We’re helping Black entrepreneurs & professionals launch successful ventures against the challenges of systemic barriers. Learn more about our Black-led initiative.
Because only
Because less than 2% of VC funding goes to Black founders.
Whether you’ve been building from the basement or pushing ideas in the office, there’s a place for you at the BEA.
With a team of Black entrepreneurs at the helm, we’re moving parts and pieces to help Black professionals and founders amplify their ideas without compromise. Your professional experience doesn’t matter to us, either—we only see the future. So come make smart mistakes, build big companies, and help us enrich Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The BEA was created to fill visible gaps in Toronto’s growing business ecosystem—from the lack of diversity in its entrepreneurial landscape to the underrepresented innovations happening outside downtown Toronto.
With the help of our partners, we created the first Black-focused entrepreneurship programming of its kind in the neighbourhood of Jane & Finch. Today, we’re able to bring our mentorship and opportunities to Black professionals and scrappy upstarts all over the GTA, with a focus on designated Neighbourhood Improvement Areas (NIAs) such as Rexdale, Malvern, Regent Park and Alexandra Park.
The Partners That Make It Happen
Program Manager
Program Officer, Food & Beverage Industry (CPG)
Program Officer, Tech Industry
Program & Events Coordinator
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Entrepreneur-In-Residence, Tech Industry
Lead Facilitator, SchulichExecEd, York University
Be part of the BEA Learning Community and start navigating Black entrepreneurship.
Know about upcoming application rounds and where to meet us at our next BEA event.
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is a co-designed initiative by Black Creek Community Health Centre, York University’s YSpace, TD Community Engagement Centre, and Schulich ExecEd. We are funded by Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
We support Black entrepreneurs & professionals in building successful companies through a curated collection of programs, partnerships, and innovative tools. With the help of our partners, we’re creating an alliance of community, academia, government and industry to support the life cycle of Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
BEA programs are open to anyone over the age of 18 who identifies as Black and is located within Southern Ontario.
All Black-identifying individuals in Southern Ontario can participate in BEA programs and events in 3 ways:
All programs offered through the BEA are free for successful applicants. We do not take any equity in participant companies.
No, the BEA welcomes applicants located anywhere within Southern Ontario.
You can get in touch with us via email at bea@bcchc.com, or by sending us a message on our Contact form.
Innovation Hub Feasibility Study
Make Innovation Accessible for All. Fill out the survey to provide your insights, perspectives, and recommendations to inform a proposed Innovation Hub that will support underrepresented entrepreneurs and professionals.
The survey closes on August 18, 2023.
