Recap of the 2025 BEKH Capstone Conference
The conference opened with remarks from Dr. Gerald Grant (BEKH Co-Lead), followed by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, who praised BEKH’s national research leadership. Isaac Olowolafe (Dream Legacy Foundation) closed the session, stressing the urgent need for institutional data in the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Dr. Muna Osman presented the National Quantitative Study results for the first time, sparking discussion on supporting the long-term success of Black entrepreneurs. A panel followed, featuring Janice Bartley (Foodpreneur), Efosa Obano (Black Founders Network), and Jeanne Lehman (BCW in Action), who shared their perspectives on the findings.
After lunch, Dr. Jared Wesley, joined by Central Hub researchers Dr. Eyene Okpanachi and Somtochukwu Ezeigwe Celestine, presented findings from the Qualitative Survey. Their presentation highlighted the diverse identities of Black entrepreneurs in Canada, underscoring a key takeaway: effective policies must be tailored—there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Day one concluded with breakout sessions showcasing research from the six BEKH Hubs, including the ASE Foundation, the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT), and the University of Sherbrooke. This was followed by a networking dinner, where the evening culminated in a shared meal and continued conversation.
On day two, Carleton University President Wisdom Tettey delivered welcoming remarks, expressing strong support for BEKH and the broader ecosystem. He applauded the hub’s remarkable achievements in such a short time.
The highlight of the second day was the launch of the network map, BEEM, presented by Deborah Allotey and Dr. Peter Pulsifer. The launch was met with applause and enthusiasm. Presentations from partner organizations in collaboration with the BEEM followed, including The Black Health Professionals Network (BHPN), Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
Moderated by Melissa Ellis, CEO of Nobellum, a panel featuring Jonah Chininga (Woveo), Aronke Emmanuel (Nigerian Moms of Ontario) and John Nelson
(Carleton University's Sprott School of Business Innovation Centre), discussed how network maps could unlock and advance shared prosperity within the ecosystem.
The afternoon segment included a $10,000 DLF Thrivewell pitch competition, followed by a strategic planning session on the development of Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in Canada.