training institute

At The Youth Village, we believe that empowerment begins with education. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the knowledge and tools necessary for Black entrepreneurs to not just start, but thrive in their businesses.

In a landscape where opportunities can often feel out of reach, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success. Through our diverse range of courses, we empower individuals with practical skills, strategic insights, and the confidence to turn their visions into reality.

But we don’t stop there. We recognize that true empowerment comes from more than just knowledge. That’s why we collaborate with experts and mentors from various fields, leveraging their wisdom and experience to create a dynamic learning environment. By synthesizing and consolidating their insights, we’re able to provide a comprehensive launching pad for young Black entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of business ownership.

Join us on this journey of empowerment, where together, we’re building a brighter future for Black entrepreneurship in Canada

In alignment with the International Decade for People of African Descent, The Youth Village offers a groundbreaking course on Black Entrepreneurial Leadership. Designed and delivered by esteemed scholar Professor Wesley Crichlow, PhD, the course explores how Black entrepreneurs can incorporate decolonial critical race principles and racial justice into their work and practice. This four-week virtual course, followed by a one-day in-person summit, aims to further the development of Black-led, Black-serving, and Black-focused (B3) organizations and young Black entrepreneurs. Elevate your entrepreneurial journey with this transformative learning experience.

The Profitability “looking glass”: A guide to finding a winning business opportunity

Starting a business in Canada demands a comprehensive understanding of key assumptions crucial for constructing a robust financial model and evaluating its potential profitability. Our Profitability looking glass course delves into essential considerations necessary for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to establish successful ventures in the Canadian market.

This short course offers participants access to an Excel workbook tailored to facilitate the assessment of business profitability. Participants will receive guidance on plugging in their own numbers and interpreting the results.

Kickstart fundraising 101 - Capturing funding to launch your start-up

This comprehensive program is specifically designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs like yourself with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the fundraising landscape and secure vital capital for your start-up venture.

Whether you’re considering bootstrapping, seeking angel investors, or exploring crowdfunding options, this course will provide you with practical insights, strategies, and best practices to help you succeed in raising the funds needed to launch your start-up.

Business Building in Canada - A step by step guide for young Black entrepreneurs

In this comprehensive course, we recognize the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young Black entrepreneurs. We understand that navigating the complexities of starting and growing a business requires more than just a great idea – it requires guidance, mentorship, and access to expertise across various domains.

Our curriculum is centered around the core principle of collaboration. We believe that by working together with experts and mentors from diverse fields such as marketing, law, accounting, and beyond, we can synthesize invaluable insights and consolidate them into a powerful launching pad for your entrepreneurial endeavors.

Construction & Green Technology - How to use green technology for building construction and retrofitting

As global awareness of environmental sustainability grows, so does the demand for construction professionals well-versed in green technology and sustainable building practices. This course delves into the intersection of construction and green technology, offering a comprehensive exploration of how to integrate eco-friendly solutions into both new construction projects and retrofitting existing structures.

Participants will embark on a journey through the principles of sustainable construction, gaining insights into cutting-edge green technologies, materials, and methodologies. From renewable energy systems to energy-efficient building design, this course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of environmentally responsible construction.

Upcoming Courses

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ABOUT

Enrique Robert

MSPH

Originally trained human rights Lawyer in his homeland El Salvador. Enrique has lived and work in Canada for over thirty years, his academic formation has been useful in his role as a community development worker. Enrique has worked as a housing worker providing support to homeless and people described as “hardest to house”, he has managed a shelter for the homeless and worked in many social service organizations. 

Enrique has over twenty years of experience as an Executive Director of non-profit multiservice organisations. Including the Open Door Centre, Peterborough Social Planning Council and Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre. 

Enrique is a member of the United Way of Greater Toronto Speakers Bureau, as well of Passages to Canada, Dominion Institute. Enrique has been peer reviewer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Toronto Urban Health Fund. Enrique has presented workshops on Community Development and Non Profit Board Governance, anti racism and anti oppression work. 

Your generosity plays a crucial role in the success of The Youth Village.

By donating, you help us provide valuable mentorship, education, and opportunities for intergenerational conversations among Black entrepreneurs. Your contribution directly impacts the lives of our youth, empowering them to reach their full potential as global citizens. No matter the amount, your support makes a lasting difference. Donate today and be part of our mission to uplift and empower the Black community.

Creating Black Legacies

Research has shown that projects undertaken between young entrepreneurs and more experienced entrepreneurs have a greater probability of success. Research has also shown that funding for Black intergenerational projects is not well received in the marketplace.

Our Goal

Create a fund of over $5 million CAD to finance intergenerational projects between Black Youth and Black mature entrepreneurs.

Our Research

The responses from more than 300 black entrepreneurs from across Canada revealed that systemic racism, access to capital and the lack of a business network represent the main barriers to the growth and sustainability of Black-led and/or owned businesses.

The Challenge

Access to capital is the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs: Access to funding, financing, capital or sales was the top stated challenge by a significant margin. 75% say that if they needed to find $10,000 to support your business, it would be difficult for them to do so.

Source

Access to capital is the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs: Access to funding, financing, capital or sales was the top stated challenge by a significant margin. 75% say that if they needed to find $10,000 to support your business, it would be difficult for them to do so.

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