black-Owned Businesses

    Customer Acquisition Systems That Work for Black-Owned Businesses

    How Black Entrepreneurs Can Build Stronger Customer Acquisition Systems

    For many Black entrepreneurs, attracting and retaining customers is one of the biggest challenges in building a sustainable business. While product development and operations often get attention, customer acquisition strategies remain underdeveloped. Without a structured approach, even well-managed businesses struggle to grow.

    The Challenge: Higher Customer Acquisition Costs

    Black-owned businesses face 22% higher customer acquisition costs than their non-Black counterparts, according to the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce. Several factors contribute to this:

    • Limited access to established referral networks
    • Higher scrutiny from potential customers
    • Marketing efforts that depend too much on the founder’s direct involvement

    To overcome these barriers, Black entrepreneurs must develop systematic customer acquisition strategies that operate independently of their availability.

    Four Key Components of a Strong Customer Acquisition System

    Successful Black entrepreneurs implement four essential systems to attract, convert, and retain customers.

    1. Lead Generation: Move Beyond Passive Marketing

    Many businesses rely on sporadic social media posts, but this isn’t enough. A strong lead generation system includes:

    • Targeted digital marketing tailored to the ideal customer.
    • Referral programs that reward customers for word-of-mouth marketing.
    • Automated prospecting strategies that continuously attract new leads.

    2. Prospect Nurturing: Build Trust Over Time

    Many Black-owned businesses face a credibility gap that makes potential customers hesitate. A structured prospect nurturing system helps bridge this gap by:

    • Using automated email or text sequences to engage potential customers.
    • Providing valuable content that demonstrates expertise and builds trust.
    • Offering low-risk engagement opportunities like free resources, webinars, or trials.

    3. Conversion: Standardize the Sales Process

    Many founders handle sales informally, leading to inconsistent results. To improve conversion rates, businesses need:

    • A scripted sales framework to ensure clear, persuasive communication.
    • Standardized proposal templates that simplify the decision-making process.
    • Follow-up sequences that keep prospects engaged until they are ready to buy.

    4. Retention: Turn Customers Into Advocates

    Relying solely on new customer acquisition is costly and unsustainable. A customer retention system keeps clients engaged and drives repeat business. Effective strategies include:

    • Regular communication that provides ongoing value beyond the initial sale.
    • Exclusive offers and loyalty programs to keep customers returning.
    • Structured referral programs that turn satisfied customers into marketing partners.

    Learn Proven Customer Acquisition Strategies at the ACBN Legacy Symposium

    At the ACBN Legacy Symposium 2025, Black entrepreneurs will gain access to tested customer acquisition frameworks that have delivered results across multiple industries.

    By moving beyond sporadic marketing and founder-driven sales, business owners can create predictable revenue streams and long-term success in competitive markets.

    🔗 Register now to learn from industry experts: [Event Registration Link]

    ACBN Legacy Symposium

  • How Sheridan EDGE and ACBN Collaboration Creates Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs

    How Sheridan EDGE and ACBN Collaboration Creates Opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs

    Innovative Partnerships Supporting Black Entrepreneurs in Canada

    Addressing Gaps Through Strategic Alliances

    Black founders in Canada face persistent gaps in entrepreneurial support. These gaps need more than small fixes—they require innovative institutional partnerships that combine different strengths. The teamwork between Sheridan EDGE and the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) shows how schools and community groups can create new paths for Black entrepreneurs.

    Leveraging Complementary Strengths

    This partnership uses each organization’s unique abilities to tackle specific barriers. Sheridan EDGE contributes:

    • Academic resources
    • Research capacity
    • Physical facilities
    • Connections to innovation networks

    Meanwhile, ACBN brings:

    • Deep community trust
    • Cultural expertise
    • Direct links to over 3,000 Black-owned businesses across Southern Ontario

    The Legacy Symposium Impact

    The annual ACBN Legacy Symposium highlights this partnership’s impact. Sheridan’s Hazel McCallion Campus hosts the event, creating a professional setting that boosts the program’s value. This arrangement makes institutional resources available to community members who might otherwise feel left out.

