About Black Buildup
Our Story, Mission, and Vision
Our Story
Founded in 2020, Black Buildup emerged as a strategic response to systemic inequities affecting Black, Francophone, and newcomer communities—particularly barriers to funding, organizational capacity, leadership development, and economic participation.
What began as grassroots advocacy has grown into a respected nonprofit institution working with governments, financial institutions, businesses, and community organizations across British Columbia and Western Canada.
Founded in 2020, Black Buildup emerged as a strategic response to systemic inequities affecting Black, Francophone, and newcomer communities—particularly barriers to funding, organizational capacity, leadership development, and economic participation.
What began as grassroots advocacy has grown into a respected nonprofit institution working with governments, financial institutions, businesses, and community organizations across British Columbia and Western Canada.
Our Mission
To empower Black-led and Black-serving organizations in British Columbia through comprehensive training, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem development—driving inclusive business growth, job creation, and social change.
Our Vision
A vibrant, self-sustaining Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in BC and Western Canada: innovative, interconnected, and community-driven, where every Black business has access to capital, markets, and support.
The Magnitude Of Change
Excerpts
Voices Of Change
The grant writing workshop conducted by Mr Bougep was educative and eye opening. I did not realise how many opprtunities I have missed because I wasn't aware on the right approach to grants.
This program transformed how I approach leadership. The skills I gained have helped me build stronger partnerships and create real change in my neighborhood.
Through this program, I learned to see my business as a community asset. We’ve since created jobs and partnerships that strengthen our entire distinct.
Leadership & Governance
OVERVIEW
Black Buildup designs and delivers integrated programs and large-scale initiatives that translate vision into measurable outcomes. Our work strengthens enterprises, builds leadership pipelines, invests in youth, and reinforces the cultural and economic infrastructure of Black and racialized communities.
Board Of Board of Directors
Meet our Board of Directors
Leadership
Meet our team
Events
The Professional Board & Governance Institute
Black Youth Civic Leadership Fellowship
Community Research & Data
Market Expansion & Networking
Capital Mobilization & Access
Export & Market Access
Canada Learning Bond Initiative
Supporting Black and newcomer families to access education savings, financial literacy, and long-term economic security for children. The initiative focuses on awareness and hands-on support to help families open Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) and secure funding for their children’s future education.
Culture & Community Leadership
Culture plays an important role in strengthening leadership, cohesion, and resilience within communities. Black Buildup supports cultural and community-led initiatives that create spaces for belonging, shared identity, and collective growth through financial contributions, strategic guidance, and direct participation.
Organizations supported include:
- Nigerian Association of British Columbia
- Cameroonian Association of British Columbia
- Swahili Vision
- Smartkidz Heritage Foundation
- AmEnough Society
- Blizzard Basketball North
- Nuru Training Academy
- Metro Vancouver Black Business Expo