Ray Williams, Chair and Co-Founder of the Black Opportunity Fund, shares his background and motivation for his work in this interview. Williams has held various leadership roles, including being the past president of the Canadian Association of Financial Professionals and the current chair of the Black Opportunity Fund. Williams emphasizes the importance of equity and access in all areas of life and expresses his desire to help his communities and inspire change, particularly in the financial industry. He also shares how the Black Opportunity Fund aims to build sustainability, achieve economic and social impact, and create capacity for Black entrepreneurs.
Category: What’s Up
Black Opportunity Fund, a charitable foundation focused on advancing socio-economic opportunities for Black Canadian communities, is in the process of launching a $50 million CDN investment fund, which will engage in impact investing in Black-led companies. We are seeking a Managing Partner, who will be responsible for origination, due diligence, execution (including structuring and funding), post-transaction portfolio management and value addition in line with the firm’s investment strategy.
The candidate will assume a lead role in investments, participate in BOF Capital’s investment committee, and play a leadership role in the firm in terms of strategy, governance, business decision-making and fundraising. The candidate will be joining a newly created entity, and will have the opportunity to recruit and build the investment team. As such the candidate is required to have entrepreneurial attributes, and a shared sense of purpose and values with Black Opportunity Fund.
The firm will shortly be raising a new $50 million private equity fund focused on investing in established Black-led companies with growth potential, as well as co-investing in early stage companies with other Black-focused VCs. The firm is also preparing to launch a similar size fund aimed at creating a pathway to homeownership for Black Canadians, through a shared equity model. BOF has already secured a significant commitment of capital from National Bank of Canada, and is in advanced conversations with several other institutional investors for similar commitments.
This is a unique opportunity to build and lead an investment firm with a strong focus on catalyzing social impact and advancing sustainable economic empowerment for Canada’s Black communities.
Unlock the benefits of a home of your own now. Habitat for Humanity GTA is offering homes across the Greater Toronto Area, from Oshawa to Brampton, for families, couples and individuals like yourself. If your household income is between $65K and $130K and you are struggling to afford a home in this market, Habitat GTA has a home that may be right for you!
Why partner with Habitat GTA?
- No down payment: it can take decades to save for a down payment, Habitat GTA’s homes don’t require one.
- Affordable mortgage: families pay a first mortgage geared to income while Habitat GTA provides a second mortgage to bridge the gap.
- Peace of mind: you won’t spend more than 32% of your income on shelter, leaving room for building savings, investing in education and more. · Homes available near where you live and work: 58 & 62 Sky Harbour Drive (Brampton), 25 William Street (Brampton), 485 Normandy Street (Oshawa), 423 Old Weston Road (Toronto), 500 Wilson Avenue (Toronto).
Homes Feature:
- Zero downpayment required
- 1 – 4 bedrooms
- 1 – 3 bathrooms
- 483 – 1530 square feet
- Parking included at most communities
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
- You are employed full-time or full-time equivalent
- You hold 3 years of consecutive employment history in Canada
- You are first time homebuyers and cannot afford a purchase on your own
Select homes have been delivered in part by CMHC’s federal funding for first-time homeowner Black families in the GTA. Eligible applicants must have at least one person in their household who identifies as Black when applying for select units.
Ready to apply? We encourage you to learn more about the program, see unit details and start your application: https://habitatgta.ca/homeownership/
Questions? Please contact the Habitat GTA team at families@habitatgta.ca
Black Opportunity Fund is teaming up with Air Canada to amplify our mission! Keep an eye out for our ad on inflight entertainment, on your next Air Canada flight!
Throughout Black History Month Air Canada will be showcasing a 15-second promo for BOF on all domestic and international flights, highlighting some of our notable impacts and achievements over the past year, ending with a call for donations. This unparalleled exposure provides an exceptional opportunity to amplify BOF’s message to diverse audiences.
Thank you, Air Canada, for your ongoing commitment to advancing equity, and your generous support to amplify our mission and message of empowering Black communities across Canada. Keep an eye out for further announcements on this exciting partnership!
To sign up, please use the below link or scan the QR code displayed on the flyer
Black Opportunity Fund cordially invites you to Beyond the Decade: Moving from Hashtags to Action, a conversation with Gaynel Curry Independent Expert Member of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent
In this engaging conversation, we will examine the achievements of the UN Decade for People of African Descent, discuss the need for a 2nd Decade, and delve into the ongoing efforts required. Our focus will be on the current and emerging opportunities and threats impacting the socio-economic advancement of people of African Descent on the continent and throughout the Diaspora.
The UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, which became operational on 2 August 2021 through UN General Assembly resolution 75/314, serves as a platform for improving the safety and quality of life and livelihoods of people of African descent. It also serves as an advisory body to the Human Rights Council.
Ms. Curry, with over 23 years of experience at the United Nations, has made significant contributions to the International Decade for People of African Descent. Her various roles have included Human Rights Advisor in Geneva and Gender and Women’s Rights Advisor in New York, with key portfolios in Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Timor-Leste.
This event is proudly presented by the Black Opportunity Fund, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and The McGill Centre for Human Rights & Legal Pluralism, along with Miller Thomson, Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies – University of Toronto, and Diversity Institute – Ted Rogers School of Management
Date: February 8, 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: MILLER THOMSON LLP, Scotia Plaza, 40 King Street West, Suite 5800
#WeBackBlack #BeyondTheDecade #UNDecadeAfricanDescent #AfricanDiasporaAction #HumanRightsDialogue #AdvancingAfricanDescent
Please be aware that space is limited, and only individuals who have registered in advance will be allowed to attend.
We are pleased to announce that Black Opportunity Fund board member, Eleanor McIntosh, has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Education at the Halton District School Board (HDSB) effective January 29, 2024!
This position is an addition to the senior team, to help the HDSB continue to achieve success in student learning and further the goals of the HDSB Multi-Year Plan.
With her rich experience spanning over two decades, Eleanor has served in various educational leadership roles and has been a dedicated community advocate. She began her career as an elementary math and science teacher and has been a school administrator in the Durham District School Board for 20 years, where she served diverse school communities in five different schools. In addition to working in a variety of settings with a number of specialized programs in Ontario and internationally, Eleanor has served in several key roles. These include Vice-principal, centrally assigned Education Officer, and Secondary School Principal.
Eleanor, who serves as Chair of Black Opportunity Fund’s Education Task Force, has always been an inspirational leader, advocating for inclusive and transformative education. We wish Eleanor success in this newest chapter in her journey, with the Halton District School Board, helping to catalyze student learning and educational excellence.