BEA
Funded by Canada’s Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, is a co-designed initiative by the Black Creek Community Health Centre, York University's YSpace, TD Community Engagement Centre, and Schulich ExecEd. to support Black entrepreneurs.
BEA community
We’re a Black-Led Initiative that exists to amplify and advance the next generation of Black Entrepreneurs.
The BEA gives Black entrepreneurs and professionals access to fully funded programs and partnership so they can launch successful ventures against the challenges of systemic barriers.
Increasing Black entrepreneurship
to curate growth and resilience
Curating opportunities
We understand the barriers and obstacles Black entrepreneurs face, but we also recognize the purpose, creativity, and innovation these entrepreneurs' harbor. We want to show Black entrepreneurs that their goals can be reached, proven by our participants who have already marked their places within entrepreneurship, and provide a sense of community they can rely on.
Committed to Black entrepreneurs
We are committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs, regardless of identities and abilities. Our team is devoted to developing programs that recognize the strength, optimism, and determination of Black entrepreneurs.
Investing in resilient communities
We believe that resilient communities and positive economic growth are created by increasing Black entrepreneurship. We want to invest in communities that can reach new entrepreneurial heights by surpassing current barriers.
Reducing inequality in business
Our mission is to reduce the inequalities that exist within entrepreneurship. We aim to provide Black entrepreneurs with the resources and tools they need to create a successful business.
Our programs
We are devoted to creating programs that aid in developing an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem to advance the Black business community, completely free of charge and collect no equity. We have taken the needs of Black entrepreneurs, young professionals, and executives into consideration when developing our programs.
Programs
For Black entrepreneurs
Product Feasibility
In partnership with York University’s YSpace, the Product Feasibility Bootcamp is a FREE 8-week virtual program designed to support Black entrepreneurs with a food or beverage product to gain validation and overall industry knowledge. Program participants gain free-of-charge access to workshops, mentors, start-up perks, a network of peers & more.
Program Duration:
October 2023 – November 2023
Investment Bootcamp
Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) in partnership with York University’s YSpace invites you to apply for the new Investment Bootcamp program to support Black founders as they navigate key stages in their startup journey with the aim of becoming investment ready.
The Investment Bootcamp is a 4-month program designed for early-stage and capital ready, Black-led startups ready to secure funding.
Program Duration:
Sept 2023 – Feb 2024
Business & Leadership Essentials Certificate Program
A 4-month program for Black-led In partnership with York University’s SchulichExecEd, the Certificate in Business and Leadership Essentials is a FREE virtual program designed to help both Black entrepreneurs and early-in-career professionals gain the base business knowledge and leadership skills to become effective business and community leaders. All participants who complete the program requirements will receive a physical certificate and digital badge from the prestigious Schulich Executive Education Centre.
Program Duration:
September 2023 to November 2023
Specialised streams
For Black entrepreneurs
Food Accelerator
In partnership with York University’s YSpace, A FREE five-month accelerator focused on supporting food & beverage ventures in the consumer-packaged goods space as they scale through mass retail distribution. The program provides one-on-one mentorship, customized workshops, office hours with experts, and direct connections with retailers and distributors.
Program Duration:
May 2023 – September 2023
Venture Catalyst
In partnership with York University’s YSpace, the Venture Catalyst program is designed to support early-stage Black technology ventures to develop, test, validate and refine their ideas to build a proof-of-concept. Black founders will enroll in a 6-week sprint consisting of training and mentorship sessions.
Program Duration:
October 2023 – November 2023
Our team
Bukola Adekanye
Agrifood Program Officer
David Kwok
Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Judy Chang
CPG Program Advisor & Leadership Coach
Kanishia Mensah
BEA Programs & Events Coordinator
Mary Olabanwo
BEA Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Nafis Ahmed
YSpace Entrepreneurship Manager
Nunu Francisco
BEA Program Officer
Olusegun Villasa
BEA Entrepreneurship Manager
PARTNER RECOGNITION
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance is run by Black Creek Community Health Centre, York University's YSpace, TD Community Engagement Centre, and Schulich ExecEd The BEA is made possible through funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
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YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.
Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
