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.
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.
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.
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.
3:00 pm - Welcome Reception, DMZ 10 Dundas Street, 6th Floor
6:00 pm
The Story of Black Women Talk Tech, Founder Panel
All
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
Sunday October 5th 2025
@ C Banquets
300 City Centre Dr, 12th floor
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1, Canada
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.
Monday October 6th 2025
@ Living Art Centre
4141 Living Arts Dr
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 0A1, Canada
Workshop Sessions
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.
The funding gap is real, but Black women founders are rewriting the rules. Hear from those who’ve cracked the code on raising millions.
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Experiences
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.
Refresh your profile pic with a professional headshot! Quick sessions, high-quality results will be available on-site.
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.
Eligibility:
- Must identify as a Black woman founder.
- Have a functional MVP and operate a tech business in Canada.
Sunday October 5th 2025
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Monday October 6th 2025
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Hon Marci Ien
Former Minister of Women & Gender Equality & Youth
Dina Maxwell
Chief Privacy Officer & Intellectual Property Lead at PwC Canada
Yinka Adesesan
Program Manager of Black Innovation Programs at
DMZ
Yolanda Biswah
President of Canadian Black Book
Lori Ann Beausoleil
Co-founder of Board Diversity Network
Shannon Miller
Executive Director at Accelerate Auto
Melisa Ellis
Founder & C.E.O of Nobellum
Nannette Sene
CEO & Co-founder of Juno Technologies
Nkechi Nwafor Robinson
Founder & CEO of Empowered in My Skin
Nosa Ero-Brown
Deputy Minister of Citizenship & Multiculturalism
Faithlynn Hemmings
Vice President & Lead Counsel at General Motors of Canada Company
Kay Layne
Founder & Principal Consultant at Kayambi
Anika Forde
Director of York University and Founder of Forde Consult Group
Amoye Henry
Co-Founder & Lead Investment Manager at Pitch Better
Karine Bah Tahé
Co-founder & CEO Oasis Learning AI
KC Goundiam
Founder & CEO of B2BeeMatch and Member Committee in Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
Faiza Balogun
Program Coordinator at Black Founder Network
Ashley Wright
Founder & CEO of The Crypto Strategy Academy
Dwania Peele
Founder of Canadian Small Business Women
Abbeygale Anderson
Managing Partner at Cross Impact Capital
Vania Abdul-Badee
CMO, 360, Advertising and Communications
Gayle Jennings
CEO, Wocstar Capital LLC
Modupe Olufemi
Advisor, Business Development, MITAC Inc
Jael Joseph
Founder & Creator of Black Island Girl Multimedia
Alexia Beckford
Program Manager at Jamaica Technology & Digital Alliance
Yinka Adesesan
Black Innovation Programs Manager DMZ
Dwania Peele
Founder of Canadian Small Business Women
Estelle Inack
Research Scientist at Perimeter Institute
Kanishia Mensah
Program & Event Coordinator at Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Melisa Ellis
Founder & C.E.O of Nobellum
Nunu Francisco
Tech Program Officer at Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Tashua Case
Director, Business Intelligence at Bluum
MPP Charmaine Williams
MPP for Brampton Centre, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
Claudette McGowan
Founder & CEO, Protexxa & Co-founder, The Firehood
Kishawna Peck
Founder & CEO at Women in Data Science
Stacey Ann Berry
Chapter President, BIT Toronto
Amoye Henry
Co-Founder & Lead Investment Manager at Pitch Better
Ashley Wright
Founder at Blacks On Blockchain
Giselle Melo
Managing Partner at MATR (matter) Ventures
Lauren Maillian
Founder and CEO, LMB GROUP
Faizah Balogun
Program Coordinator at Black Founder Network
Treasa Brown
Founder, Professionelle House, Inc
Chi-Chi Egbo
Founder and Principal Consultant, Workthrough
Vania Abdul-Badee
CMO, 360, Advertising and Communications
Gayle Jennings
CEO, Wocstar Capital LLC
Modupe Olufemi
Advisor, Business Development, MITAC Inc
Esosa Ighodaro, Co-founder
Regina Gwynn, Co-founder
We have a unique understanding of the challenges Black women founders face and the advantages we bring in the industry. We’re here to identify, support and encourage Black women to build the next billion dollar business.
We’re unapologetic in our support because we believe Black is worth the investment. It’s time we are heard and seen because we know different perspectives bring new opportunities. We’re building community and profitable, scalable businesses for self-identified Black women in tech, together.
Community
October 5-6, 2025
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