SettleEase Canada Foundation is dedicated to fostering economic empowerment within Black communities. The Black Incubator Business Initiative (BIBI) is a specialized program designed to nurture and support Black entrepreneurs in the crucial early stages of their business ventures.
Have you ever been stuck on a plateau in your business or how to start one? You’re not achieving the desired results but have the sense that there’s more to be achieved. That’s where BIBI comes in.
Combined with our team extensive experience, BIBI provides a focused incubation stream for Black-owned new and startup businesses from 0 to 3 years old. We understand the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs and are committed to providing the resources, guidance, and community support needed to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable success.
BIBI provides a structured architecture and program that combines essential business development resources with tailored mentorship and guidance. Eligible business owners have access to our workshops and training sessions on topics critical to business success, such as business planning, financial management, marketing, sales, expansion, scaling and legal considerations.
Mentorship is crucial for entrepreneurial success. BIBI connects Black entrepreneurs with experienced business mentors who provide personalized guidance, advice, support, and valuable industry insights. Our business mentors across Canada commits to helping their mentees succeed in business.
BIBI opens a world of opportunities for you by helping you build those valuable connections with other Black entrepreneurs, potential investors, and industry professionals through networking events and workshops.
The BIBI Initiative doesn’t provide a one-size-fits-all business approach. That’s why we work closely with you and your business providing access to essential resources, including co-working spaces, funding opportunities, and innovative business tools.
Core Focus Areas
BIBI is designed to empower Black entrepreneurs through a comprehensive incubation model that supports business growth, innovation, and long‑term sustainability. Our core focus areas include:
- Entrepreneurship Development: Training, mentorship, and coaching for early‑stage and growth‑stage Black‑led businesses.
- Business Incubation: Structured support to help entrepreneurs refine their business models, strengthen operations, and build market‑ready ventures.
- Innovation & Capacity Building: Tools and resources that foster creativity, problem‑solving, and competitive advantage.
- Market & Export Readiness: Support for entrepreneurs seeking to access new markets, including domestic and international trade opportunities.
- Economic Empowerment: Advancing economic participation and prosperity within Black communities through business ownership and leadership.
Sector Pathways
To remain responsive to emerging opportunities and diverse entrepreneurial interests, BIBI supports Black‑led ventures across multiple sectors. These pathways allow entrepreneurs to access specialized resources while benefiting from the strength of the core incubation model.
BIBI currently supports entrepreneurs in the following sectors:
- Agri‑Food & Food Processing
Supporting Black farmers, food producers, and agri‑food entrepreneurs with business development, market access, and export readiness. - Technology & Digital Innovation
Empowering tech founders and digital creators building solutions for local and global markets. - Retail, Services & Consumer Products
Supporting entrepreneurs in retail, personal services, and product‑based businesses. - Creative, Cultural & Social Enterprises
Strengthening ventures in arts, culture, media, and community‑driven innovation. - Trade & Export‑Ready Businesses
Helping Black‑led businesses explore and access international markets through training, partnerships, and market development initiatives.
Are you an aspiring Black Entrepreneurs or an early-stage Black-Owned Business in operation for 0 to 3 years looking to grow and scale your operations? Then BIBI is designed for you.