Investment Bootcamp

The BEA Investment Bootcamp is a tailored professional guidance and investor-readiness program that supports Black tech startup founders in Canada by preparing them to secure investment capital and scale their businesses.

Black Entrepreneurship Alliance

Overview of the Investment Bootcamp program:

The BEA Investment Bootcamp, powered by the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) and hosted by the DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, is a structured, 6-week intensive bootcamp focused on equipping Black tech startup founders with the knowledge, skills, and investor readiness required to raise capital. This program, situated within the Technology stream of BEA’s offerings, is specifically designed to reduce barriers Black entrepreneurs face when trying to access investment. Through this initiative, founders are engaged in workshops, mentorship opportunities, and investment pitch practices, all aimed at refining their business models, growth strategies, and fundraising approaches. The program further offers exposure to a network of investors and venture capitalists. Upon completion, selected founders may have the opportunity to pitch their businesses to investors, enhancing their chances of securing funding. It is a cohort-based, non-equity, no-cost program that takes place virtually, allowing national participation across Canada. The Bootcamp is part of a broader BEA initiative designed to foster long-term economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs through education, incubation, and investment support.

Benefits of the Investment Bootcamp program:

Intensive 6-week investor-readiness training
One-on-one mentorship with industry experts
Interactive workshops on pitching, valuations, and growth
Access to a network of investors and VCs
Feedback on pitch decks and business strategy
Virtual delivery, accessible to founders across Canada
No-cost, non-equity modelparticipants retain full ownership of their businesses
Exposure to investment opportunities post-bootcamp
Support tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black founders

Eligibility criteria of the Investment Bootcamp program:

Must be a Black-identifying founder or co-founder
Operate a tech or tech-enabled startup
Business must be incorporated in Canada
Founders must be actively working on the venture full-time or demonstrate high commitment
Ideally, startups are in the early-stage with a viable product or MVP
Open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Applicants should be prepared to participate in a 6-week virtual intensive