For updates on how the U.S tariffs impact the Vaughan business community, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/tariffs.
Black Entrepreneurs Network: Resources and Support
At the City of Vaughan, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and thriving business environment. This page is dedicated to identifying and connecting Black entrepreneurs and businesses with vital support organizations across Canada and within the province of Ontario. Our goal is to empower Black business owners with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed and flourish in today’s competitive market.
Explore the comprehensive list of organizations that offer specialized programs, funding, and advisory services tailored to Black entrepreneurs’ unique challenges and opportunities. Together, we can build a stronger, more diverse economic landscape that benefits everyone in our community.
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The Investment Bootcamp is a 4-month program designed for early-stage and capital ready, Black-led startups ready to secure funding.
For more information, please visit YSpace (BEA).
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The Product Feasibility Bootcamp is a FREE 8-week virtual program designed to support Black entrepreneurs with a food or beverage product to gain validation and overall industry knowledge. Program participants gain free-of-charge access to workshops, mentors, start-up perks, a network of peers & more.
For more information, please visit YSpace (BEA).
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For founders who want to learn the basics of running a business and its various parts. This program is best suited for firms at the ideation stage or early startups at the pre-revenue stage. Firms with less than $10,000 in annual revenues and less than 3 years of business experience.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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The Black Food Energy Entrepreneurship Accelerator powered by DoorDash and Spring Activator is designed to help ensure that Black food entrepreneurs are equipped with the industry knowledge needed to operate a successful food business in Canada, while exploring the opportunities available for growth through food delivery, funding, community building and retailing.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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This program is for pre-revenue entrepreneurs needing fundamentals to turn their ideas into prototypes. Support with business strategies, recipe development, product packaging, and more.
For more information, please visit Foodpreneur.
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For entrepreneurs ready for commercialization or product diversification, this program offers comprehensive support in production and manufacturing, sales channel analysis, business development and pricing, recipe development, product science, and product design.
For more information, please visit Foodpreneur.
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The DMZ’s incubator program provides early-stage startups with comprehensive support, including one-on-one guidance from industry experts, hiring and legal assistance, fundraising strategies, and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Participants also benefit from 24/7 office space in downtown Toronto and resources for international expansion. Notably, startups with a Black founder receive an additional $10,000 CAD entry grant.
For more information, please visit DMZ.
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Inclusive Entrepreneurship Loan offers up to $350,000 in financing to businesses that are at least 51% owned and led by women, Indigenous, or Black entrepreneurs. This loan features affordable financing with no application or annual fees, and the option to postpone principal payments for up to 24 months.
For more information, please visit Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
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This fund provides loans of up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada.
For more information, please visit FACE.
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The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program offers up to $60,000 in financing, along with mentorship, to Black entrepreneurs aged 18-39 who are starting or have recently started their businesses.
For more information, please visit Futurpreneur.
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This grant provides low-interest loans to African and Caribbean entrepreneurs who face challenges securing funding from traditional banks. The fund offers loans ranging from $500 to $25,000, designed to support small business growth and development.
For more information, please visit ACBN.
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This program supports entrepreneurs aged 18-39 who want to start or grow a side business while keeping their full-time job. It offers up to $25,000 in financing, along with up to two years of free mentorship. The program also provides business planning tools, resources, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs succeed.
For more information, please visit Futurpreneur.
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Is a network for Black-owned businesses. By joining, you’ll get visibility, access to a community, and tech solutions like AI chatbots and digital marketing advice. Businesses have access to resources, workshops, and other entrepreneurs. The goal is to support Black businesses and work with organizations and the government to address disparities in Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
For more information, please visit BBC.
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This resource helps businesses gain exposure by showcasing it at ACBN Canada Events and getting listed on the organization’s official website. Reach a wider audience and increase your online presence.
For more information, please visit ACBN.
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A nationwide online business directory (Presented by Uber), where visitors can search for the businesses near them and write reviews.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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Black Men in Business is an initiative aimed at supporting Black male entrepreneurs and professionals. This program offers a range of resources, including mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to their unique challenges and needs.
For more information, please visit BBPA.
