BOF Catalyst Program
Program Information
Black entrepreneurs in Canada continue to face systemic barriers that limit their ability to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. Despite their resilience and contributions to the economy, access to funding, mentorship, marketing, and networking opportunities remains disproportionately low—especially for newcomers and women.
This project is designed to build a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black business owners across Southern Ontario. By enhancing existing programs and introducing new services, we aim to empower entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Through a combination of education, mentorship, emotional wellness support, and networking opportunities, the project will help Black entrepreneurs create sustainable ventures that contribute to economic growth, climate resilience, and community well-being.
What We Offer
- Business Accelerator: Entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and funding access.
- Entrepreneurial Certification: Formal recognition and skill-building.
- Mentorship and Support: One-on-one advisory support before and after program participation.
- Annual Events: A space to connect, learn, and grow.
Our Impact Goals
- Support entrepreneurs in clean tech, IT, and AI.
- Help businesses scale and adopt sustainable practices.
- Increase access to funding and wellness services.
- Strengthen entrepreneurial skills and networks.
- Raise awareness of available supports for Black entrepreneurs.
Together with our partners, we are committed to creating a future where Black entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and lead.
A Collaborative Partnership Video
Watch how BOF and BFN along with its partners are working together to build opportunity and strengthen Black entrepreneurship.
Kickoff Event: Building Opportunity Together Video
Watch highlights from the BOF & BFN kickoff event as we launch a collaboration to strengthen Black entrepreneurship across Canada.
Breaking Barriers to Growth Video
Hear from entrepreneurs and leaders as they discuss the challenges Black founders face when scaling their businesses—and the solutions driving change.
“We believe in the power of Black entrepreneurship to transform communities, drive innovation, and shape the future of Canada’s economy. Through strategic partnerships and a shared vision, BOF Catalyst is helping Black entrepreneurs break down barriers and build businesses that create lasting impact.”
- Craig Wellington, CEO
Eligibility
This initiative is designed to support Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Southern Ontario who are working to grow or scale their businesses. To qualify for participation, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Who Can Apply
- Individuals who self-identify as Black (including African, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Indigenous, and multiracial identities).
- Business owners operating in Southern Ontario.
- Businesses with a minimum annual revenue of $250,000
- Both incorporated and unincorporated businesses are welcome.
- Newcomers, women, and youth entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Considerations
- Preference may be given to applicants focused on sustainability, innovation (e.g., clean tech, IT, AI), or community impact.
- Applicants must be committed to participating in program activities such as mentorship, training, and wellness support.
Testimonials
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About Black Founders Network(BFN)
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.
- Black Founders Network(BFN)
About Afro CaribbeanBusiness Network(ACBN)
The Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) unites and educates African and Caribbean entrepreneurs to build successful, sustainable businesses. Founded in 2017 by a group of Black business leaders, ACBN was created to bridge economic gaps by providing the resources, connections, and support needed to start, grow, and scale businesses. Through community, education, and collaboration, we empower Black entrepreneurs to thrive and leave a lasting legacy within Canada’s business landscape.
- Afro CaribbeanBusiness Network(ACBN)
About Pitch Better
Pitch better enables Canadian entrepreneurs in underrepresented communities to tap into growth opportunities not only in Canada but globally. Through our market research work, programs and services, we equip businesses with resources and tools to grow their business and ensure that entrepreneurs are using research based insights to make data informed business decisions.
- Pitch Better
About BlackOpportunity Fund
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is a community-led registered Canadian Charitable organization, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black led businesses and Black led not for profits and charities, in order to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities.
The fund will catalyze the cultural, socio-economic, institutional, and political change required to enable Canada’s diverse Black communities to thrive. Black Opportunity Fund will prioritize initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada.
Black Opportunity Fund fulfills its mandate by
- Providing grants to Black-led not for profits and charities, who are leading initiatives that impact the quality of life in Canada’s Black communities.
- Facilitating access to capital for Black-led businesses to drive economic empowerment through the disbursement of loans, equity investments and other funding support.
Black Opportunity Fund’s Registered charity #727678070 RR 0001
- Black Opportunity Fund
- (BOF)