    Knowledge Transfer That Works

    The venue matters, but the knowledge sharing matters more. This collaboration transforms academic theories into practical, culturally relevant tools. These tools address the specific challenges Black entrepreneurs encounter in their business journeys.

    Creating Valuable Learning Opportunities

    Sheridan students, especially those from Black communities, gain important hands-on learning through this partnership. Students meet successful Black entrepreneurs during symposium activities. These role models show career paths often hidden in traditional education.

    Developing Innovative Programs Together

    This teamwork has created new programs neither organization could build alone. The Black Founders in Clean Technology certificate program stands out as a groundbreaking approach. This program increases Black representation in high-growth sectors that typically show racial gaps.

    Building a Supportive Ecosystem

    Black entrepreneurs face structural barriers in business. This partnership offers something essential: a support system combining academic resources with community understanding. By connecting institutional knowledge with lived experience, Sheridan EDGE and ACBN create opportunities beyond basic networking or education.

    Creating a Model for Others to Follow

    As these organizations deepen their partnership, they create a blueprint for other Canadian schools. This model shows how educational institutions can move beyond diversity statements to build real paths for Black business success. Through strategic partnerships, organizations can systematically remove barriers for Black entrepreneurs. These efforts benefit individual founders and entire communities.

    Register for Symposium here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/acbn-legacy-symposium-2025-tickets-1089074062839?aff=acbnblog

  • Networking Tips for Business Owners

    Networking Tips for Business Owners

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    Leading up to the ACBN Legacy Symposium I thought it would be good to sharpen our networking skills with 5 key tips on building relationships in person. As you know we have the king of Networking Dr. George Fraser who will be dropping gems but we should be prepared ahead of time. Here are 5 tips to consider:

     

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    Smile and make eye contact. When you meet someone in person, start by smiling and making eye contact. This will help to create a warm and welcoming environment and show that you are approachable and friendly.

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    Be curious and ask questions. Show genuine interest in the person you are speaking with by asking thoughtful questions and actively listening to their responses. This will help to build rapport and establish a connection.

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    Do not only share your business but also your passions. Share your own passions and interests with others, and do so with enthusiasm and joy. This can help to spark conversation and establish common ground.

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    Offer help and value. Look for ways to offer value and help others in your network, whether that’s by connecting them with someone in your network or sharing your expertise. This can help to build trust and establish a positive reputation.

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    Follow up and stay in touch. After you’ve made a new connection, make sure to follow up and stay in touch. Send a personalized message or email, and look for opportunities to continue the conversation or meet up in person.

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    LinkedIn is an underrated tool that can amplify your follow-up. Here are some tips to consider to help you effectively use the social media networking platform.

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    Here are some tips on how to use LinkedIn to increase business

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    Optimize your profile: First impressions are crucial, and your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression people have of you and your business. Make sure your profile is complete, accurate, and professional. Use a high-quality headshot, write a compelling headline, and ensure that your summary and work experience are up to date.

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    Build your network: Send a connection request to people you meet at the event and open the conversation by sending a  note with the request to remind them of how you met.

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    Share valuable content: Share relevant and informative content that showcases your expertise and adds value to your connections. This will help you establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and increase your visibility on the platform.

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    Engage with your network. Like and comment on your connections’ posts and share your own content to encourage engagement. This will help you stay top of mind with your network and build stronger relationships.

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    Publish articles: LinkedIn’s publishing platform is a great way to showcase your expertise and reach a wider audience. Write articles on topics that are relevant to your business and share them with your network.

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    Be consistent: Finally, consistency is key on LinkedIn. Make sure you’re posting regularly, engaging with your network, and updating your profile as needed. This will help you stay top of mind with your connections and position your business for success on the platform.

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    Finally – Export your data from LinkedIn so that you can keep your connections organized. There are interesting tools like LeadDelta that allow you to make notes about your connections and tag them.

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    Looking forward to seeing you at the next event and also connecting on Linkedin!

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