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IDEA Mississauga Awarded Federal Grant to Empower Black Entrepreneurs

Written by Cat Radio UK on September 5, 2025

Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund to support inclusive business growth across Southern Ontario

MISSISSAUGA, ON — IDEA Mississauga has been selected as a recipient of the Federal Government’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund, securing $60,000 to strengthen its Step-Up Program, which provides hands-on support to Black-led and inclusive businesses in the Greater Toronto Area.

The announcement was made alongside project partners Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), York University’s YSpace, and Black Creek Community Health Centre, who together will share in a broader $2.4 million funding initiative aimed at boosting innovative, diverse startups across Southern Ontario.

The grant supports a collaborative effort to break down barriers for Black entrepreneurs through mentorship, advisory services, community events, and grassroots development. The Step-Up Program is a six-month intensive accelerator tailored to underrepresented founders and has already helped numerous Mississauga businesses expand their operations and create social impact.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure to announce an investment of $2.4M on behalf of Min. @EvanLSolomon to expand the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance initiative. BEA is helping Black entrepreneurs to build successful companies through curated programs, partnerships, and innovative tools pic.twitter.com/WQFDLskBLM

— Judy Sgro (@honjudysgro) September 4, 2025

“IDEA Mississauga is proud to be a recipient of the Federal Government’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund,” said Christina Kakaflikas, Director of Invest Mississauga. “This grant is a step forward in our work to empower Black entrepreneurs and help address the unique challenges they face, while also supporting them in reaching their full potential.”

The collaboration builds on the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance’s successful track record. Previously funded through the Black Entrepreneurship Fund, BEA supported 136 ventures, 75% of which were women-led, helping them generate over $46 million in revenue, raise $7.3 million in external funding, and create nearly 1,000 jobs.

“Partnering with IDEA Mississauga presents an exciting opportunity to expand our impact,” said Olu Villasa, Manager of BEA. “Together, we can create inclusive pathways for innovation, scale diverse businesses, and strengthen regional economic development.”

Regional Reach and Long-Term Vision

With this new round of support, BEA and IDEA Mississauga will scale efforts to reach over 200 Black-led startups. The initiative aims to cultivate new intellectual property, commercialization strategies, and innovation in areas such as technology, consumer packaged goods, and community-based services.

It also prioritizes leadership development within Black communities, strengthening the pipeline of talent and ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and far-reaching.

About the Partners

IDEA Mississauga, powered by Invest Mississauga, is a regional innovation hub connecting entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and resources to scale their ideas from startup to commercial success. Its Step-Up Program has been a vital component in removing systemic barriers for diverse founders.

The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) was founded to serve Black and underrepresented entrepreneurs in the Jane and Finch area. It has since expanded its programming across the Greater Toronto Area, offering business bootcamps, venture support, and community building.

York University’s YSpace and Black Creek Community Health Centre bring academic innovation and community wellness into the fold, helping bridge gaps between institutions, entrepreneurs, and residents.

This announcement reinforces the growing momentum behind equity-focused innovation and the role that municipalities like Mississauga are playing in creating a more just and opportunity-rich economy.

Learn More

Follow Vision Newspaper for more economic and innovation news from the diaspora.

The post IDEA Mississauga Awarded Federal Grant to Empower Black Entrepreneurs appeared first on Vision Newspaper.

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