What We Do
CLAN’s flagship annual leadership and innovation initiative that brings together entrepreneurs, professionals, students, employers, investors, policymakers, and community leaders to strengthen economic opportunity, collaboration, and community impact across Durham Region.
Who it’s for
A founder support program helping aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs in Durham validate ideas, build sustainable businesses, access mentorship, prepare for investment, and connect with customers and strategic partners.
Who it’s for
A community investment initiative connecting Black entrepreneurs with grants, micro-funding, investors, business advisory services, and capital readiness support to help grow sustainable businesses and create local economic impact.
Who it’s for
A leadership and career development program supporting Black students through mentorship, scholarships, internships, career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and employer connections.
Who it’s for
A membership-based community that supports Black business owners through networking, procurement opportunities, business education, digital transformation, marketing support, peer learning, and strategic partnerships.
Who it’s for
A newcomer success program connecting Black immigrants and refugees with employment resources, entrepreneurship support, settlement information, financial literacy, professional networking, mentorship, and pathways to economic integration.
Who it’s for
CLAN is advancing Black economic empowerment in Durham Region through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community collaboration.
CLAN (Canada’s Leading African Network) is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen Black communities across Durham Region through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development, workforce advancement, and community collaboration.
Launched in 2018 and incorporated in 2024, we believe that when people have access to the right opportunities, networks, and support, they can build thriving businesses, meaningful careers, and stronger communities. Through flagship initiatives such as Durham Black Futures, business support programs, student leadership initiatives, and newcomer services, CLAN is building an ecosystem that empowers Black entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and families to succeed.
Starting in Durham, we are creating a model for inclusive economic development that can inspire communities across Canada.
Leadership
Moments
The CLAN x CIBC: Empowering Black Professionals event, held in 2024, marked CLAN’s flagship community event, bringing together Black professionals, aspiring leaders, and industry experts for an evening of networking, career development, and meaningful dialogue. Through engaging discussions on leadership, professional growth, financial empowerment, and navigating today’s workplace, the event fostered valuable connections and reinforced CLAN’s mission to create opportunities that advance Black talent, leadership, and economic success across Canada.
The AfriCanada Summit brought together entrepreneurs, professionals, students, policymakers, and community leaders to celebrate African excellence while exploring opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and economic growth in Canada. Through inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and cultural exchange, the summit fostered meaningful connections and laid the foundation for what has evolved into the Durham Black Futures Summit, expanding CLAN’s vision of advancing Black economic empowerment in Durham Region and beyond.
Through a strategic collaboration with Schulich Executive Education and HumanSquad, Black entrepreneurs and professionals gained access to world-class executive learning focused on leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth. The 3-day program connected participants with globally recognized faculty and practical leadership development opportunities, reinforcing CLAN’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality learning experiences and strengthening pathways to economic empowerment within Black communities.
The Durham Black Futures Summit is CLAN’s flagship annual conference advancing Black economic empowerment in Durham Region. Building on the success of last year’s AfriCanada Summit, the event returns with an expanded vision and a renewed focus on the industries shaping tomorrow’s economy. This year’s theme, AI & Skilled Trades, explores how artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the skilled trades are creating new pathways to wealth, careers, and community prosperity.
Bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, students, employers, investors, policymakers, and community leaders, the summit features inspiring keynote speakers, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, career and business showcases, and meaningful conversations that drive collaboration and inclusive economic growth.
Join us as we shape the future of Black innovation, talent, and opportunity in Durham Region.
The Durham Black Futures Accelerator is CLAN’s flagship entrepreneurship and leadership program designed to help Black founders, innovators, and aspiring business owners build, launch, and scale successful ventures. Beginning in March 2027, participants will gain access to expert-led workshops, mentorship from industry leaders, business coaching, funding and investor readiness support, networking opportunities, and hands-on resources to accelerate growth.
Focused on innovation, technology, AI, skilled trades, and high-growth industries, the accelerator equips participants with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to transform ideas into sustainable businesses while strengthening Durham Region’s Black entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Applications open in early 2027. Join the next generation of Black founders shaping the future of business and innovation.
Stay connected with the latest ideas, opportunities, and conversations shaping the future of Black communities in Canada. Throughout the year, CLAN Webinars bring together industry experts, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to share practical insights on entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, skilled trades, career development, leadership, funding, financial literacy, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Whether you’re building a business, advancing your career, or looking to grow your network, our webinars are designed to provide actionable knowledge and meaningful connections.
Subscribe to the CLAN newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming webinars, speaker announcements, program launches, funding opportunities, and community events. Join our growing network and never miss an opportunity to learn, connect, and lead.
Every partnership, membership, volunteer, and donation helps create opportunities for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and families across Canada. Join us in building a thriving and connected community.
Use your skills, grow your network, and create lasting impact in your community.
Subscribe to our mailing list for updates on programs, events, and community news.
Reach Out
Durham, Ontario, Canada
hello@clancanada.org
