For updates on how the U.S tariffs impact the Vaughan business community, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/tariffs.
Black Entrepreneurs Network: Resources and Support
The Vaughan Black Business Hub
The Vaughan Black Business Hub is your go‑to directory for discovering, supporting, and connecting with Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs across Vaughan. Our platform showcases the talent, innovation, and leadership within the Black business community, making it easier for residents, partners, and investors to find and support local enterprises. Together, we’re strengthening economic growth, fostering collaboration, and building lasting opportunities in Vaughan.
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Address: 7887 Weston Road, Unit # 7, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 1A6
Description: Creole Jamaican Kitchen + Bar is a vibrant dining destination offering authentic Jamaican cuisine with a modern twist. We specialise in bold Caribbean flavours, using fresh ingredients to create a memorable culinary experience for our guests. In addition to dine-in service, we provide catering and takeout options to serve both individual and corporate clients. Our mission is to bring culture, community, and great food together in a welcoming atmosphere.
Website: www.creolejamaican.com
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Address: 7777 Weston Rd, Unit# 243,
Woodbridge, ON L4L 0G9Description: Orlando’s Restaurant is a family-owned business. Our passion for the universality of food has inspired us to share the uniqueness and authenticity of Jamaican cuisine. Our menu features dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Braised Oxtail, and Curried Goat (Mutton), to name a few. Additionally, we also offer a fusion of traditional Jamaican fare with Mediterranean and Asian influences such as our Ackee & Saltfish Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce. Orlando’s Restaurant is the ideal dining spot for that discerning diner. Visit with us! We look forward to seeing you!
Website: www.orlandoscuisine.com
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Address: Icon Salon Suites, 641 Chrislea Rd, Unit #7, Woodbridge, ON L4L 8K9
Description: Swiss Hair is more than a salon, it’s a space where healthy hair and confidence come first. We are dedicated to nurturing, restoring, and elevating every client’s natural beauty through intentional care, education, and consistency. Our focus is not just on how your hair looks, but how it thrives over time. We want to be known as a trusted destination for healthy hair journeys, where every client feels seen, valued, and empowered. At Swiss Hair, professionalism meets warmth, and every service is delivered with purpose, precision, and passion.
Website: www.swisshairsalon.com
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Address: 411 Four Valley Drive, Unit #39, Vaughan, ON, L4K 5Y8
Description: The Wellness Studio by Cicco Aroma is a creative wellness space rooted in the belief that care can be both intentional and expressive. We offer hands-on workshops and curated experiences—from candle and perfume making to plant therapy and guided art sessions—designed to help individuals slow down, reconnect, and create something uniquely their own. What we do goes beyond the final product; it’s about the feeling, the presence, and the shared moments that happen around the table. We also partner with organizations and brands to deliver meaningful team-building experiences and community activations across the GTA and beyond.
Website: www.ciccoaroma.com
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Description: Black Girls Ink is a Black‑led community and business support organization that empowers Black and racialized women through entrepreneurship, wellness, and community building. It provides wrap‑around supports such as business coaching, workshops, mentorship, financial literacy education, mental health resources, and curated events, with a focus on helping women launch, grow, and sustain businesses while building collective wealth and sisterhood
Website: www.blackgirlsink.com
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Description: Boboto Doula Care is a perinatal support organization that provides doula services for pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum. Their offerings include birth and postpartum doula care, childbirth education, infant and newborn care, lactation support, and overnight postpartum assistance, with an emphasis on holistic, compassionate, family‑centred care.
Phone: 647-856-8566
Website: www.bobotodoula.com
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Description: Exclusive Wellness & Rehab Services is a multidisciplinary health and rehabilitation clinic providing evidence‑based care for pain management, injury recovery, and physical wellness. The clinic offers services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, orthotics, and customized rehabilitation programs, delivered by licensed professionals with a focus on personalized, effective treatment and long‑term recovery.
Website: www.exclusivewellness.ca
Phone: 416-834-1701
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Description: MUMMA (Mothers United in Mediating Mutual Alliances) is a grassroots, Black‑led nonprofit organization that supports mothers, families, and caregivers in advocating for children and youth within education and health systems. The organization focuses on bridging gaps between families and professionals through advocacy, consultation, workshops, community engagement, and research, with an emphasis on equity, communication, and collaborative decision‑making.
Website: www.mumma.ca
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Description: Consultation and support for Security/Threat/Risk/Privacy/Internal Control Assessments; Internal Audit & Assurance Services; Third Party Risk Management; and Operational Resilience Consulting.
Website: www.fin-tech-ops-talent.ca
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Description: Crafti Kraf is a handcrafted gift brand specializing in unique, customizable items designed to make every moment feel personal and meaningful. We create standout pieces such as blinged mugs, tumblers, journals, and accessories, combining creativity with high-quality materials and attention to detail. Our products are thoughtfully designed to reflect individuality, faith, and style, making them perfect for gifts or personal use. At Crafti Kraf, we believe in turning everyday items into beautiful, memorable keepsakes that leave a lasting impression.
Website: www.craftikraf.ca
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Description: Dhoyin Couture is a luxury fashion house dedicated to creating sophisticated, high-end garments that blend timeless elegance with modern artistic flair. Its sister line, Dhoyin Couture ACTV, translates this upscale aesthetic into performance wear, offering sleek and functional athletic apparel for those who value style during movement. Together, the brands provide a comprehensive lifestyle wardrobe that bridges the gap between runway-ready glamour and everyday active living.
Website: www.dhoyincouture.com
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Description: Showem Studios is a fashion and lifestyle brand that designs and sells contemporary streetwear. The brand focuses on bold, design‑driven apparel such as hoodies, tracksuits, sweatpants, and accessories, blending streetwear aesthetics with distinctive details like rhinestone elements and graphic branding.
Website: www.showemstudios.com
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Description: Killa Jewel is fearless luxury jewelry for women who refuse to blend in. We create bold, statement-making pieces that celebrate confidence, femininity, and unapologetic self-expression.
Website: killajewels.store
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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, click here to learn more.
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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, click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University’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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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This fund provides loans of up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across Canada.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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 Artificial Intelligence (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.
Click here to learn more.
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This resource helps businesses gain exposure by showcasing it at Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) Canada Events and getting listed on the organization’s official website. Reach a wider audience and increase your online presence.
Click here to learn more.
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A nationwide online business directory (Presented by Uber), where visitors can search for the businesses near them and write reviews.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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Black African and Caribbean Entrepreneurship Leadership (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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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The Mastermind Program at the Careers Education Empowerment (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.
Click here to learn more.
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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, science, technology, engineering and math (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.
Click here to learn more.
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A 3 month program designed to uplift Black Newcomers and Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) youth aged 15-30 by offering mentorship and workshops aimed at community and career building.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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The Black Entrepreneurship Program equips black youth and young adults with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful entrepreneurs.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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This program helps entrepreneurs learn how to construct a business plan’s narrative and financial section.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
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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.
Click here to learn more.
Black Business Support Ecosystem
Tap into a curated network of organizations dedicated to the advancement of Black entrepreneurs. These partners offer critical resources including funding, expert advice, mentorship, and more — all focused on helping your business grow and thrive.
African Canadian National Coalition against Hate, Oppression and Racism (ANCHOR)
Afro Caribbean Business Network Foundation (ACBN)
Black Business Can (BBC)
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA)
Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC)
Casa Foundation for International Development
Careers Education Empowerment (CEE) Centre for Young Black Professionals
DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University
Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE)
Federation of Black Canadians (FBC)
Futurpreneur
Foodpreneur Lab
Ògo Tàwa Inc
YSpace Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA)
