october 5-6, 2025

Join 350+ tech founders, investors, professionals, and enthusiasts for the 2025 Roadmap to Billions toronto conference!

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Accelerate Auto is a national non-profit organization committed to advancing Black talent and building a more inclusive, innovative automotive sector by uniting leaders across OEMs, dealerships, suppliers, finance, and technology. Guided by four pillars — awareness, community, development, and mentorship — they work to expand access and opportunity for underrepresented communities in careers in Canada’s automotive industry.

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“If you are a Black woman founder or aspiring founder, this conference is a must-go.”

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What Makes This Conference Different?

SNAG A JOB TO FUND YOUR STARTUP

What Makes This Conference Different?

BLENDED IRL & VIRTUAL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCES

What Makes This Conference Different?

LIVE INTERACTION WITH TITANS OF INDUSTRY

What Makes This Conference Different?

DYNAMIC ROADMAP TO YOUR GOALS AND GROWTH

About Roadmap to Billions

Roadmap to Billions takes Toronto to the next level on October 5-6 2025.

After 8 successful years providing world-class tech and business knowledge from the brightest minds in the industry, we are bringing expert-level learning to the international world stage! Join us for the only annual tech conference created exclusively by Black women founders for Black female founders and their supporters.

A conference built from the perspective of women, the goal is to showcase the brilliance of Black women in tech, create a stage for our experiences, foster deep connections, and create real funding opportunities. We believe in learning from those who are paving the way. Through their successes, (and failures), gain insight and valuable lessons to inspire and guide you on your path to success.

Join investors, tech evangelists, and founders who are just starting out and those who have been in the game for years at the largest gathering of black women tech founders in the world.

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Recommended Hotel

Delta Hotels Toronto Mississauga

3670 Hurontario Street,

Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1P3, Canada

Delta Hotels Toronto Mississauga is a short walk from Square One Shopping Centre, Living Arts Centre and a large selection of local restaurants. This Ontario, Canada, hotel is 15 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport with easy highway access.

Your ticket gives you access to:

The Canadian Tech Ecosystem? Yes Please...

Roadmap to Billions is designed for you, by women like you. Full of exciting, engaging, and enlightening experiences, you’ll leave the conference feeling powerful, motivated and ready to take the next steps on your journey.

4 CONTENT TRACKS

2 KEYNOTE SESSIONS

EXPERT SPEAKERS

CASH PRIZES

NETWORKING

MEETUPS & BREAKOUTS

AGENDA

Putting the final touches on the conversations - Check back often for updates!

DAY 1 +

3:00 pm - Welcome Reception, DMZ 10 Dundas Street, 6th Floor
6:00 pm

The Story of Black Women Talk Tech, Founder Panel

All

DAY 2 +

9:00 am - VIP Breakfast
10:00 am

10:00 am - Welcome Address from The Founders
10:10 am

10:10 am - Wellness Moment
10:15 am

10:15 am - Land Acknowledgement
10:20 am

10:20 am - Welcome Remarks, MPP Charmaine Williams
10:40 am

10:40 am - Morning Keynote, Claudette McGowan
11:20 am

11:20 am - The State of the Black Canadian Tech Ecosystem
12:00 pm

12:00 pm - Life's a Pitch: Nail Your Story With Every Audience!
12:40 pm

12:40 pm - Lunch, Networking, Partner Expo
1:50 pm

1:50 pm - Building a Sustainable Funding Path
2:30 pm

2:30 pm - Unleash the Power of AI
3:10 pm

3:10 pm - Next Level Career Moves
3:50 pm

4:00 pm - Pitch Competition!!
5:00 pm

5:40 pm - Afternoon Keynote, Lauren Maillian
5:40 pm

5:40 pm - Closing Remarks
6:00 pm

6:00 pm - Closing Reception
8:00 pm

Day 1

Sunday October 5th 2025

Day 2

Monday October 6th 2025

Day 1

Sunday October 5th 2025

@ C Banquets

300 City Centre Dr, 12th floor

Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1, Canada

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM — Welcome Reception: The Power of Community in Tech & Entrepreneurship

Kick off the event in style with our Welcome Reception! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors in a relaxed, social atmosphere before diving into the full conference schedule.

- Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and industry leaders.

- Mocktails & Refreshments: Enjoy drinks and light bites.

- Exciting Conversations: Hear stories from Black women in tech and the founders of Black Women Talk Tech.

Panelists: Esosa Ighodaro, Kyla Bolden

Moderator: Stephanie Henry
Host: Dwania Peele

Day 2

Monday October 6th 2025

@ Living Art Centre

4141 Living Arts Dr

Mississauga, Ontario L5B 0A1, Canada

Workshop Sessions

Experiences

Workshop Sessions

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM — VIP Breakfast: Fireside Chat - The Future of Black Women in Innovation

Join us for a powerful fireside chat highlighting the transformative role Black women play in shaping innovation across industries. Trailblazing leaders will share their journeys through tech and entrepreneurship, navigating barriers, building companies, leading teams, and driving advancements in fields like venture capital, AI, biotech, and social impact. The conversation will explore unique perspectives, cultural insights, and intersectional approaches to problem-solving, while offering practical strategies on funding, mentorship, allyship, and creating inclusive innovation spaces. This session celebrates brilliance, addresses barriers, and inspires a bold path forward for the next generation of Black women innovators.

