Weekly Updates: April 2, 2025 🚀
Tribe's 5th Birthday, Alfred's Thoughts, Our $50k AI program, and more exciting events!
Tribe is officially 5 years old! 🎉
How do you sum up five years of growth, change, and impact?
Well, it all started with an idea, a collective frustration, and a vision that refused to be ignored. Now, Tribe is celebrating 5 years of bringing that vision to life, and it’s been nothing short of unforgettable.
It’s been an incredible journey—one fueled by bold ideas, community, and a vision for a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
And who better to reflect on this milestone than the person who started it all—our founder and CEO, Alfred Burgesson.
Tribe Network began with a simple but urgent question: Why aren't racialized entrepreneurs in Canada being supported the way they should be?
That question became impossible to ignore during my time working with Senator Colin Deacon in the Senate of Canada. Together, we partnered with Abacus Data to survey entrepreneurs across the country—and what we uncovered was undeniable. The lack of inclusion, access to capital, and systemic support for Black and other underrepresented founders wasn’t just anecdotal—it was widespread, measurable, and deeply entrenched.
As a young entrepreneur myself, I knew this problem personally. I had started a tech business and tried to scale it across Canada. But I often felt like I didn’t belong. There was no roadmap, no mentorship, and no network to plug into.
So I left the policy space and stepped into the arena to build the thing I wished existed: a community where people like me could be seen, supported, and empowered to thrive…
Continue reading Alfred’s reflection 👇🏽
It’s wild to think about how much we’ve grown as an organization. From one bold idea 5 years ago to, now, a fully functional innovation and co-working hub with 14 employees and over 2000 community members. What started as a dream of a safer, more inclusive space for BIPOC founders has turned into a thriving community of builders, creators, and changemakers.
We’d like to personally extend our gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Whether you been here since day one or just joined the community, we’re grateful for you.
The past five years have been about laying the foundation, and we’re just getting started. Here’s to another 5 years of innovation, community, and changing the world one founder at a time.
Show Tribe Some Love! 🧡
If you’ve attended a Tribe event, participated in one of our programs, or just love what we do—let us know! Leaving a review on Google helps us grow, reach more entrepreneurs, and continue building a stronger community.
Tribe’s Hiring a Founder Success Lead (2SLBTQIA+)
Tribe is looking for a Founder Success Lead to support and advocate for 2SLBQTQIA+ entrepreneurs. This role will focus on mentorship, connection, and breaking barriers to help our founders access funding, resources, and key ecosystem opportunities!
If you have experience supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities and a passion for entrepreneurship, we’d love to hear from you!
➡️To apply, send your resume to hr@tribenetwork.ca
Tribe’s AI Launchpad | Tribe x Scale AI
Meet Tribe AI Launchpad—an exciting accelerator program powered by Tribe Network and Scale AI!
With our new program, you can get access to up to $50,000 in funding, expert mentorship, and invaluable industry connections to take your AI solutions to the next level. 💸💡
This is your chance to fast-track your growth and contribute to Canada’s booming AI ecosystem. We’re looking for innovative startups and SMEs with applied AI solutions that can transform supply and value chains!
Things to Read, Watch & Listen To
📰 Read: The One Reason Most Small Businesses Fail. And No, It Isn't Money | Entrepreneur
Business failure is often blamed on cash flow, poor planning, or management issues, but Chuck Blakeman, CTO at Crankset Group, offers a different take. He argues that burnout is the real culprit, with exhaustion leading to the very problems that sink a company. This article from Entrepreneur breaks down the early signs of fatigue and explains why shifting from a reactive mindset can be a game-changer!
🎥 Watch: The Luck Formula🍀| TEDxWoodLaneWomen
Looking for a fresh perspective on success?
In this TED Talk, Yin Noe challenges the idea of luck, and shows her audience how preparation, courage, and putting yourself out there can open doors. An award-winning entrepreneur in tech and automotive, Yin has been named one of Europe’s Top 50 Most Inspiring Women in Tech! This is a must-watch if you’re looking to step outside your comfort zone, and making your own opportunities.
🎧 Listen: Emma Grede - Businesses’ Ultimate Girls’ Girl | Ladies Who Launch
Emma Grede is a name you may not have heard of before, but you’ve seen her work.
