Black Women Talk Tech returns to Toronto for the second consecutive year with its Roadmap to Billions Conference. The two-day event will take place October 5-6, 2025. Furthermore, Accelerate Auto serves as the presenting sponsor for this empowering conference.
The conference specifically targets Black women tech founders across Canada. Additionally, it aims to provide educational resources and strengthen community connections. “This isn’t just a conference—it’s a movement,” said Regina Gwynn, Co-Founder of Black Women Talk Tech.
Comprehensive Conference Program Features Educational Workshops and Networking
The conference offers diverse programming designed for emerging tech entrepreneurs. Participants can attend panel discussions, workshops, and specialized networking sessions. Moreover, the event includes Braindate workshops that teach effective networking strategies.
Conference attendees will also experience a live recording of Currencies podcast. This podcast belongs to Black Women Talk Tech and focuses on entrepreneurship topics. The program also features a professional headshot studio for attendees.
The Mentor Marketplace connects emerging founders with investors and industry leaders. This platform facilitates meaningful connections between experienced professionals and new entrepreneurs. Consequently, attendees gain access to valuable mentorship opportunities.
Pitch Competition Offers Financial Support for Canadian Black Women Founders
The conference hosts a competitive pitch event with significant prizes. Winners can receive up to $10,000 CAD in funding for their businesses. However, participants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligible participants must identify as Black women entrepreneurs. Additionally, they must own technology businesses based in Canada. This targeted approach ensures the competition serves its intended community effectively.
The pitch competition represents a key opportunity for funding access. Many Black women founders face challenges securing capital for their ventures. Therefore, this competition addresses a critical need in the Canadian tech ecosystem.
Distinguished Speaker Lineup Includes Government Officials and Industry Leaders
The conference features prominent speakers from various sectors. The Hon. Marci Ien, former Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth of Canada, headlines the event. Her participation demonstrates government support for Black women in tech.
Industry leaders also contribute their expertise to the program. Kay Layne, founder of Kayambi, shares her entrepreneurial journey. Similarly, Yolanda Biswah, President of the Canadian Black Book, provides valuable insights.
Additional speakers include Amoye Henry, Co-Founder of Pitch Better. Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, Founder and CEO of Empowered in My Skin, also participates. These leaders represent diverse aspects of the tech and business landscape.
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen Conference Impact and Reach
Black Women Talk Tech collaborates with several organizations for this event. Key partnerships include Nobellum, PitchBetter, and Ambition. These collaborations enhance the conference’s educational value and networking opportunities.
Accelerate Auto’s sponsorship demonstrates corporate commitment to diversity in tech. This partnership provides essential financial support for the conference. Moreover, it shows how corporations can actively support underrepresented entrepreneurs.
“We’re excited to return to Toronto with even more momentum,” Gwynn explained. The partnerships create “new opportunities for Black women founders to access capital, mentorship, and community.” These relationships extend the conference’s impact beyond the two-day event.
Historical Context and Future Vision for Black Women in Tech
The original Roadmap to Billions conference launched in New York in 2017. It remains the only tech event created specifically for Black women founders. The conference has grown significantly since its inception.
Black Women Talk Tech formed as a collective of Black women tech founders. The organization focuses on supporting emerging tech entrepreneurs through various initiatives. The Toronto conference represents international expansion of their mission.
The Canadian version builds on years of success in the United States. Consequently, it brings proven strategies and resources to Canadian entrepreneurs. This expansion demonstrates the growing recognition of Black women’s contributions to technology innovation.
