Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program
Building Businesses, Unlocking Opportunities and Supporting Growth
Since 2022, the Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program at Future Black Female has supported Black women entrepreneurs as they strengthen their businesses, access new opportunities and prepare for sustainable growth. What began in the Niagara Region, supporting 46 Black women entrepreneurs, now reaches entrepreneurs and the organizations that serve them across Ontario.
Through practical business development support, connections to networks and resources, and opportunities to engage with key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, we help entrepreneurs move beyond day-to-day operations and build businesses positioned to scale.
We recognize that business growth requires more than a great idea. Entrepreneurs need access to capital, meaningful relationships, relevant business knowledge and the right support systems to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.Our program works to strengthen these connections and equip entrepreneurs with the tools, insights and networks they need to take their businesses to the next level.
Program objectives
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Access to capital: Help entrepreneurs prepare for and connect with funding, financing and investment opportunities.
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Stronger networks and Strategic connections : Build meaningful relationships with peers, investors, financial institutions and ecosystem partners.
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Advanced business skills: Strengthen financial, strategic and leadership capacity for sustainable growth
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A Stronger Entrepreneurial Ecosystem; Engage in conversations and collaborative opportunities that bring entrepreneurs and ecosystem partners together. We work to identify barriers, connect existing resources, and help create a more accessible and responsive environment for Black women entrepreneurs.
About this program
Future Black Female launched the Accelerator Program in 2022 to support Black women entrepreneurs in the Niagara Region, in partnership with RBC, the City of St. Catharines Enterprise Centre and Brock LINC, Brock University’s innovation and entrepreneurship hub. Initially funded through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the program supported 46 Black women entrepreneurs by providing business space and skills development workshops, and by preparing entrepreneurs to move into their own spaces.
Since 2024, FBF has continued to support Black women entrepreneurs across Ontario through the Black Women’s Economic Security (BWES) Project. This work focuses on capacity building for entrepreneurship service providers, including the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH), Chambers of Commerce, the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and individual BIAs, and local enterprise centres and innovation hubs. Through this work, we have maintained our partnerships with RBC and Brock LINC.
While our work is rooted in supporting Black women entrepreneurs, our approach recognizes the diversity of businesses, industries and growth journeys within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Fee
No Cost
Eligibility
Our accelerator is designed for:
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Black women entrepreneurs who own and operate their business in Ontario
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Businesses that have been operating for at least two years
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Businesses generating annual revenue between $20,000 and $2 million
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Entrepreneurs focused on growth, including strengthening investment readiness, accessing capital and building strategic networks
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All industries welcome.
Location & format
In-person and virtual, with programming and events in Ontario.
Events and Opportunities
Our events bring Black women entrepreneurs together with business leaders, financial institutions, community organizations, and other ecosystem partners. These conversations create opportunities to share knowledge, identify challenges, strengthen relationships, and explore practical solutions to support business growth.
Upcoming Events
In Conversation with Black Women Entrepreneurs in Niagara, In Collaboration with RBC
October 22, 2026 | Niagara Region
A practical conversation with RBC's Commercial Financial Services team focused on building relationships with financial institutions, navigating financial systems, and connecting entrepreneurs with resources and supports to help their businesses grow.
Register here - In Conversation with Black Women Entrepreneurs in Niagara - Oct 22nd – Fill out form
Mapping Black Women's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Ottawa Roundtable
October 28, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | In collaboration with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH)
A facilitated conversation focused on understanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem for Black women, mapping existing resources and connections, identifying gaps, and exploring opportunities to strengthen business support.
View Event Details or Register - Black Women Entrepreneurs Round Table Ottawa
Mapping the Black Women in Technology Ecosystem
October 29, 2026 | Ottawa, Ontario | Supported by Invest Ottawa
A participant-led conversation exploring the Black women in technology ecosystem, including existing supports, professional connections, barriers, and opportunities for a stronger and more connected sector.
View Event Details or Register - Black Women In Technology Round Table Ottawa
Past Events
Her Seat at the Table: Unlocking New Opportunities Through Real Connections
June 25, 2025 | In collaboration with the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
An opportunity to strengthen relationships, build meaningful connections, and explore pathways to new business opportunities.
View Event Details or Highlights - Her Seat At The Table: Unlocking New Opportunities Through Real Connections
Building Black Women's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Niagara Roundtable
August 17, 2026 | In collaboration with Niagara Small Business Center
A collaborative round table, bringing together participants to explore the entrepreneurial ecosystem for Black women in Niagara, identify existing supports and gaps, and highlight opportunities to strengthen access to resources, networks, and business support.
View Event Details or Highlights - Building Black Women Entrepreneurs Round Table Niagara
Connect with us to explore opportunities to participate, collaborate, and help strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Accelerator Spotlight
Our Impact in Action
At Future Black Female, we believe entrepreneurs should not have to navigate business growth alone. We bring entrepreneurs into conversations with institutions, organizations, and professionals who can help them better understand available resources, build relationships, and identify opportunities.
We are proud of the entrepreneurs we have supported on their journey. Hear from Neska about her experience growing her business with Future Black Female.
Watch Neska’s story → Neska's accelerator journey
