Business Incubation Program for Black Entrepreneurs Starting a Business

We provide you with the tools, resources and support you need to launch and grow the business of your dreams, with ease. Sound like you? Click below to join.

Join our next cohort for free

The business of your dreams, starts with a solid foundation.

The Chnge Mker Hub nurtures every aspect of your journey as an entrepreneur, from
business strategy to mindset mastery.

Let’s start with you

You are the most valuable part of starting your business

We’ll begin by uncovering the limiting beliefs you have about starting your own business in Ottawa, Ontario as a Black entrepreneur.

We help you release the burden of living up to society’s expectations.

You don’t have to work 10 times harder to prove that you belong here.

We support you in pushing past mental roadblocks that are keeping your vision small.

You will have the confidence to start your own business and expand into the spaces you’ve always dreamed of.

We guide you to activating your limitless potential as a business owner.

You will have the confidence to build a business you love with ease, while having fun.

“The Chnge Mker’s team sets you up for success when the time is right for you. They don’t force their own expectations on us and they give us the support to push past the limitations and boundaries we put on ourselves. They value helping us make our lives better”.

Michael

Stride Management Group, Small Business Owner

You will create a sustainable business plan by aligning it with your version of success.

When you wholeheartedly believe in your vision, you’ll know you’re capable of launching and growing the business of your dreams.

You’ll start to see every challenge as an opportunity to bring your business to the next level. So, if you’ve ever felt like:

You want to be in an entrepreneurship program where your black identity is represented
You don’t know what steps to take to launch or expand your business
You feel alone and don’t have a community to lean into for guidance and support
You doubt yourself and you are scared of failing

We provide you with a community of

Mentors

who are Black entrepreneurs with successful businesses, that will provide you with one-to-one support and hold you accountable.

Entrepreneurs

who are at various stages in their journey. You’ll develop friendships, business connections and honest feedback for your ideas.

Advisors

who facilitate workshops that cover every aspect of entrepreneurship and building a business. They are also available to guide you beyond the workshops.

Community Networks

where you can connect with other business owners in the Ottawa area.

Chnge Mker team members

who are kind, creative and resourceful. They will help you solve any problems that come up as you start your business.

Learn more

We want you to show up exactly as you are.

Once you’ve clarified your vision, you’ll work on taking intentional steps to move you toward that vision.

You’ll awaken the power within you to elevate into the empowered business owner you are.
You’ll structure a strategic business plan, with experts who have been where you are.
You’ll develop a deep sense of awareness, which will help you develop a crystal clear vision of your business goals.
You’ll walk away with tools that will help you thrive beyond your time in the Hub.

Your success in business is centred around your personal development.

The Chnge Mker Hub did an amazing job of centring the program around our mindset and mental health. It’s built up my self-esteem and helped me get past the idea that I need to be perfect.

Sadia

I launched my business in only two- months, after spending two years trying to figure out what I needed to do! The team matched us with mentors who understand the nuance of being a Black entrepreneur. They provided us with culturally responsive mentorship and there was no gatekeeping of information and resources

Safaa

We understand the specific challenges you face as a Black entrepreneur who’s trying to start a business in Ottawa. And we’re here to help you push through your fears, limitations and boundaries with support, encouragement and accountability.

If you have a dream of starting or growing your business you belong here.

If you have the passion to create a positive impact in your community, you belong here.

Step into the Big, Bold & Boundless Entrepreneur you are

Khadra Elmi
Partnership Engagement Coordinator

When Khadra learned about The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub and its vision to provide personalized support for black entrepreneurs that want to start and grow their business, it ignited a fire within her.

With a business degree and a specialization in Finance, Khadra brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep, holistic understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful business.

Her ability to manage financial reports and track expenses ensures all programs operate efficiently and successfully.

Khadra’s main roles lay in creating strategic partnerships and community engagement.

Her ability to build and nurture relationships, both within the community and external partners is essential for the growth and success of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

She develops partnership strategies to connect The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub with other businesses and organizations, she plans engaging community and cohort events and facilitates networking opportunities that help build relationships between program participants and key stakeholders.

Khadra highly values collaboration and prioritizes establishing strong personal relationships in order to create a supportive environment for each participant.

Her goal is to create a safe space where entrepreneurs feel comfortable seeking help when they face challenges and to create an environment where every single participant can thrive, free from judgment and failure.