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BACEL is a nationwide initiative designed for Black entrepreneurs seeking additional business and life skills training. This non-traditional entrepreneurship program adopts an intersectional approach to address the unique needs of various marginalized groups, including women and gender-diverse individuals, low-income Canadians, Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and other marginalized communities.
For more information, please visit BBPA.
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This resource provides African and Caribbean entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, personalized coaching, funding support, and exclusive resources. Members benefit from one-on-one coaching.
For more information, please visit ACBN.
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This service provides African and Caribbean business owners with a space to connect, share ideas, and receive support every Thursday from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM EST. These sessions offer opportunities for networking, mentorship, and access to resources to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and grow their businesses.
For more information, please visit ACBN.
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A career training and development initiative. It supports youth facing employment barriers. The program is 10 weeks and has a 12-week paid internship opportunity.
For more information, please visit CEE.
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The Mastermind Program at the CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals is a 12-month initiative for alumni aged 18 to 30. Participants receive a microgrant to develop Community Impact projects. The program includes workshops, seminars, coaching, and hands-on activities focused on community service, business planning, financial management, marketing, leadership, and networking. It aims to help participants grow personally and professionally while contributing to their communities.
For more information, please visit CEE.
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The mentorship program is for business owners with a minimum of $100K or higher in revenues. The program’s goal is to get firms to their first $1 million and beyond. The focus is on firms in cleantech, STEM, or high growth potential industries. Firms must have 5+ years of business experience and have completed the Propel Mastermind program. Participants will learn how banks, lending institutions, and investors look at business plans and how to pitch your story to them correctly. Also, they will acquire an understanding of how to construct a strategic plan, advanced marketing plans, brand platforms, business development strategies.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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A 3 month program designed to uplift Black Newcomers and NEET (Not in Education) youth aged 15-30 by offering mentorship and workshops aimed at community and career building.
For more information, please visit FBC.
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A 13- week learning and development entrepreneurship program for Black artist entrepreneurs of diverse creative disciplines. The program is designed to support business skill development for Black Canadian artist entrepreneurs, ages 18+, interested in strengthening the business side of their art practice. The program consists of business training sessions, networking opportunities, and guidance on developing personal and business branding.
For more information, please visit Ògo Tàwa Inc.
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The Black Entrepreneurship Program equips black youth and young adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful entrepreneurs.
For more information, please visit FBC.
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In partnership with York University’s SchulichExecEd, the Certificate in Business and Leadership Essentials is a two-month FREE virtual program designed to help both Black entrepreneurs and early-in-career professionals gain the base business knowledge and leadership skills to become effective business and community leaders.
All participants who complete the program requirements will receive a physical certificate and digital badge from the prestigious Schulich Executive Education Centre.
For more information, please visit YSpace (BEA).
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This program helps entrepreneurs learn how to construct a business plan’s narrative and financial section.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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A career training and development initiative. It supports youth facing employment barriers. The program is 10 weeks and has a 12-week paid internship opportunity.
For more information, please visit CEE.
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This program aims to educate entrepreneurs on key components of personal credit and how to keep their credit scores in good standing. Business owners will acquire knowledge of personal budgeting, Retirement planning, and insurance to protect their personal lives. They will use tools and resources to manage debt payments, and information and resources in personal investing.
For more information, please visit CBCC.
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Product Feasibility Bootcamp is a FREE 8-week virtual program designed to support Black entrepreneurs entering the food industry with product development, validation, and industry knowledge.
For more information, please visit YSpace (BEA).
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The Student Supports for Learning Program (SSLP) is a 10 week program that aims to build foundations for Black Youth. Students who complete the program are eligible to receive a scholarship between $1000.00 and $6,000.00.
For more information, please visit FBC.
Black Business Support Ecosystem
Discover a curated list of organizations dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and businesses. These entities provide essential resources, mentorship, funding, and advisory services to help Black-owned businesses thrive and succeed.We’re here to help you navigate your entrepreneurial journey and achieve your goals.
If you are a Black entrepreneur and have any questions about the resources listed or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jason Adade, Economic Development Officer, at Jason.Adade@vaughan.ca.