��˾��ֱ��

University of Toronto Scarborough alumnus Efosa Obano, creator of the , has received a Minister of Colleges and Universities’ Award of Excellence for his extraordinary contribution in supporting Black entrepreneurs and creating more Black-led businesses.  

“Efosa Obano has created an inclusive community for Black entrepreneurs and is helping dismantle the systemic barriers they face,” says Leah Cowen, ��˾��ֱ��’s vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “His dedication to finding innovative and entrepreneurial solutions is inspiring – and the University of Toronto congratulates him on this important recognition of his work.”

Launched in October 2021, the Black Founders Network aims to accelerate the success of Black startups by providing support and resources to entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. Having this community is valuable, Obano says, “because it allows us to learn from entrepreneurs, investors and mentors with shared lived experiences as we build our ventures.”

More than 100 Black founders and over 50 Black organizations participated in the consultation process leading up to the launch of the network.

“This is a win for the Black Founders Network community and our supporters from day one. Thank you for everything,” said Obano. “We’re just getting started in our mission to support aspiring and existing Black founders with community, capital and capacity building.”