Black Founders Network – Career Advancement Program

For Employers:

• Who can access the job board on BFN as an employer? The job board is accessible to Black-led startups, defined as companies with Black founders or executives in significant leadership roles within the organization.
• Where should the company be based to qualify for the job board? The company can be based and operate anywhere, but the Founders must be based in Canada as per BFN’s mandate to support Black founders in Canada. Please that you must be based and have operations in Ontario if you intend to apply for and leverage the $4,000 hiring grant from BFN’s Career Advancement Program.
• What kind of businesses are eligible? Eligible businesses must be registered, either as sole proprietorships or incorporated entities.
• How many job openings should a company have to register? Companies must have at least one active job opening at the time of registration. Alternatively, they can demonstrate their intention to have a forthcoming vacancy, ensuring continuous engagement with our applicants.
• What other criteria do you look for in companies applying to join the job board? Participating companies should align with the values of the BFN community, promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for Black talent, and maintain a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Additionally, they should demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices, reflecting social and environmental responsibility.
• What type of job opportunities can I post on the job board? You can post job opportunities that align with the skill gaps your company needs to fill. These opportunities should provide fair compensation and growth potential. We encourage a wide range of positions across various industries, promoting diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurship and various sectors.
• Is there a cost associated with posting job opportunities on the job board? There is no cost
• How can I ensure a diverse pool of candidates for my job postings? BFN is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity. We encourage you to provide a detailed job description that is void of coded bias and emphasizes your commitment to equal employment opportunities. Additionally, our platform attracts a diverse community of talented Black youth, ensuring a broad pool of candidates for your job postings.

For Job Seekers

• How can I leverage the job board as a job seeker? To access the job board, simply visit our Job Board. You can opt to receive email alerts with new jobs that match your preferences and start exploring the diverse job opportunities available. Customize your search based on your skills, career aspirations, and location preferences. 
• Can I customize my job search? Yes, you have the flexibility to customize your search based on your skills, career goals, and location preferences. Tailor your job hunt to find positions that match your unique qualifications and aspirations.
• What kind of job opportunities are available? Our job board hosts a diverse range of job opportunities. Explore various fields and industries to find the perfect match for your skills and ambitions. Start your journey to a rewarding career today.
• What other perks come with being a part of the BFN Talent Network? You gain access to job opportunities from over 250 Black-led companies, including 70 funded by BFN. You also receive employment readiness support and training to help you launch and advance your career, and exclusive access to large-scale conferences like Collision, Elevate Festival and BFUTR; the perfect opportunity to network with industry leaders, expand your connections, and propel your career forward.

• Who are these placement opportunities designed for? These opportunities are specifically tailored for individuals who identify as Black or of African descent.
• Is there an age requirement for participation? Yes, participants must be between 18 – 35 years old to qualify for these opportunities.
• Do I need to be a resident of a specific location to apply? Yes, applicants must be residents of the Ontario Province to be eligible for these placements.
• Are there mandatory workshops as part of the program? Yes, Black youth interested in these placements must actively participate in employment readiness workshops provided by BFN and our delivery partners. These workshops are designed to enhance employability and prepare participants for successful job placements.
• What skills and qualifications are necessary? Participants should possess the skills and qualifications relevant to the specific placement opportunity. These requirements will be detailed in the placement description. Upskilling training may also be provided if necessary.
• What is the commitment and availability requirement? Participants must commit to actively engaging in the placement program, attending training sessions and conferences, completing assigned tasks, and participating in required activities. Placements will run during the Winter and Summer 2024 terms. Some employers may retain the youths beyond these work terms based on funding and business needs.
• How long do the work placements typically last? The duration of work placements can vary depending on the specific opportunity and the needs of the participating businesses. Placement durations can range from a few weeks to a maximum of 4 months. The details regarding the duration of each placement will be communicated to participants during the placement recruiting process. 
• What conduct is expected from participants during the placements? Participants are expected to exhibit professionalism, adhere to guidelines, rules, and codes of conduct set forth by the employer. Respectful and responsible behaviour is essential throughout the placement period.
• Are there specific requirements for each placement? Yes, depending on the placement employer, there may be additional eligibility criteria or specific requirements communicated to participants during the application process.

• What defines a Black-led Startup for BCAP eligibility? A Black-led Startup must-have Black founders or executives in significant leadership roles within the organization to qualify for BCAP hiring grant. Priority will be given to small an early-stage startups.
• Does the company need to have specific operations location? Yes, companies must have operations in the Ontario Province to be eligible as this program is funded by in part, by the Ministry of Citizenship & Multiculturalism and their Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) which works towards eliminating systemic, race-based disparities by increasing opportunities for Black youth across the province.
• What registration status is required for businesses applying for the grant? Companies must be registered, either as sole proprietorships or incorporated entities. A CRA business number and a payroll account are mandatory prior to applying. You can find information on opening a payroll account here.
• Is registration on the BFN Job Board mandatory? Yes, companies must have registered and updated their company profiles on the BFN Job Board to be considered eligible. You can apply to join the job board here.
• Should companies be available for the BFN Career Fair? Yes, companies need to be willing and available to participate in the BFN Career Fair, tentatively scheduled for mid-January.
• What is the expected salary level for the jobs created through the grant? The jobs created must offer a salary above the provincial minimum wage to be eligible for the BCAP grant.
• How should businesses explain the impact of hiring Black youth through the grant? Companies need to clearly articulate how hiring Black youth through the $4,000 grant will benefit their business. They should outline specific ways in which these individuals will enhance productivity, innovation, or market presence within the organization.
• How many hours per week are the work placements expected to be? The work placements are typically expected to be part-time, ranging from 5 to 30 hours per week due to the limited funding. The exact hours will depend on the specific placement and and will be decided by the company based on their needs company needs.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact our Program Coordinator, Justina Kanza (justina.kanza@utoronto.ca).