Speaker: Caroline Gayle

Moderator: Simone Smith

10:00 AM - 10:40 AM — Opening Session

Speakers: Regina Gwynn, Esosa Ighodaro, Shannon Miller, Marci Ien

Host: Kayla Williams

10:40 AM - 10:45 AM — Wellness Moment

With Coach Carey and Dr. Rosemary Sadlier

10:45 AM - 11:05 AM — Lightning Talk: US Investing Perspectives for Underrepresented Founders

Speakers: Esosa Ighodaro, Abbeygale Anderson

11:05 AM - 11:45 AM — Crossing Borders, Breaking Ceilings - The State of US/Canadian Relations: Challenges & Opportunities

Navigating US-Canada business relations has taken on new dimensions under the current US administration, presenting both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities. This panel brings together business leaders, trade officials, and successful founders to share practical strategies for building resilient international partnerships in today’s policy environment. Discussions will cover how shifts in trade priorities are reshaping market entry strategies, the role of government trade support services, and emerging sectors where Canadian entrepreneurs can find advantages. With a focus on leveraging institutional resources to build credibility, navigate regulations, and foster connections, this session will equip participants with actionable insights on expanding to US markets, building partnerships, and positioning ventures to succeed in any political climate.

Panelist: Amesika Baeta, KC Goundiam, Donna Heslin

Moderator: Rhonda Allen

11:45 AM - 12:25 PM — It's giving Big Energy - Balancing Productivity & Work-Life Flow with AI

Are you looking to level up your productivity within your business, achieve a better work-life flow, and hit your professional and personal self-care goals? In this panel discussion, experts will explore enhancing productivity and balancing work and personal life. They will discuss strategies and tools for maximizing efficiency, reducing stress, and achieving your goals. From time management and task automation to virtual assistants and self-care apps, this talk will provide valuable insights and tips for leveraging tools to boost your Big Energy and achieve your full potential both professionally and personally.

Panelist: Rose Genele, Tanya Hayles, Andria Barrett

Moderator: Mikahila Matt

1:35 PM - 2:20 PM — Ideas to Impact - Go to Market Strategies for Early Stage Startups

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to help early stage founders and startups build and execute winning go-to-market strategies. Tailored for the unique demands of SaaS and tech products, this session will guide participants through identifying their ideal customers, crafting compelling value propositions, and navigating the full launch process to drive growth. Attendees will explore market segmentation, persona development, and ways to clearly communicate their product’s unique value. The workshop also covers best practices for planning, launching, and scaling, providing practical frameworks and actionable strategies that equip founders to pursue rapid and sustainable growth.

Panelists: Tomi Gbeleyi, Kimberlee West
Moderator: Danielle Alicia

2:25 PM - 3:05 PM — Driving the Future - AI, Privacy & Innovation in the Automotive Industry

Powered by Accelerate Auto

As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovation is unlocking new opportunities while raising critical questions around privacy, ethics, and cybersecurity. This dynamic panel brings together leaders across legal, business, and technology to explore how companies are navigating these complex intersections.

Panelists: Yolanda Biswah, Faithlyn Hemmings, Dina Maxwell

Moderator: Kay Layne

3:10 PM - 3:40 PM — AI is the New Co-Founder, Building Custom GPTs

Join us for a workshop on the AI-powered hustle and learn how to build custom GPTs that work for you, from automating customer service to supercharging product innovation.

Speaker: Joy Roland

3:55 PM - 4:25 PM — Scaling Innovation: Black Women who have raised $1M+ in VC in Canada

Powered by PitchBetter

Panelists: Cynthia Ene, Nannette Sene, Karine Bah Tahe
Moderator: Amoye Henry

5:00 PM - 5:40 PM — The Future is Female & Funded - Black Women Investors

Powered by Nobellum

The funding gap is real, but Black women founders are rewriting the rules. Hear from those who’ve cracked the code on raising millions.

Panelists: Nkechi Nwafor Robinson, Anika Forde

Moderator: Melissa Ellis

5:50 PM - 6:00 PM — Closing Remarks

Speakers: Christopher Nabeta, Regina Gwynn, Esosa Ighodaro

Experiences

The Mentor Marketplace

Ready to take your business or career to the next level? The Mentor Marketplace is your chance to connect with industry experts in law, venture capital, leadership development, and banking.

Headshot Studio 📸

Refresh your profile pic with a professional headshot! Quick sessions, high-quality results will be available on-site.

Got an idea, challenge, or burning question? Share it a the Brain Date.

Post a topic you'd love to explore or need help with and others who share your curiosity or experience can book time to connect and dive in with you at the Brain Date marketplace. Whether you're looking to explore a new idea, swap strategies, or dive into a shared challenge, others will discover your topic and book a 1-on-1 or group chat to connect. It's not just networking—it’s intentional, purpose-driven dialogue with people who get it.

Pitch Competition: Win $10,000 CAD + Prizes!

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Eligibility:

- Must identify as a Black woman founder.

- Have a functional MVP and operate a tech business in Canada.

Judges: Regina Gwyyn, Joshua Amante, Amoye Henry, Abbeygale Anderson

Host: Kayla Williams

Day 1

Sunday October 5th 2025

Day 2