The Recognition Gala of Black Entrepreneurs of Quebec

Montreal – It was in a vibrant and pride-filled atmosphere that the very first Gala of the Afro-Entrepreneur Fund was held, a major event that highlighted the successes and growing impact of entrepreneurs from Quebec’s Black communities.

The evening, organized around recognition and celebration, brought together a wide range of actors: entrepreneurs, organizations, investors, and community leaders. All shared a common goal: to demonstrate that Black entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of innovation, resilience, and social change.

The Afro-Entrepreneur Fund did not appear by chance. As one of the founders recalled, this initiative was born from a needs analysis carried out as early as 2005, when Quebec’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Immigration mandated a working group to identify the necessary measures to support entrepreneurship in Black communities.

“This fund is the direct response to a call from the community, which wanted concrete tools to build, innovate, and prosper,” he emphasized.

On stage, the award-winning laureates reflected the diversity of fields in which Black entrepreneurs excel: technology, arts, culture, commerce, and social innovation.

“Our community is full of talent. Tonight, we saw entrepreneurs, but tomorrow there will be scientists, artists, innovators,” said one speaker, stressing the importance of encouraging young people to explore and innovate from an early age.

Among the highlights of the evening, the testimonies of the award-winning entrepreneurs left a strong impression.

A leader of an artificial intelligence start-up delivered an inspiring message:

“Your limits are not those set by others, but those you set for yourself. Surround yourself well, accept to ask for help, and know how to delegate. That is how you go far.”

His journey, from unpaid intern to human resources director, and today CEO of a company with 50 employees in Canada, Africa, and Europe, illustrates the strength of role models and the importance of believing in one’s dreams.

For his part, a laureate in the financial sector emphasized the necessity of daring:

“A dream without action is worth nothing. You must plan, of course, but above all, take action.”

The gala also highlighted the role of partner institutions. The regional director of Evol Montreal, an investment and support organization, recalled the importance of joining forces:

“We have been working with the Afro-Entrepreneur Fund for a long time. Tonight is the celebration of the hard work of women and men who are building the future. We are here to support them and give them the means to succeed.”

For the organizers, this first edition represents much more than a gala: it is the culmination of fifteen years of effort.

“Seeing these entrepreneurs in the spotlight is an immense pride. The road is still long, but we are moving forward with determination. Tonight, we proved that our community is capable of reaching great heights,” declared one of the organizers with emotion.

In conclusion, the evening resonated with the same message, repeated by several laureates: “It is possible.”

Possible to build, to innovate, to create wealth, and to have a lasting impact on Quebec society and beyond.

The first Gala of the Afro-Entrepreneur Fund thus stands as an inspiring showcase for future generations and an invitation to believe in the collective strength of Black communities.