BFN Smart Start Awards

To be eligible for the award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Self-identify as Black and be based in Canada.
• Have an idea or innovation in the idea stage or pre-revenue phase. (industry/sector agnostic)
• Have demonstrated entrepreneurial merit and mindset
• Lead applicant can be affiliated with U of T; OR external to U of T and affiliated with a BFN Community or Investment Partner
• Applicant must complete U of T’s IP Education Level 1 course to be considered for a final interview (this can be done after you submit your initial application, but **MUST** be completed by April 1st). The UTE Community believes all our members should have basic literacy with regard to intellectual property. These free, online modules should take you approximately two hours to complete. For applicants with a strong foundation in their IP knowledge, completion of Level 1 can be replaced by completion of a Level 2 Topic. 

• Jan 23: Applications Open  
• March 9: Application Deadline (11:59 PM)  
• Early April: Finalist Interviews (In-person at Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus)  
• Late April: Winners Announced  
• May: Private Reception with KPMG and Retreat 
• May 25-29: Toronto Tech Week 
• April – September: Mentorship, Workshops & BFN Core Programming  
• September: BFN Demo Day 
• September 22–24: Elevate Festival  

All award applications will be reviewed and assessed by an adjudication committee comprised of KPMG representatives, entrepreneurship and innovation staff and faculty and Black community members, researchers and directors, and will be evaluated based on the following criteria:  

• Experience working on an innovative solution and evidence of an entrepreneurial mindset 

• Applicant’s ability to demonstrate the feasibility and impact of their idea or innovation 
• The potential impact both as an innovator and member of the Black Founders Network community 

Q: How do I apply for the BFN Smart Start Awards? 

 A: Please submit your application through [this form]. Ensure you review the eligibility criteria and program requirements before applying.

Q: I am not a U of T student or alumni. Can I still apply for the Smart Start Award?  

A: Absolutely! While we love our U of T founders, the Smart Start Award is also open to external Black entrepreneurs who are affiliated with or nominated by a BFN Community or Investment Partner. 

Q: What does “Affiliated” or “Nominated” mean?  

A: It means you are currently a member, program participant, or have a professional relationship with one of our recognized partners. To fulfill this requirement, you simply need to have a representative from that organization provide a brief referral or nomination as part of your application process.