In this episode of Ladies who Launch with Rochelle Humes, you’ll get to learn about Emma’s journey from her early days in East London to leading big brands like Good American and Skims. Emma also shares the key moments that shaped her career, her approach to creating viral products, and what “having it all” really means. If you’re a founder or just interested in branding and powerful women, this one’s for you!
MindFrame Connect Presents: Founders Play your Own Game | MindFrame Connect
Monday, April 7 | 11 AM - 12 PM
Brice Scheschuk explores themes about fundraising including the limited scenarios where venture capital makes sense, the concepts of outlier founders and venture scale growth, and numerous alternative capital paths that are applicable to most founders. He discusses the concept of “Mighty Middle” businesses which exist between venture capital and lifestyle businesses and provides a balancing narrative to venture capital as the key measure of success.
Public Impact Award | Research NS
Nominate someone before May 15, 2025 at 1p.m. (AST)
Do you know a researcher who deserves to be spotlighted and celebrated for their work that has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society?
The recipient of the Public Impact Award is someone who has dedicated their research to respond to the needs of society. They are solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.
Nova Scotia Loyal | Producer Application
In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever for Canadians to come together and support each other. One powerful way to do that is by making your product stand out as authentically Nova Scotian with the Nova Scotia Loyal sticker!
Nova Scotia Loyal is a government program designed to make it easier for Nova Scotians to identify, purchase, and support local products. When you see a Nova Scotia Loyal sticker or tag on a product, you know that it’s Nova Scotian.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Digital | ICTC
WIL Digital is an innovative work placement program that benefits both employers and students. WIL Digital helps employers grow their businesses by providing a wage subsidy of up to 50% of a student’s salary up to $5,000, or 70% up to $7,000 for underrepresented students. WIL Digital is funded by the Government of Canada's Student Work Placement Program (SWPP). ICTC is among the first organizations to deliver this program.
Startup Atlantic Events Hub | Startup Atlantic
Startup Atlantic has launched a new events calendar that serves as a one-stop hub for all startup events happening across the country. It includes things like workshops, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and much more. Check it out!
Join BEKH’s Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map | Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Canadian Black entrepreneurship ecosystem map will provide nation-wide visibility of your organization and services you provide as well as the Black Entrepreneurs you serve to customers, funders/investors, procurement opportunities, and more!
Startupfest’s Inclusion Initiative Is Back!
Startupfest’s Inclusion Initiative provides subsidized tickets each year to female entrepreneurs, Indigenous innovators, and diverse founders from various backgrounds. Startupfest and their partners are pleased to offer passes at a 90% discount ($50 commitment fee). Complete their online application form to be considered for an Inclusion pass.
Virtual B2B Matchmaking | Go Global
Last Thursday of every month | Virtual
Our Go Global Virtual B2B Matchmaking program connects businesses with international partners, clients, and stakeholders through an innovative, virtual platform. Held monthly on the last Thursday, these sessions provide a convenient and cost-effective way to expand your network, explore new markets, and forge partnerships without the need to travel. Join us and discover how virtual matchmaking can drive your global business growth.
Ecosystem Events
At Tribe, we deeply value community and building relationships. This is why we aim to keep you informed about events happening within the ecosystem that could be beneficial to your personal or professional goals. These events foster relaxation, networking and relationship building and might help you find your Tribe.
Make sure to look through the carefully curated events happening within the community and register for any that catch your eye and work with your schedule. These events are mostly free to attend; however, there might be some paid events.
Resources: Jobs, Grants, and Scholarships & More🔍
RESOURCES
JOBS
Finance & Admin Support Specialist | Celebrate Your Curves
Reconciliation Training Facilitators | Joint Economic Development Initiative
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
PROGRAMS
MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning Programs | various programs for youth ages 12-19
Impact Consulting Fellowship | Apply by April 13th
Rise on Boards and Rise on Boards+ | Apply by April 10th
GRANTS
Amber Grants (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US or Canada)
Her Rise MicroGrant (majority women-owned businesses registered in the US)
SCHOLARSHIPS/ INTERNSHIPS
Promotion Requests
At Tribe, our mission is to empower members by offering access to capital, coaching, and a supportive community. We invite individuals and organizations to share opportunities or events with our members by completing this form. Providing us with all the necessary information ensures we can effectively and accurately promote your initiative.
Connect with us on:
LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter