The highly anticipated Annual Black Business Summit took place from May 24th to 25th at Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver, BC. The event, with this year’s theme, “The Power of Us, Facing the Future Together”, was a spectacular convergence of innovation, inspiration, and community empowerment, setting the stage for a diverse range of discussions, performances, and awards.
The Master of Ceremonies was none other than the esteemed Travailleuse Culturelle Multidisciplinaire. Her multifaceted role as a multidisciplinary cultural worker infused the summit with a unique blend of professionalism and cultural richness. She seamlessly guided the attendees through the event, ensuring that each segment flowed smoothly while maintaining an atmosphere of enthusiasm and engagement.
The summit featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, starting with Simone Saunders, MSW, RSW, the Managing Director of The Cognitive Corner and a TikTok personality known as @thecognitivecorner. Saunders, a trauma therapist and social worker, shared her profound insights on mental health and trauma recovery, drawing from her extensive experience in the field.
Another highlight was Tychon Carter-Newman, the winner of Big Brother Canada 9, urban planner, and motivational speaker. Carter-Newman captivated the audience with his compelling journey from reality TV star to influential urban planner, emphasizing the importance of resilience and strategic planning in achieving success.
The summit’s roster of featured speakers included a diverse group of industry leaders and innovators. These included Andrew Brown, Associate Deputy Minister, Canadian Heritage, who emphasized the importance of cultural heritage in fostering community resilience; Colin Lynch, Managing Director and Head of Alternative Investments at TD Asset Management Inc., who discussed innovative investment strategies for sustainable growth; Al Ramsay, Vice President and Head of 2SLGBTQ+ & Black Customer Segments at TD Bank Group, who highlighted the significance of inclusive financial services; Craig Wellington, CEO of the Black Opportunity Fund, who shared insights on funding opportunities for Black entrepreneurs; Troy Crossfield, CEO of Crossfield House Productions, who spoke about the intersection of media and social change; Russell Zishiri, Founder of Anaconda Systems, who discussed tech innovations in the business landscape; Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, Author and Founder of SLD Consulting, who provided a deep dive into leadership development; and Anthonia Ogundele, Founder of Ethọ́s Lab, who emphasized the role of youth in shaping future technologies.
The lineup also included other notable figures such as Al White, Njeri Kontulahti, and Gervan Fearon, who collectively provided a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. The 2024 Black Business Summit was also graced with the presence of Charleen Sibanda, a lawyer from Harper Grey, a leading law firm in Vancouver.
Adding to the summit’s cultural richness were performances by talented artists: ebonEmpress, a community advocate and musician; Njoki Mbūrū, a storyteller and poet; Vanessa Richards, founder of the Woodward’s Community Singers; Sylvester Aguddah, a contemporary artist; Rhona Sinamtwa, a creative and sustainability enthusiast, who shared her eco-friendly fashion designs; Imbali Blooming, a jazz singer and spoken word poet; and Ingrid Brousillon, founder of Griottes Polyglottes.
A sit-down dinner by Salt n Sear, run by the culinary duo Chefs Jacques and Janice Kabuya, provided a delectable experience, featuring an array of mouthwatering dishes that delighted the attendees.
The awards ceremony was a pinnacle moment, recognizing excellence and innovation in various categories: Pitch Contest Winner Announcement, Black Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Black Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Black Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Black Non-Profit of the Year Award, Community Leader Award, Community Partner Award, Business Innovation Award, Best Social Impact Award, Startup of the Year Award, Sustainability Award, Canadian Food Security Champion Award, Housing Excellence Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Investor of the Year Award, Trailblazer Award, and Change Maker Award.
The summit celebrated the five Black Pitch Contest finalists who received a combined $64,500 in funding, with much of it being surprise funding. The two top prizes of $25,000 each went to Nanette Sene, Co-Founder & CEO of Juno Technologies, for her innovative wearable solution addressing menstrual pain, and brothers Walid and Djalil Baba Moussa, Co-founders of OneTrip Technologies, for their AI-powered e-commerce and marketing platform for independent grocers.
This summit not only celebrated the achievements of the Black business community but also provided a platform for networking, learning, and growth.