Khadra is grateful to be a pillar of support, encouragement, and assistance for Black entrepreneurs as they build businesses that’ll make incredible impact in their communities for generations.

Her message to anyone interested in starting a business is; if you have a business idea, it was meant for you to act on it. Don't let fear hold you back and embrace the opportunities that come your way.

Zeinab Hagi-Aden
Social Media & Marketing Coordinator

Zeinab was inspired to join the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub because of its mission to support aspiring black entrepreneurs and help them create the businesses they've always wanted.

She is driven by the opportunity to use her skills and abilities to help cultivate a space where Black entrepreneurs can work together, encourage one another and celebrate their achievements.

Zeinab graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This program was ideal for her because it allowed her flexibility to work in an environment that would highlight her strengths, passions and interests.

As Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, Zeinab has the opportunity to infuse her design skills, passion for entrepreneurship and community building into her role.

She holds many critical responsibilities at The Change Mker Innovation Hub which supports the success of the participants and programs.

She is responsible for creating engaging social media posts for Instagram and Facebook, supporting day-to-day tasks, ensuring participants have access to essential documents, addressing inquiries and notifying participants about workshops.

But Zeinab’s role goes beyond administrative duties, she helps entrepreneurs navigate challenges, offers feedback, provides a sense of belonging, and creates a collaborative learning environment.

Her ability to collaborate effectively builds a space where aspiring Black entrepreneurs work together, uplift one another and empower each other.

Her strong communication skills allow her to build genuine and impactful relationships with the participants, while her critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow her to present solutions that ensure their success.

Every day at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub Zeinab is in awe of the commitment, passion and vision all of the participants exhibit.

Witnessing their journey and their growth only strengthens her desire to be a part of their transformative experience.

To her, providing Black entrepreneurs with the tools and direction they need to thrive during the early stages of entrepreneurship isn’t just a task, it’s an honour.

Saunia Keddon, Program Manager at The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub.

A passionate advocate of mentorship and positive change, Saunia brings invaluable experience as a member of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub team.

Originally from Jamaica, Saunia and her husband embarked on a new chapter in Canada, driven by hope and ambition. Her unwavering determination to make a difference in people's lives has led her to a career in employment services, mentorship and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs to create the businesses they’ve always wanted.

Saunia brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role as Program Manager. Her educational background and qualifications in Social Work are complemented by her hands-on experience.

Saunia joined the Chnge Mker Innovation Hub because she recognized the importance of empowering Black entrepreneurs.

Her joyful personality and genuine passion for community building naturally foster collaboration and a sense of belonging among all program participants. Her dedication to supporting the black community and her ability to empathize with their struggles makes her a valuable member of our team.

Today, Saunia serves as the Program Manager of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, where she combines her passion for bringing people together, making learning enjoyable, and expressing her creativity.

This role allows her to connect aspiring change-makers with mentors and community members who can guide them on their entrepreneurial journeys.

Saunia's diverse skills and talents contribute to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters collaboration, innovation, and positive impact.

Mona Abow, CEO & Founder of The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub

Mona’s first coaching and consulting company The Boundless Mindset was a catalyst for The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub. Her journey began with dedicating her talents and passion to supporting women of colour to build the business of their dreams.

She recognized the diversity and depth of talent within the black community, but that there wasn’t a space for them to explore their desire to build a business.

And because The Boundless Mindset was a private coaching and consulting company specifically designed for women of colour, she noticed she wasn’t able to serve the broader community of Black entrepreneurs who wanted to start a business.

Mona dreamed of creating an inclusive space where the diverse community of Black entrepreneurs could explore their identities, let go of limiting beliefs and create the business they’ve always wanted.

In order to bring that dream to reality, she knew the foundation of every program and workshop needed to focus on teaching participants to expand into their boundless potential.

The focus on mindset mastery and personal development innately transforms the way participants think, by instilling the beliefs; what we think and imagine becomes our reality and we have the power to create the life and business of our dreams.

With the support of her team, Mona created a safe haven that empowers Black entrepreneurs and equips them with the confidence that they have what it takes to launch and grow a successful business.

Hi, I’m Mona and I want to thank you for being here. The journey that led me to founding The Chnge Mker Innovation Hub, is one that represents believing in my dreams, taking authentic actions and commitment to my community.

Full Bio

Business Incubation Program for Black Entrepreneurs Starting a Business

Let’s start with you