Black Founders Network – Career Advancement Program
The Black Founders Network (BFN) Black Career Advancement Program (BCAP) provides tailored employment readiness support to equip Black youth with the necessary skills and knowledge for various career pathways and fill hiring gaps facing the Black-led companies in the ecosystem. In addition to helping Black youth build their skills and secure tailored work placements, Black-led companies also benefit from affordable talent through our BCAP hiring grants. Since the BCAP was launched in 2022, 2000+ Black youth have been trained and 120+ work placements have been provided directly. Participants are supported through the BFN job board and BFN talent network.
This program is delivered in partnership with the Federation of Black Canadians and is supported, in part, by the Ministry of Citizenship & Multiculturalism and their Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP)which works towards eliminating systemic, race-based disparities by increasing opportunities for Black youth across the province.
$4,000 Hiring Grants
- Black-led Startups: Companies must be Black-led, meaning they have Black founders or executives in significant leadership roles within the organization. Priority will be given to small an early-stage startups.
- Location: Must have operations in Ontario Province
- Legitimate Businesses: Companies must be registered (sole proprietorship or incorporated). You must have a CRA business number and a payroll account prior to applying for the grant as you will be required to administer payroll directly to the youth if selected. You can learn more about opening a payroll account here.
- Alignment with BFN Values: Companies should align with the values of the BFN community, promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for Black talent.
- BFN Job Board: Must have registered and updated your company profile on the BFN Job Board. You can apply to join the job board here.
- Career Fair: Be willing and available to participate in the BFN Career Fair (tentatively scheduled for mid-January)
- Quality work experiences for Black youth: The job(s) you create must offer a salary above the provincial minimum wage. You are expected to have a plan in place to retain the hired youth as an employee even after the conclusion of the BCAP agreement. This retention can be in the form of full-time or part-time work. Additionally, a well-defined supervision plan is required, focusing on task-oriented guidance tailored to the specific job activities.
- Skill Development Opportunity for Black Youth: Demonstrated commitment to providing skill development opportunities specifically tailored to empower Black youth. If selected, you will be required to use the BCAP Employment & Learning Plan with the Black youth you hire to identify the skills that will be developed during their work placement and outline a clear strategy for enhancing the skills and capacities.
- Strategic Business Impact: Clearly articulate why and how hiring Black youth through the $4,000 grant will benefit your business. Outline specific ways in which the addition of these individuals to your team will enhance productivity, innovation, or market presence.