Black Business Summit Calgary 2026
About this Event
Build. Fund. Scale. Protect.
The Black Business Summit (BBS) is a premier, one-day event designed exclusively for Black immigrant business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Calgary and across Alberta. On September 19, 2026, 100 visionary entrepreneurs will come together for an immersive experience that goes beyond inspiration — delivering real frameworks, real funding pathways, and real connections to build sustainable, thriving businesses in Canada.
We understand that starting and growing a business as a Black immigrant comes with unique challenges — from navigating an unfamiliar regulatory landscape to overcoming systemic barriers, from securing funding without established Canadian credit history to building visibility in competitive markets. The BBS was created to address these challenges head-on, providing the knowledge, tools, and community that every Black entrepreneur deserves.
Our Mission
To equip Black immigrant entrepreneurs with the business frameworks, financial literacy, funding access, digital visibility, and technology tools needed to build resilient, scalable businesses — and to create a powerful network of peers who rise together.
Our Promise
Every attendee will leave with a clearer business strategy, at least three actionable next steps they can implement immediately, direct connections to funding resources, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs committed to mutual growth.
Summit Flow
- Opening & Welcome — Setting the tone and community connection
- Keynote Address — Inspiration from a leading Black entrepreneur
- Track Sessions — Panels across all five content tracks
- Interactive Q&A — Direct access to experts and panelists
- Networking Reception — 2 hours of structured and organic networking with peers, mentors, and resource providers
STAY TUNED AS WE ANNOUNCE OUR DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTE SPEAKER & TALENTED PANELLISTS & WORKSHOP HOSTS!
What topics will be covered?
The summit is built around five critical content tracks designed for the lived realities of Black immigrant entrepreneurs:
- Business Framework: Building investor-ready business plans, feasibility studies, and self-sustaining models.
- Finance: Demystifying Canadian business taxation, compliance, bookkeeping, and building business credit.
- Visibility & Branding: Digital marketing essentials (SEO, social media, Google Business) and building a strong brand identity.
- Funding: Navigating Alberta and federal grants, microloans, angel investments, and writing winning proposals.
- Cybersecurity & AI: Protecting customer data from cyber threats and leveraging AI tools to automate and optimize your workflow.
The momentum starts now! Join the conversation and start connecting with fellow attendees online using our official hashtags: #BlackBusinessSummit #BBS2026 #BuildFundScaleProtect.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctdi_council/
Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connecting-the-dots-diversity-inclusion-council/
Visit our Website: https://www.cddic.ca/
If you have any questions, need to update your registration information, or require specific accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team at [email protected]. We cannot wait to see you there.
Content Disclaimer: The information, frameworks, and insights shared during the summit tracks—including financial, legal, and business funding advice—are for educational and informational purposes only. Attendance does not constitute professional consulting, legal, or financial advice. Attendees are encouraged to do their own due diligence before entering into any business or financial agreements.
GET INVOLVED!
We are actively looking for passionate individuals and businesses to help us make this transformative day a reality. Here is how you can join the movement:
🛍️ Become a Vendor
Your business deserves to be seen, chosen, and remembered. If you have a product or service that our community needs to see, we invite you to showcase your brand.
Vendor Application Form - https://forms.gle/gNKLuPtQhrFgSKUg7
🤝 Join the Volunteer Team
It takes a village to build a self-sustaining business model and a thriving community. We are building a dedicated team to support the summit's keynote presentations, panel sessions, and networking reception. Volunteer Application Form - https://www.volunteerconnector.org/calgary/connecting-the-dots-diversity-and-inclusion-council/volunteer-coordinator-calgary-black-business-summit
Agenda
Opening & Welcome
Info: Setting the tone and community connection
Keynote Address
Info: Inspiration and insights from a leading Black entrepreneur.
Track Sessions
Info: Deep-dive panels covering our core business pillars.
Interactive Q&A
Info: Direct access to hand-picked experts and panelists.
Networking Reception
Info: Two hours of structured and organic networking with peers, mentors, and resource providers.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
