Join Us for two pivotal days that will alter the future of Black Entrepreneurship in Canada
The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), in collaboration with its six regional hubs, invites you to an impactful two-day conference designed to mobilize groundbreaking research into effective actionable solutions that will determine the future of Black entrepreneurship in Canada. This hybrid event—accessible both online and in person—promises to energize, inspire, and equip participants with the tools and connections to drive meaningful change.
Under the theme “Leveraging the Collective: Mobilizing Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge to Drive Policy, Practice, and Progress,” this conference will unveil innovative, first-of-its-kind research conducted by BEKH and its community partners. These insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the policies and practices that will support Black entrepreneurs and strengthen their impact on the Canadian economy.
The event brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, academic scholars, and private sector partners to explore the findings of national research into Black entrepreneurship and its implications for the wider Canadian economy. Expert speakers and attendees will reflect on key discoveries, examine the role of policy, and share actionable strategies to unlock the economic and social potential of Black businesses.
Featured Panelists
Peter Pulsifer
Associate Director at Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre, Carleton University
Eyene Okpanachi
Research Lead for the BEKH National Qualitative Study
Brice Kamgang
VP Chamber of Commerce Gatineau
Liza Arnason
Founder of the Ase Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities
Janice Bartley
Founder and Executive Director of Foodpreneur Lab
Melisa Ellis
CEO of Nobellum
Isaac Olowolafe Jr.
Founder of Dream Legacy Foundation
Somtochukwu Ezeigwe Celestine
Research Assistant for the BEKH National Qualitative Study
John Nelson
Director of Innovation at Sprott School of Business, Carleton University
Lisa Ndejuru
Affiliate Professor at Concordia University
Efosa Obano
Founder of the Black Founders Network and the African Impact Initiative
Stephane Georges Nana
Manager of the CÉSOC entrepreneurship unit
Gerald Grant
Co-Lead and Principal Investigator for the BEKH
Jared Wesley
Principal Investigator for the BEKH National Qualitative Study
Jonah Chininga
CEO and Co-Founder of Woveo
Dave McKenzie
Founder and Coordinator of Community Service Initiative (CSI) at JMSB Concordia
Raphael Ochil
BEKH Western Hub Lead and Program Manager
Wils Théagène
Founder of Citadelle Capital
Deborah Allotey
Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map (BEEM) Coordinator
Muna Osman
Research Lead for the BEKH National Quantitative Study
Aronke Emmanuel
Nigerian Mums of Ontario
Félix Zogning
Associate Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke
Tondtoulle Patrick Yoda
PhD candidate at the UQAM School of Management (ESG UQAM)
Jeanne Lehman
CEO of Black Canadian Women in Action (BCWInAction)
What’s in Store
Engage with first-of-its-kind Research into Black entrepreneurship: Be among the first to dive into groundbreaking studies that tackle the unique challenges and unlock the immense potential of Black entrepreneurs in Canada.
Build Stronger Networks: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to unlock new opportunities for partnerships and mutual growth.
Shape the Future: Participate in developing strategies aimed at maximizing the economic and social potential of Black businesses at home and abroad.
By equipping industry experts, advocates and participants with the knowledge needed to strategize, this event will spotlight innovative ways to build thriving, sustainable, and profitable enterprises.
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of Black entrepreneurship in Canada.
