IDEA Mississauga is the proud recipient of the Federal Government’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund, a program designed to support business growth, while fostering innovative regional economies.
September 4, 2025
IDEA Mississauga will be an active partner to Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) and the Black Creek Community Health Centre, providing support that is community-focused. This includes:
- Advisory services: Support BEA in addressing unique challenges facing Black entrepreneurs
- Community events: Support events and provide a platform for Black founders to build their network
- Business mentorship: Provide hands-on support to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals
- Grassroots development: Strengthen the talent pipeline for Black entrepreneurs
IDEA Mississauga has a proven track record in supporting Black-led and diverse businesses, particularly through programs like the Step-Up Program, which has been instrumental in helping diverse businesses in Mississauga overcome barriers to growth.
Funding from the Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund will further enhance the Step-Up program, which provides entrepreneurs with access to expert training, personalized mentorship, and comprehensive resources to help underrepresented businesses expand. This investment will ensure that diverse businesses have the tools they need to scale and succeed while fostering an inclusive, thriving economy in Mississauga.
With its demonstrated success in empowering entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, IDEA Mississauga is uniquely positioned with the tools and resources to support the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance’s work. This partnership underscores the City of Mississauga and IDEA Mississauga’s commitment to deliver meaningful impact, while prioritizing diversity and inclusion within the business community.
Elevating Black communities across Southern Ontario
Funding from the Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund will also strengthen the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance’s (BEA) work, in collaboration with IDEA Mississauga, to support over 200 startups. Previously, through the Federal Government’s Black Entrepreneurship Fund, BEA assisted 136 ventures, 75 per cent of which were women-led. Through this support, these ventures have generated more than $46 million in revenue, raised $7.3M in funding, and created 989 jobs. These ventures have also invested a total of $525,000 in upskilling and professional development, highlighting the BEA’s success in fostering the growth of Black-owned businesses.
This new round of funding from the Regional Innovation Ecosystem Fund will build on the progress already achieved by BEA to ensure a greater reach into Black communities across Southern Ontario. The potential impact is expected to include: an increased number of Black-led ventures in tech, more traditional and consumer packaged goods, and the creation of new intellectual property and commercialization. It will also help strengthen the talent-pool and build emerging leaders, while further promoting diversity and inclusion.
About IDEA Mississauga
IDEA, powered by Invest Mississauga, brings together industry, government, education and organizational leaders to help start-ups and scale-ups accelerate ideas and commercialize solutions. IDEA offers entrepreneurs a comprehensive suite of resources to support their needs and growth, including tailored programs and services, along with a rich network of mentorship, partners and talent. From start-up to scale-up, the IDEA team is dedicated to driving innovation and turning entrepreneurs’ ideas into reality.
About the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) was created to fill a gap in Toronto’s business ecosystem by supporting Black, underrepresented entrepreneurs. As a black-led, non-profit organization, BEA helps amplify and advance the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. Through tailored programming, bootcamps and events, BEA helps Black professionals build and grow successful ventures. Originally launched as the first Black-focused entrepreneurship program in the Jane and Finch community, BEA has since expanded its reach to the Greater Toronto Area.
