With venture capital funding plunging and Black founders historically facing greater challenges than others raising money, tech incubator programs in Canada are trying to help Black owned startups succeed. The objective of incubators like the Black Innovation Programs at Toronto Metropolitan University’s DMZ is to help Black-owned tech companies hone their ideas, find mentors, and connect with investors.
Dream Legacy Foundation and tech startups incubator DMZ have announced a new program to support Black founders looking to accelerate tech startup growth.
The DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs set to receive $1.2 million from Ontario government
The DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs (BIP) will receive $1.2 million from the Ontario government. These programs, which are now in their second year, are aimed at supporting Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned tech startups.
BIP offers a number of resources, including skills development workshops, sales and marketing training, mentorship, and dedicated workspaces. The government’s investment will be spread out over three years, providing $400,000 to the program each year.
“The more we see this type of government support, the closer we get to closing the equity gap in entrepreneurship.”