The Black Innovation Connections program is a 3-month, track-based coaching program that puts high-potential Black founders on the fast track to success and prepares them for the DMZ Incubator. Much like the Incubator, this program is customized to meet each founder’s unique needs. Connections also provides founders with an added layer of support to address the additional business barriers that Black-owned companies often face.
“There are only 2000 Black-owned businesses of significant scale “
-Toronto Global
Black entrepreneurs encounter steep challenges when starting and growing a business. Some of these challenges include little to no funding to get a new business started and a lack of access to publicly recognized role models.
Gain access to capital, $5,000 towards your business
Gain top of the line training in sales, product development, legal and finance, growth and HR
Connect with other businesses, investors and mentors
Launch and scale your business in Canada
Networking Opportunities
Eligibility
About Your Eligibility
We are seeking self-identifying Black tech founders who are looking for mentorship on attracting talent, establishing product-market fit, fundraising, and locking in their first sales. Successful candidates will possess an entrepreneurial mindset as well as a commitment to learning more. Please review our Application Page or contact us at info@dreamlegacy.org
Identity
Must identify as Black
Must be Canadian living in the Southern Ontario region
Founder and Startup Qualifications
Startups should have a tech solution with a unique value proposition
Startups should have an MVP that is in-market with pilot, paid users, customers and partners
Startups should have a team with at least 1 full-time founder, and it’s a bonus if the company has a Black woman founder
Startup must have an in-house tech team
Intense Schedule
The time commitment during the program is between 5 to 10 hours per week, for 3 months.
Participants must be able to commit to this schedule for the duration of the program.
Mandatory class attendance is required for this program – attendance will be taken.
Bi-weekly mandatory mentorship and coaching sessions from industry experts, Experts-in-Residence (EiRs).
Mandatory pitch hours to help refine your pitch.
Bi-weekly support from a Program Lead to help you track your progress throughout the program.
Computer Requirements
All training sessions will be held online over Zoom. Participants must have a stable internet connection and have access to their own desktop computer or laptop.
Application Process
The DLF and DMZ carefully screen each application to ensure that participants are ready to take on the track-based coaching program. Each application is reviewed by the DLF and DMZ team to determine potential program fit.
Think you have what it takes? Read below to understand the application process and how each participant will be evaluated.
Application Steps
Initial Application
Fill out the initial application form through our online submission process, providing all the necessary information.
Assessment
Complete video assignment and online assessment
Screening
Promising applications will be invited for a follow-up screening, where they are offered the opportunity to pitch their business.
DMZ Programs staff will review each submitted application to determine potential program fit. Applications are given a score based on the program selection criteria and applied to the rubric.
The 40 applications with the best scores will be invited to pitch in-person as a next step.
References
Once the initial screening is completed, we require companies to provide details for at least one customer reference before being provided with a pitch date.
Acceptance
Following successful due diligence, companies are sent an acceptance letter inviting them to join the program. After this point, if the company accepts, the onboarding process begins.
Apply Now
Kickstart your business now!
Dream Legacy Foundation is here to help you bring your dreams to life with the support of mentors, access to funding and coaching!
- Eligibility to the program
- Understanding the application requirements and process
- Check out the Dream Legacy Foundation here
Interested in learning more? We invite you to unlock your potential and connect with us!
Dream Legacy Foundation will be hosting a series of information sessions and we are inviting you to join us. Our program is a 3-month intensive training program designed to help give you the resources you need to scale your business. If you are an interested founder, the sessions will provide you with specific details about the program and will allow you to meet the team!
Program Partners
The DMZ is Toronto Metropolitan University’s business incubator for early-stage technology startups. The incubator was launched under the name Digital Media Zone in April 2010, a year after then-president Sheldon Levy announced his intention to make digital media a top priority for the university.
Our vision is to create a business ecosystem that is more inclusive, from a portfolio perspective – through a wider number of black-led companies receiving catalytic funding, and from an investors perspective – through a wider number of young black professionals trained to become investment managers.
This program is brought to you by: Black Entrepreneurship
Program Ecosystem Fund
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, or wish to learn more about the Dream Legacy Foundation, please reach out to the team:
Info@dreamlegacy.org
Our Partners
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