When I moved to Canada from Zambia 14 years ago, I felt lonely and cut off from my support system back home. This prompted me to start a network for like-minded women, When African Women Talk (WAWT), which celebrates different aspects of ourselves as Black women. Through the network, Black women from all over Canada can form bonds and build lasting relationships. It also offers various mentorship opportunities.

Networks like WAWT are especially important for Black women living in Canada that are entrepreneurs and professionals, as we often encounter distinct obstacles that can hinder our business growth and success. Limited access to capital and funding, reduced mentorship opportunities, bias, discrimination, and fewer advancement opportunities are a few of the key challenges we often face. The intersectionality of being both Black and a woman compounds these difficulties. Black women experience a unique blend of racial and gender-based discrimination that can affect their professional and personal lives. For instance, while women in general might struggle with gender bias in the workplace, Black women also have to navigate racial prejudice, which can further limit their opportunities and support systems.

Moreover, the lack of representation in leadership roles means that aspiring Black women professionals often have fewer role models and mentors who understand their specific challenges. This is why mentorship programs within networks like WAWT are crucial—they provide guidance and support tailored to our unique experiences.

Other challenges include cultural barriers, underrepresentation in leadership, and unconscious biases that limit access to partnerships, contracts, and growth opportunities. According to a 2023 Intuit Quickbooks report, 79% of Black business owners say they’ve experienced racism from a customer, with 48% reporting they’ve had a racist customer interaction at least once in the past year.

To build successful legacies, Black entrepreneurs and professionals have to display remarkable resilience and strength in the face of these systemic challenges. Here are some of the unique skills and strengths they bring to the table in their drive to flourish:

• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: High levels of empathy and emotional intelligence allow Black entrepreneurs to connect deeply with others, understand various perspectives, and navigate complex social dynamics gracefully.
  Brookings research shows that over 76% of Black women-owned businesses started because the founders wanted to help their communities. This is 15.5% higher than the average percentage for all businesses in the US.
• Vision and Strategic Thinking: Due to the myriad of challenges Black entrepreneurs face, they must have a strong sense of an overarching vision. This forces them to set clear goals, devise innovative strategies, and stay focused on long-term objectives regardless of present circumstances.
• Cultural Competence: Black professionals build authentic connections by leveraging their cultural understanding and nuances. Leveraging on the fact that they are intrinsically linked with their community at every level makes resonating with their target audience easier.
• Mentorship and Role Models: Most times, the lifecycle of Black entrepreneurs is vastly different from those of other races. Aside from the everyday challenges of starting and running a business, they’re uniquely plagued by the challenges of being part of a minority group.
  By seeking mentorship and learning from other Black role models who have overcome similar challenges, they gain valuable insights and advice on navigating the complexities of being a Black entrepreneur.
• Advocacy and Activism: Passionate advocates for social justice and equity, many Black entrepreneurs use their platforms to drive positive change and create opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Success stories help break the stigma that Black entrepreneurs are doomed to fail. With various examples of other successful Black professionals, burgeoning Black entrepreneurs can have the drive and confidence to build profitable solutions for their communities and the world. 

One of the best ways Black entrepreneurs have been able to overcome systemic challenges and achieve remarkable success is by building strong networks. Networking is a powerful tool for growth and success, as illustrated by these compelling case studies:

• Madam C.J. Walker: Madam Walker proved that a strong network can overcome any challenge. Born in 1867 on a plantation in Delta, Louisiana, to former slaves-turned-sharecropper parents, she had a hard upbringing. She was orphaned at age seven and became a single parent at the young age of 20 after her husband died.
  However, she didn’t let this stop her dreams. She leveraged her networks within Black women’s clubs and social circles to build a hair-care empire, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest self-made women in America in the early 20th century.
• Reginald F. Lewis: As the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, Reginald attributed much of his success to strategic partnerships, mentorship, and active participation in business associations. His knack for cultivating solid relationships allowed him to secure financing and expand his business internationally.
• Ursula Burns: Ursula was the first Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. She credits her rise to her networking skills and ability to build diverse relationships. Leveraging this ability, she was able to drive innovation and spearhead strategic initiatives while inspiring a new generation of Black professionals.
• Daymond John: Founder of FUBU and “Shark Tank” investor, he utilized effective networking within the fashion industry and beyond to grow his clothing line into a multimillion-dollar business.

