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2026 Black Business Summit & Gala Event March 19-20, 2026
Past Summit 2019 (Shifting Tides)
2026 EVENT DETAILS
Keynote Speaker
This year’s keynote is a true powerhouse in Canada’s finance and investment landscape. As we focus on the future of Black entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada, this session will challenge us to think boldly about innovative ways to start, scale, and fund our businesses.
With over 20 years of experience in the investment industry, including executive roles such as Senior Vice President, Senior Portfolio Manager, Executive Vice President, and Chief Investment Officer at some of Bay Street’s most respected firms, Dennis Mitchell brings invaluable insight and real-world “trade secrets” Black businesses need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving economy.
A graduate of the Schulich School of Business at York University, Mr. Mitchell’s career reflects a deep commitment to excellence and leadership. Equally important, he remains dedicated to giving back, currently serving on the Board of the Toronto Foundation and as Co-Founder and Director of the Black Opportunity Fund.
His contributions have been widely recognized, including the Afro Global Television Excellence Award for Enterprise (2020), the Black Business and Professionals Association’s Harry Jerome President’s Award (2021), and multiple Brendan Wood International Canadian Top Gun Awards.
BBI is proud to welcome Dennis Mitchell as this year’s keynote speaker—this is a session you won’t want to miss!
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Become a Sponsor
Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and innovative programs, BBI strengthens the Black business community, driving economic development and creating opportunities for sustainable success. As a sponsor, you get an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining visibility for your organization or cause.
The theme, Innovation in Motion-The Future of Black Entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada. The summit will bring together hundreds of influential Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and corporate partners to celebrate success, spark new ideas, and drive economic growth.
As a sponsor, you’ll receive premium brand visibility across our marketing and event materials, along with direct engagement with a highly targeted and influential audience. We also offer opportunities for elevated recognition, such as speaking roles or features in our national media and award-winning Black 2 Business Magazine.
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Gala Keynote Speaker
Mr. Fergus has been serving the people of Hull–Aylmer in Parliament since October 2015. Since his election as a Member, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Digital Government, and to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. He co-founded and co-chaired the Parliamentary Black Caucus for six years.
On October 3, 2023, Members of the House of Common selected the Honourable Greg Fergus as Speaker of the House of Commons. At the time of his election as Speaker, he was the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Health. He served as Speaker of the House of Commons until May 26, 2025.
Mr. Fergus holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of International Relations from Carleton University. He has also undertaken graduate studies in international relations. During his time as a student, he served as a House of Commons page, part of the 1988–1989 cohort.
He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult children and the doting grandparents to two grandchildren.
BBI is excited to welcome the Honourable Greg Fergus to our gala stage.
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Event Agenda
For 30 years BBI has been a leader in the Canadian Black entrepreneurship space. We have a proud legacy of bringing the right people in the right rooms to share thoughts and solutions that help Black businesses to grow.
This year, we are pushing the envelope and keeping pace with rapid change. As we create space to honour our 30-year legacy, we are also acknowledging the urgent need to support Black businesses as they adapt to new realities. This year’s theme, Innovation in Motion: The Future of Black Entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada, invites us to dive deeply into innovation and challenge what we thought we knew about business.
Will you be in the room?
Whether you show up as a guest, a vendor, a community partner or an event participant, you can't afford to miss this event.
Take a look at the agenda below
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