The Importance of Networking & Mentorship for Black Entrepreneurs

Networking, mentoring, and coaching were identified as critical to supporting the success and resilience of Black entrepreneurs. When we asked registrants what a coach or mentor could help them with, the range of supports identified highlight how these support networks touch every aspect of an entrepreneur’s journey.

It’s hard to be an entrepreneur alone but having someone that will provide you with the guidance and wisdom to help bring the vision to life is very crucial.

Participants in North Preston, NS, share their group’s thoughts on networking and mentorship.

Tribe Network

What we heard

We asked entrepreneurs to identify the top challenges they face in networking and mentoring. Here's what they told us.

Black entrepreneurs don’t feel represented or taken seriously by the networks and organizations they’re aware of.

Entrepreneurs have difficulty connecting with mentors and coaches relevant to both their industries and experiences.

Entrepreneurs don’t know what a successful or appropriate mentor or coach relationship looks like.

Many entrepreneurs feel socially isolated and don’t have the opportunity to connect with broader networks and opportunities outside of their local context including other Black entrepreneurs.

Jonni Shreve, Founder of Hardcore Training

Lumi Studios Photography

What can Tribe do?

When we asked roadshow participants what Tribe can do to help solve these issues, these were the key recommendations.

"Thanks to [St. Fx Discover Box] workshops and partnerships with representatives from other funding organizations like Mitacs, I’ve managed to raise well over $100k in research grants over the past 2 years." Mbongeni Ndlovu, Founder of OlyUp

Mbogeni Ndlovu

Create more opportunities to connect with other Black entrepreneurs and professionals in a safe space.

Organize opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect across the Atlantic provinces and Canada, including for those with intersecting identities to connect for example, Black women entrepreneurs or Black disabled entrepreneurs.

Share our network’s expertise on how to connect with mentors, coaches, and other entrepreneurs, and offer training on how to become an effective mentor.

Eloise D’Aubin, Life Coach

Slick Photography