Every day, Black entrepreneurs innovate, create, and inspire. From groundbreaking technologies to revolutionary designs, their contributions are reshaping industries. Yet, without intellectual property (IP) protections, these innovations remain vulnerable—replicated, underfunded, or forgotten. According to Statistics Canada, only 18.2% of Canadian businesses own any form of IP, a gap that disproportionately affects Black-owned businesses. At BIPOC Foundation, we’re working to change this narrative.
What is Intellectual Property, and Why Does It Matter?
Intellectual Property refers to legal protections for creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brands, and artistic works. For example:
- Patents protect innovative products or processes, like new technology or manufacturing methods.
- Trademarks secure brand identity, including names, logos, and slogans.
- Copyrights shield creative works like books, music, or films.
- Trade secrets safeguard confidential business strategies, recipes, or processes.
Imagine a Black-owned tech startup patenting a groundbreaking app or a fashion entrepreneur trademarking their logo. These protections not only safeguard their creations but also signal credibility to investors and open doors to global opportunities.
What’s at Stake
Without IP protections, businesses risk losing market share, scaling opportunities, and investor confidence. Black entrepreneurs face unique hurdles in this area, including:
- Awareness gaps: Many don’t realize their innovations qualify for IP protection.
- Financial hurdles: The costs of securing IP can be prohibitive.
- Systemic inequities: Limited access to networks, funding, and resources.
Take the example of a Black entrepreneur in fashion. Without trademark protection, their innovative designs were copied by competitors, costing them not only revenue but also their ability to scale globally. As noted by Hugh Stephens’ Blog, the cost of protecting IP is a significant obstacle for many small businesses, making it harder for underrepresented entrepreneurs to compete.
Turning Barriers into Opportunities
Despite these challenges, IP offers immense potential for Black-owned businesses to:
- Build brand equity and establish competitive advantages.
- Attract investors with strong IP portfolios that signal innovation and credibility.
- Expand globally, especially in emerging industries like green innovation, tech, and the creative arts.
For example, a Black renewable energy entrepreneur could patent a sustainable innovation, opening doors to licensing deals and international partnerships. Meanwhile, artists and creatives can monetize their work through copyrights, creating sustainable income streams.
How Elevate IP is Changing the Game
Building on the National Intellectual Property Strategy launched in 2018, the Government of Canada is furthering its support for Canadian startups through the creation of ElevateIP, a national program under Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. Across Canada, ElevateIP recipients include:
- Innovate Calgary & Economic Development Lethbridge (Alberta).
- Ecosystem partners, including BIPOC Foundation, Catapult, The51, and Indigitech, RINSA
- Springboard Atlantic Inc. (Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI).
- Mouvement des accélérateurs d’innovation du Québec (MAIN) (Québec).
- Communitech Corporation & Northforge (Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
- New Ventures BC Society (British Columbia, Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories).
The BIPOC Founders Hub (formerly Black Founders Hub) and the LIFT Program are accelerator initiatives that play a critical role in supporting the ElevateIP program. ElevateIP is specifically designed to provide entrepreneurs with tailored resources, mentorship, and IP funding opportunities to strengthen their businesses.
Through our monthly ElevateIP Information Sessions, BIPOC Foundation has helped create awareness for over 300 entrepreneurs, equipping them with knowledge about IP protections, the various forms of IP, and available funding opportunities. These sessions have empowered participants to take strategic steps in securing their intellectual property and scaling their businesses globally.
One remarkable success story is from TheBraGirl, an entrepreneur who participated in ElevateIP:
“I recently started to explore intellectual property through ElevateIP, and I chose BIPOC Foundation as the core ecosystem partner for my journey. The support I received from BIPOC Foundation and the BIPOC Founders Hub helped uplevel my business. I feel more empowered to progress my business forward because of my participation. It was an intense 10-week program, but I’m thrilled to be coming out of it with new strategies and building blocks for the next level. Through this process, I secured a grant for my IP strategy, which is amazing. The advisors at BIPOC Foundation are receptive, helpful, productive, and reliable. They’re patient and truly handhold you through the process, and this supportive environment has been one of the most enjoyable parts of working with them.”
This inspiring testimonial underscores the transformative power of the ElevateIP program, especially when paired with BIPOC Foundation’s hands-on support. Entrepreneurs like TheBraGirl are not only achieving success but also building scalable, sustainable businesses grounded in strong IP foundations.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, BIPOC Foundation is expanding its partnership network in 2025 to empower more Black entrepreneurs in emerging industries like green tech and AI. By bridging the IP equity gap, we aim to foster an inclusive innovation ecosystem where Black businesses thrive.
Protect Your Ideas, Build Your Legacy
If you’re a Black entrepreneur, now is the time to take action:
- Visit bipocfoundation.org/ip-program to explore Elevate IP resources.
- Join our workshops to gain IP knowledge and create a protection strategy.
- Apply for funding support to cover the costs of securing IP rights.
To our partners and industry leaders: Supporting IP equity for Black entrepreneurs is a shared responsibility. By investing in education and resources, we can create a future where underrepresented innovators build wealth, scale globally, and leave lasting legacies.
