Applications for our BUILD program are open!
If you are a Black entrepreneur in Atlantic Canada who…
- has a Minimal Viable Product (MVP) or initial product or service in place
- needs additional, specialized or in-depth resources to fortify your business and revenue goals
- has identified your customer base, and you require hands-on opportunities to put your business model into practice
The BUILD program is for you!
What is the Black Start-Up Project?
Tribe Network’s Black Start-Up Project is a unique program to provide Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Atlantic Canada with access to services and opportunities in the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem to help START, BUILD and ACCELERATE their business. This program provides Black entrepreneurs and business owners in Atlantic Canada with access to education and training, access to capital, mentorship & coaching and opportunities in the entrepreneurship & innovation ecosystem. We currently have over 280 Black entrepreneurs registered across Atlantic Canada!
All entrepreneurs have different needs. Our various streams will help entrepreneurs access supports relevant to the industry and stage they’re at.
START
For aspiring entrepreneurs or early-stage founders with an entrepreneurial ambition and/or potential scalable product or service idea for a target market.
Access expert-led workshops and resources to help you start your business.
What can the BUILD program do for me?
The program delivers education and workshops tailored to Black entrepreneurs, including live sessions delivered by successful Black leaders, experts and entrepreneurs and dedicated support from our Black Start-Up Services lead.
BUILD also includes well-being support tailored to Black entrepreneurs to help you build a network of peers facing similar challenges. Access workshops, resources and accountability systems within the BUILD program to help you elevate your entrepreneurial journey and prosper.
Applicants accepted into the BUILD cohort will have access to expert consultants and service providers as well as financial support to hire expert help and address key areas of business development and growth.
By the end of the BUILD program, you'll…
Gain a holistic approach to entrepreneurship
Complete a marketing plan and PR strategy to share the word about your awesome business
Understand product-market fit and build customer-centric products
Deliver a clear, persuasive pitch that will convince your investors and community to support your business
Know how to build an effective team of experts to help you develop your business
Gain skills to avoid burnout and stay on top of your mental health
Be ready for tax season by understanding your business finances and bookkeeping
Expand your network of professionals to help you achieve your business goals
Refine your financial model and pricing strategy to increase profitability
Be investment ready and confident in writing winning grant proposals
Access all our learning content online.
Did you miss a workshop? Our online learning platform houses workshop recordings and activities to help you put your new skills into practice. FYI, you don’t need to be part of the BUILD cohort to access online content!
Access tailored resources, wraparound services, and funding.
Applicants accepted into the BUILD cohort will have one-on-one access to expert consultants and service providers. Tailored resources and wraparound services like drop-in mentor hours, grant writing support, and funder introductions will help you tackle your business challenges.
We will also assist eligible Black entrepreneurs and businesses in financial support to hire expert help to address key areas of business development and growth. Our review committee will review all requests for funding and assess the allotment of funds.
To be eligible for the BUILD cohort, applicants must submit an application and needs assessment.
Am I eligible?
General Access to Workshops
Any Black business owners or entrepreneurs can attend BUILD workshops and access resources provided by our workshop facilitators. If you miss a workshop, you can check out the recording and resources in our online course (coming soon!). Small group mentorship is available as well.
BUILD Cohort
The 12-week BUILD program includes a virtual cohort-based program and a unique network of Black founders and business owners who aspire to create a legacy and community impact through their businesses.
In order to be eligible for the BUILD cohort, applicants must submit an application and needs assessment review.
Review all eligibility requirements below.
- Participants must have maintained legal status (previously ‘implied status’) in Canada
- Participants must be based in Atlantic Canada
- Participants must self-identify as a Black person
- Businesses must be 33% or more Black-owned
- Participants must
- have an MVP; OR
- have traction (user testing/beta); OR
- have generated more than $2000; OR
- have evidence of market demand for their solution
What You Can Expect
Bi-weekly workshops led by industry experts
We host expert-led intensive workshops and training sessions on topics essential to growing your business. Stay tuned for more details on facilitators who will be joining us over the 12-week BUILD program!
Mentorship from Black entrepreneurs
Dive deeper into specific business problems with our Black expert mentors. Mentors with lived experience will support you with your business development and obstacles, build accountability, and provide encouragement.
Peer-to-peer networking sessions
Connect with other program participants in a safe and confidential space to discuss any questions you may have pertaining to entrepreneurship, your business idea, training, course content and more.
Burnout and Wellness Sessions
Connect bi-weekly with practitioners in the wellness industry to learn strategies for supporting your mental health and mitigating burnout. Gain access to tactics to manage stress and increase prosperity and joy as a Black founder.