The Black Founders Network (BFN) is an inclusive community for Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey.

BFN provides access to the networks, resources and inspiration to build, fund and scale impactful startups.  By recognizing systemic barriers, celebrating Black excellence and providing allyship, mentorship and sponsorship for Black founders, we are building a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs from every industry and at every stage.

Why BFN?

70 %

of Black-owned businesses across Canada were not eligible for the federal Canadian Emergency Business Account

2 out of 300

grants in Canada went to Black-owned businesses

2 %

of venture funding raised in North America went to Black-led companies

76 %

of Black entrepreneurs surveyed in Canada said their race makes it harder to succeed as an entrepreneur

The BFN was built and continues to be shaped by the community it serves. Over 100 Black founders and over 50 Black organizations participated in the BFN consulting process. Their lived experiences have informed the design of this initiative.

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BFN Team

ProGRAM Manager, Black Founders Network

Efosa Obano 

Efosa (KC) is a strategic management alumnus of the University of Toronto, where he now manages an initiative that supports Black founders with capital, community and capacity building. He also…

Program Coordinator, Black Founders Network

Faizah Balogun 

With a background in Product Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication IT, and an ongoing Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation, I’ve honed my skills in agile project…

Program Assistant, Black Founders Network

Tasnim Dico 

Tasnim is a third-year Management specialist at the University of Toronto, Rotman Commerce. She supports the growth of the Black Founders Network at U of T in the role of…

Headshot of Carina
Financial & Administrative Coordinator, Black founders Network

Carina Yannacacos 

Carina helps provide financial and administrative support for the Black Founders network. Carina brings financial and administrative experience from several different units in the University including the Daniels Faculty of…

Entrepreneur in Residence, Black Founders Network

Tanika McLeod 

Tanika is a dynamic entrepreneur, educator, and Co-Founder of two innovative startups: MinuteSkill, a community learning network, and Cliq, a generative content repurposing tool. With a strong foundation in education…

Entrepreneur in Residence, Black Founders Network

Romeo Ware 

Entrepreneur in residence, black founders network CEO, Stonepaper

Entrepreneur in residence, Black founders network

Ehi Agbonlahor 

Ehi, an inquisitive social innovator, has led projects in finance, agribusiness, and eCommerce for a decade. With a BSc, MSc, and a Rotman MBA, Ehi excels in strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship,…

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Questions? Reach out to the BFN Team