A collective of Black-led organizations united to create access and opportunities for Black founders, investors, and professionals across the Canadian landscape.
The Black Innovation Zone (BIZ) is a collaborative initiative designed to enhance the visibility and support of Black founders, investors, and professionals in Canada. This ecosystem fosters learning, collaboration, and venture growth both locally and globally.
This grassroots collaboration was born from a few groups in Ontario who wanted to increase access for Black entrepreneurs and businesses in large-scale platforms. Black Founders Network, The Federation of Black Canadians, Nobellum, and the Black Entrepreneur Alliance came together to launch the BIZ at Toronto’s Collision conference and the Elevate Conference.
The steering committee would also like to thank all other groups and individuals who have supported on and off to date, and believed in the mutual goal of working together to create a stronger impact.
The BIZ is always accepting applications for additional partners and sponsors and offers several levels of engagement, commitment, and subscription.
Email: [email protected] to speak about joining
To empower Black founders, investors, and professionals by breaking barriers and opening doors to spaces where Black representation is lacking.
Vision: To see Black innovators leading in spaces where they have historically been excluded, driving change, and contributing to globally recognized solutions.
Values: We champion inclusivity, empowerment, collaboration, and excellence. Our community supports Black innovators with tools, and opportunities for growth.
The BIZ has demonstrated its ability to empower Black entrepreneurs and increase visibility at major tech conferences. Here’s what we’ve achieved so far:
Startups Impacted
Attendees
Pitch Prize Awards
Startup Pitches
Funds raised
Community partners
Federation of Black Canadians – https://fbcfcn.ca/
Nobellum – https://www.nobellum.com/
Black Founders Network – https://entrepreneurs.utoronto.ca/for-entrepreneurs/black-founders-network/
Black Entrepreneur Alliance – https://thebea.co/
Pitch Better – https://pitchbetter.ca/
Futurpreneur – https://futurpreneur.ca/en/offering/black-entrepreneur-startup/
Black Business Venture Association – https://www.blackventures.org/
Casa Foundation – https://casafoundation.ca/
Tribe Network – https://www.tribenetwork.ca/
BC Community Alliance – https://bccommunityalliance.com/
African Impact – https://www.africanimpact.ca/
Black Business Association of BC (BBABC) – https://www.blackbusinessbc.ca/
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) – https://blackopportunityfund.ca/
Black VC – https://www.blckvc.org/
Connect with a vibrant community of visionary founders, collaborators, and unwavering champions who not only understand your ambition, but are walking the same path and ready to grow alongside you.
We bring our community into rooms where decisions are made, opportunities are shared, and doors open. Visibility here means access—to networks, stages, platforms, and conversations that move your venture forward.
We connect you to the right resources at the right time—funding, mentorship, tools, and strategic support designed to meet your needs and match your ambition. It’s about building bridges to what it takes to grow and thrive.
We’re taking the Black innovation to Web Summit Vancouver this May 2025! Learn more about what events we’re hosting and how you can get involved!
