Projects & Initiatives
Explore the initiatives, partnerships, and programs through which Black Buildup is turning systemic change from a vision into a reality.
These are not pilot projects. They are sustained, multi-year initiatives, built in community, scaled through partnership, and measured by real outcomes.
Our Combined Impact
Inclusion économique francophone et bilingue
En cours depuis 2020 | En partenariat avec l’Association Femmes Africaine Francophone
Le travail de Black Buildup en matière d’inclusion économique francophone et bilingue garantit que les entrepreneurs francophones ont un accès complet aux parcours de financement, aux compétences pratiques et aux opportunités de marché dont ils ont besoin, dans la langue dans laquelle ils travaillent. Du coaching en croissance d’entreprise à la préparation à l’accès au capital, en passant par la formation en littératie financière et des masterclasses bilingues, ce programme accompagne les entrepreneurs francophones là où ils se trouvent et les aide à aller plus loin.
Key services
- 30 Francophone-led businesses supported through targeted programming
- French-first and bilingual delivery across all workshops, masterclasses, and exhibition opportunities
Black Women Business Exhibit
Co-hosted with the Black Women Business Network (BWBN)
The Black Women Business Exhibit is a national marketplace and leadership convening dedicated to elevating Black women entrepreneurs. Bringing together exhibitors, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders, the Exhibit serves as a key economic driver for Black women entrepreneurs.
Across three editions, the Exhibit has evolved into one of Canada’s most anticipated gatherings for Black women in business, combining commerce, community, and collective power under one roof.
Impact
- 175+ Exhibitors across three editions
- 40+ Workshops and masterclasses delivered
- 3,000+ Entrepreneurs, visitors, and ecosystem leaders
Youth Buildup
Delivered by Black Buildup Ongoing
Youth Buildup is Black Buildup’s flagship sports-based initiative, using athletics as a platform to teach young male athletes about consent, boundaries, emotional intelligence, and healthy relationships. Grounded in the Coaching Boys Into Men framework, the only evidence-based violence prevention program of its kind, the program engages athletes, coaches, parents, and community members through weekly coach-led discussions embedded directly into team practice. Young men leave with real skills in communication, respect, and leadership, and the confidence to challenge harmful norms on and off the field. Learn more at youthbuildup.com
Impact
- 800+ Youth empowered
- 200+ Program hours delivered
- 8,000+ Community members reached through the program's ripple effects
African Canadian Business Summits
Co-hosted with the African Canadian Business Chamber (ACBC)
The African Canadian Business Summits bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and investors for high-impact conversations that go beyond networking. These convenings create pathways to procurement opportunities, trade dialogue, and policy engagement that move the needle for African Canadian businesses across the country. Three editions in, the Summits have established themselves as a critical gathering point for the African Canadian business ecosystem.
Impact
- 1000+ Participants across three editions
- 3 National editions creating platforms for procurement, trade, and policy dialogue
Improving Blacks Representation in Banking, Finance, and Tech Project
Co-hosted with the Black Women Business Network (BWBN)
This project was established to close the representation gap in one of Canada’s fastest growing sectors. Through research, skills development, community and industry engagement, and ecosystem building, Black Buildup is advancing Black participation and leadership in financial technology. The project has convened national symposiums, produced research on barriers and opportunities within the sector, and built a growing network of Black professionals and leaders in the fintech and banking sectors.
Impact
- 2 National symposiums organized
- 200+ Fintech and banking professionals engaged
- Research papers published contributing to the evidence base for Black inclusion in financial technology and FinTech Hub launched
Culture & Community Leadership
Ongoing since 2020 | Multiple community partners across BC and Canada
Black Buildup has supported over 100 community and organizational initiatives, from cultural celebrations to leadership and economic inclusion events, through financial contributions, strategic guidance, and hands-on delivery support. We are proud to have worked alongside organizations including Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE), Black Business Initiative (BBi), the Nigerian Association of British Columbia, Edmonton Cameroonian Association, Cameroonian Association of BC, Africa Centre, Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of BC, Kenya in BC, Swahili Vision, Smartkidz Heritage Foundation, Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC), Blizzard Basketball North, Nuru Training Academy, Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo, HelpAide, Black Women Business Network, Haguruka, and many others.
IMPACT
- Network of top 20 Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Canada
- 100+ community and organizational initiatives supported
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