These stories demonstrate how strategic networking can create opportunities, overcome obstacles, and achieve remarkable success.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the Black titans of industry who have utilized networking and mentorship to drive growth, here are some of the strategies Black entrepreneurs can employ to forge impactful partnerships and alliances:

• Attending Networking Events and Industry Conferences: These events provide valuable opportunities to meet potential partners and collaborators from within and outside the Black business community.
• Joining Business Associations and Organizations: These business groups focus on supporting Black entrepreneurs with networking, mentorship, and access to resources. Organizations like When African Women Talk and Black Canadian Women In Action are great places to get started.
• Strategic Alliances with Corporations: Exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or supplier diversity programs can position Black entrepreneurs as valuable partners for corporations seeking innovative solutions.
• Engaging with Government Agencies: Black entrepreneurs can participate in government initiatives, advocacy rights, and business development programs to enhance their visibility and impact.
• Collaborating with Educational Institutions: Partnering with universities and colleges can provide access to talent, resources, and expertise. Institutions like Afroquiz also help keep your children occupied while learning more about Black history.
• Seeking Mentorship and Guidance: Engaging with experienced leaders and industry experts can provide valuable insights and support.

By building a system of collaboration between Black-owned businesses, corporate partners, government agencies, and nonprofits, Black entrepreneurs get access to a broader array of funding, expertise, networks, and technologies. They also learn from the experiences of their peers to improve their decision-making and reach new markets.

In particular, by working together, they can amplify their voices toward advocacy efforts that promote Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Nowadays, technology has made mentorship and networking events more accessible than ever. Some of the ways in which technology has fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among Black entrepreneurs and professionals are:

• Increased Access: Connecting individuals globally through virtual events and online forums.
• Personalized Connections: Through technology, entrepreneurs and professionals can find mentors best suited to their needs and goals. AI-driven platforms can also match individuals based on industry, skill, and interests.
• Efficient Communication: Instant communication through platforms like video conferencing software, messaging apps, and social media fosters quick knowledge exchange and collaboration.
• Resource Sharing: Online platforms host educational resources and tools.
• Global Reach: Black entrepreneurs no longer need to be limited to their immediate environment. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow these Black businesses to reach markets worldwide.

Other ways that Black entrepreneurs can use advancements in technology to amplify networking, mentorship, and collaboration include the creation of:

• Online Networking Platforms: Tailored platforms for connecting Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
• Virtual Mentorship Programs: Pairing experienced professionals with aspiring individuals through video calls and online chats.
• Digital Skill Development: Providing access to online learning platforms for skill development.
• Collaborative Tools: Facilitating remote collaboration through project management and cloud-based services.
• Tech Incubators and Accelerators: Supporting Black entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and resources.

A great example of how networking can lead to the growth of the Black community is the When African Women Talk events. Relationships formed within WAWT have been instrumental in building a robust and influential brand, leveraging diverse skills, experiences, and access that different members provide. 

It is founded on the principles and values of Ubuntu; I am because you are.  These partnerships within WAWT have deepened its impact, expanded its reach, and solidified its position as a leading advocate for Black women’s empowerment.

The Black community has shown remarkable growth over the past two decades, and the future looks bright if mentorship and networking are adequately leveraged. Some ways these obstacles can be overcome include the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), targeted support programs, and fostering an equitable business environment that values the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and professionals.

By integrating mentorship and networking effectively, the Black community can continue its upward trajectory, inspiring future generations and forging a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.