Start Section | Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Across Canada

Our Mission

Dismantling Barriers, Building Futures

We exist to close the gaps created by systemic barriers facing Black entrepreneurs in Canada, providing the support, capital access, and community needed to thrive.

Our Commitment

Start Section was founded with a clear purpose: to create economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs who face systemic barriers to building and scaling successful businesses.

Through comprehensive programming, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community, we're building an ecosystem where Black entrepreneurs don't just survive—they thrive.

Our approach combines world-class business education with practical mentorship, access to capital, and a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

What Drives Us

Economic empowerment through entrepreneurship
Dismantling systemic barriers to business success
Building sustainable, scalable enterprises
Creating generational wealth in Black communities
Fostering innovation and excellence
Strengthening the entrepreneurship ecosystem

What We Offer

Comprehensive Programs for Every Stage

💡

Business Advisory

One-on-one expert guidance on strategy, operations, marketing, and growth from experienced business advisors.

Strategic business planning
Financial management guidance
Marketing & branding support
Operational optimization

🎓

Training & Workshops

Comprehensive training programs covering essential business skills, industry knowledge, and leadership development.

Monthly workshop series
Industry-specific training
Digital marketing bootcamps
Financial literacy programs

🤝

Mentorship Program

Connect with successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders who provide guidance, support, and accountability.

Curated mentor matching
Structured mentorship framework
Peer learning circles
Industry networking events

🚀

Incubator Program

6-month intensive program for early-stage businesses focusing on validation, product development, and market entry.

Business model validation
Product development support
Go-to-market strategy
Investor pitch preparation

⚡

Accelerator Program

3-month intensive program for growth-stage businesses ready to scale operations and revenue rapidly.

Growth strategy development
Scaling operations
Fundraising preparation
Market expansion planning

💰

Access to Capital

Connections to funding sources, grant writing support, and investor introductions to fuel business growth.

Grant application support
Investor network access
Pitch deck development
Alternative financing options

Leadership

Meet Our Team

Led by accomplished entrepreneurs, attorneys, and business leaders with proven track records of building successful ventures and serving underserved communities.

Oyebade Adepegba

Founder & Executive Director

Yale MBA, Co-Founder of Guideli (Techstars 2023), Former In-House Counsel at Nigeria's largest Oil & Gas company. Proven track record serving 10,000+ immigrants through technology-enabled venture.

Daniel Jayeoba

Director & Strategic Advisor

Harvard Business School MBA, Co-Founder & CEO of Guideli, Former Lead Technology Advisor at Banwo & Ighodalo. Multiple awards including NYC Economic Development Corporation Award.

Damilola Adesanya

Director & Legal Counsel

Privacy Legal Counsel at CIBC, LL.M. from Western University. Expert in privacy law, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.

Giri Amarakone

Strategic Technology Advisor

Serial entrepreneur, Former Sr. Director at MediaTek, Principal roles at NVIDIA & AMD. Co-founder of Gojitech, Kaidu.ai, and deepPiXEL. Launched 50+ products internationally.

Building the Future of Black Entrepreneurship in Canada