Black Founders Network

Supporting Black founders, creating more Black-led businesses and celebrating Black Excellence.

Portrait of Olugbenga Olubanjo, CivE MASc 1T9 (photo by Daria Perevezentsev)

About

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

Join the Network

BFN is composed of three pillars: Core, Accelerate and Scale. These pillars are open to all Black-identifying U of T students, faculty and alumni. In partnership with U of T’s accelerators, the BFN provides industry- and stage-agnostic support and resources to increase the number of successful, Black-led U of T startups.

Core

For those with an interest in entrepreneurship beginning their journey.

Apply to the 2023 Core Cohort

Accelerate

Cohort-based accelerator for startups led by Black founders

Apply to the 2023 Accelerate Cohort

Scale

For growth-stage startups ready to reach the next level.

More about BFN Scale

Apply for funding! BFN Smart Start Awards

Have an idea for a startup but unsure where to begin? Apply today for the BFN Smart Start Awards for a $4,000 Award to get that idea off the ground.

Deadline to apply: April 9, 2023

Apply NOw

Apply to join the 2023 BFN Accelerate Cohort

BFN Accelerate will help you develop solutions to meet the customer’s needs, launch your MVP/beta, start or grow your team, generate revenue, secure funding and explore value chain/distribution partnerships.

Deadline to apply: May 9, 2023

Apply NOw

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

Justina Kanza

Justina supports the growth of the Black Founders Network at U of T in the role of Program Coordinator. Justina supports the growth of the Black Founders Network at U…

Want to get some facetime with the BFN Team?

Join our weekly office hours where one of our team members will be on hand to answer any questions. Whether you want to learn more about what we do, get advice on your specific entrepreneurship situation, or simply listen in, BFN Community office hours is the perfect place to connect with the BFN team and community! As the deadlines approach, this is also the perfect place to get all your answers about our Smart Start Awards, our 2023 application for the BFN Accelerate program, and any other programs we have running.

register for each week’s session by Friday, receive an invite with the meeting link on Monday, and chat with us on Wednesday!

Mentors, Advisors and Allies

Resources for Black entrepreneurs

Department Campus Course Name Code Level

BFN community events

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Connect with BFN

Join the BFN Community Platform

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Questions? Reach out to the BFN Team

Looking to engage as a partner, speaker, mentor or supporter?

Get involved