Sheridan EDGE and Afro-Caribbean Business Network launch applications for second cohort of Black Founders in Clean Technology

Sheridan EDGE Entrepreneurship Hub and the Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN) are excited to open applications for the second cohort of Black Founders in Clean Technology (BFIC). This first-of-its-kind certificate program, led by Black instructors and industry experts and supported by Sheridan's Pilon School of Business and Sheridan Continuing and Professional Studies, will take place from September 18 to November 20, 2024.

Upon completion of the program, participants will have examined existing business ideas within the cleantech industry, reviewed the market potential of their start-up ideas, crafted compelling value propositions and developed connections that sustain continued personal and professional growth.

The program will be conducted primarily in a virtual format, with in-person components hosted at Sheridan’s EDGE Entrepreneurship Hub, located at the Davis campus in Brampton. There are 15 spaces available in this cohort, so early registration is encouraged to secure a spot. Register for the Black Founders in Clean Technology program.

The development of Black Founders in Clean Technology followed a 2022 labour market study conducted by ACBN that revealed a significant underrepresentation of Black entrepreneurs in the cleantech sector. "Black Founders in Clean Technology is designed to integrate African and Black ways of learning, sharing and building community, the philosophies of Ubuntu – I am because you are and other Afrocentric and non-traditional approaches to learning," said Sheridan Professor and BFIC Course Instructor Shereen Ashman. "We deliver the program in a learning environment that honours the cultural and personal experiences of Black students and work to build their business networks through connection with Black industry experts in the cleantech sector.”

“One of the things I loved about this program was that I was in the program with other Black entrepreneurs,” said Renee Smith, program participant and co-founder of Hussey Logistics. “Being around your group in the community made a huge difference in my getting a lot from this program. I didn’t realize how the logistics industry impacts the environment, so building a cleantech company is going to give us an edge in our industry. I recommend any Black entrepreneur be part of this program.”

See last year’s cohort of Black Founders in Cleantech receive their certificates.

About Afro Caribbean Business Network (ACBN)

Founded in 2018, ACBN works to unify and educate Black entrepreneurs in its network of more than 3000 businesses. ACBN has cultivated a community for Black business owners where they can cross-promote their products and services to build their ventures and participate in relevant business and personal growth workshops. Visit https://acbncanada.com.

About Sheridan EDGE

EDGE is a vibrant community of people who believe entrepreneurship can create lasting change in society. It’s also a hub for impact entrepreneurs to grow their ventures, collaborate and develop new skills. At EDGE, impact entrepreneurs, talented students, experienced faculty and like-minded community and industry collaborators work together to amplify social and economic impact. EDGE is an integral part of Generator at Sheridan, where people work together across disciplines and sectors to spark ideas and advance solutions that really matter. Visit https://edge.sheridancollege.ca.

— Pictured in body photo, Hussey Logistics co-founder Renee Smith (second from left) receives her certificate of completion from (from left) EDGE Director Renee Devereaux, Sheridan professor Shereen Ashman, ACBN co-founder and Executive Director Ryan Knight, and former Sheridan Associate Dean Johanne Hayes at the end of last year's inaugural cohort.