Building Black economic power, one conversation at a time.
Every October, Canada marks a month of celebrating small businesses. This year, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network is filling all 31 days of it with Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Builders.
The Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference (BEEC) 2026 runs from October 1 to 31, entirely online. It brings together entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, policymakers, researchers, corporate leaders, philanthropists, and community organizations working to advance Black economic prosperity in Canada.
The format is simple. Each day features a fireside chat or community discussion with someone building the Black economy, from AI founders and fund managers to food entrepreneurs, health advocates, and co-op organizers. Moreover, each day comes with a bonus surprise for those who join live.
Building Black Economic Power. Connecting Ecosystems. Creating Opportunities. Driving Growth.
Everyday in October 1st to 31st, 2026 | Online | Register for BEEC 2026
Why it matters
Black entrepreneurs in Canada still face the same barriers: small teams, limited access to talent, overconcentration in a few industries and systemic gaps in capital, credit and networks. However, the organizations tackling those barriers rarely gather in one place.
BEEC 2026 puts them on one stage. Over the month, you will hear from the people behind national loan funds, regional business associations, research institutes, venture funds and community programs from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. In short, it is a month-long map of the Black business ecosystem in Canada.
A few sessions to watch:
• Thierry Lindor (Happly.Ai) on using AI to close the funding gap, October 1
• Tiffany Callender (FACE Coalition) on access to capital and generational wealth, October 8
• Melisa Ellis (Nobellum) on launching Black-owned STEM companies, October 3
• Craig Wellington (Black Opportunity Fund) on investing in Black communities, October 5
• Nerissa Allen (Black Business Association of BC) on scaling and retail readiness, October 17
• Wils Théagène (Citadelle Capital) on venture capital for Black founders, October 30
The full speaker lineup:
Speakers and dates are tentative and subject to change.
• Oct 1 Thierry Lindor, Happly.Ai
• Oct 2 Trevor Charles, University of Waterloo
• Oct 3 Melisa Ellis, Nobellum
• Oct 4 Alfred Burgesson, Tribe Network
• Oct 5 Craig Wellington, Black Opportunity Fund
• Oct 6 Charles Buchanan, Technology Helps
• Oct 7 Osita Nwajiufor, BlackTECH Hub
• Oct 8 Tiffany Callender, FACE Coalition
• Oct 9 Fiyin Obayan, Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
• Oct 10 Dr. Kem-Laurin Lubin, Centre for International Governance Innovation
• Oct 11 Ryan Knight, ACBN Canada
• Oct 12 Janice Bartley, Foodpreneur Lab, and Frank Onuh, Arri Foundation
• Oct 13 Somto Mbelu, PhD, Responsible AI Institute
• Oct 14 Melizia Mensah, Sisters in Solidarity
• Oct 15 Wilfreda Edward, Canadian Centre for Nonprofit Digital Resilience
• Oct 16 Chris-Beth Cowie, Empowered 4x
• Oct 17 Nerissa Allen, Black Business Association of BC
• Oct 18 Efia Tekyi-Annan, Grass Roots Empowerment Project
• Oct 19 Christopher Trotman, Alterna Savings
• Oct 20 Savior Joseph, Tribe Ventures
• Oct 21 Elsie Côté, The Elsie Côté Foundation
• Oct 22 Dipo Alli, Black Business Ventures Association
• Oct 23 Clement Esene, BIPOC Foundation
• Oct 24 Diacre Bayishime, Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan
• Oct 25 Bryan Duarte, BlackTech Capital
• Oct 26 Neil Price, LogicalOutcomes
• Oct 27 Clavia Alleyne, Black Business Association of BC
• Oct 28 Josephine Grey, St. James Town Community Co-operative
• Oct 29 Anthony Henry, The Walnut Foundation
• Oct 30 Wils Théagène, Citadelle Capital Venture Fund
• Oct 31 Chantelle Quow-Craig, Pitch Better
How to join:
Registration is open now on Eventbrite, where you can sign up for the full month or pick the sessions that fit your schedule. In addition, the ACBN website has the complete speaker list and daily details.
Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026
October 1 to 31, 2026 | Online
Register on Eventbrite | See the full lineup: https://acbncanada.com/black-entrepreneurship-ecosystem-conference-2026/
Hosted by the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN), which helps Black entrepreneurs move from loan-ready to funded through the 3C Framework™: Clarity, Connection, Capital.
Follow ACBN Canada on LinkedIn.
