Building Black economic power through community, innovation, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and opportunity – starting in the Durham Region of Toronto and growing across Canada.
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From students and newcomers to entrepreneurs and business owners, CLAN is building pathways to success.
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Join Durham’s growing network of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and community leaders.
JoinPathways to success.
From students and newcomers to entrepreneurs and business owners, CLAN is building pathways to success.
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Our Programs

Durham Black Futures
Connecting People. Building Opportunity.

Durham Black Futures Accelerator
Turning Ideas into Sustainable Businesses.

Durham Black Futures Fund
Fueling Black Entrepreneurship.

Black student success network
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders.

Black Business Collective
Helping Businesses Grow Together.

New Beginnings Canada
Helping Newcomers Build Their Future.
About CLAN.
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.
Our storyOur Mission
To advance Black economic empowerment in Durham Region by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development, workforce advancement, and community collaboration.
Our Vision
A thriving Durham Region where Black communities have equitable access to the opportunities, networks, resources, and capital needed to succeed and lead.
Our Positioning
CLAN is advancing Black economic empowerment in Durham Region through entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and community collaboration.
Our Approach
We create pathways to economic opportunity by connecting Black communities with programs, partnerships, leadership, and workforce initiatives.
Our board.
Jake Effodu
Board Chair
Titi Akinsanmi
Programs, Innovation & Community Impact Chair
Christine Dikonguè
Secretary and Governance Chair
Mona-Lisa Prosper
Partnerships & Fundraising Chair
Yomi Atobatele
Treasurer & Chair, Finance Committee
Our team.
Tunde Omotoye
Executive Director
Wole Ogunwale
VP Strategy & Operations
Sheriff Alimi
VP Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership
Banka Konate
Policy & Community Support Lead
Aina Timilehin
Marketing and Social Media
Tolu Adebanjo
Program Operations
Chioma Ogbuneke
Marketing Social Media
The future is
being built.
Be in the room.
Ideas. Innovation. Opportunity. Discover what’s coming at the Durham Black Futures Summit and be part of the conversations shaping our community’s next chapter.
A shared belief in what’s possible.
Creating opportunity takes a community. CLAN connects Black entrepreneurs, professionals, students and newcomers with the learning, networks and support to move forward. We thank our past and present partners for helping make this work possible, and we’re grateful to the community members who continue to support, shape and strengthen CLAN.
Gallery.
CIBC x CLAN
About this event +
The CLAN x CIBC: Empowering Black Professionals event, held in 2024, 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.

AfriCanada Summit
About this event +
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.
Schulich Executive Education Leadership Program
About this event +
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.
Events.
Black Futures
Summit.
Durham Black Futures Summit
The Durham Black Futures Summit is CLAN’s flagship annual conference advancing Black economic empowerment in Durham Region.
Read full event details +
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.
Black Futures
Accelerator.
Durham Black Futures Acclerator
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.
Read full event details +
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.
Helping Newcomers Build Their Future.
Stay connected with the latest ideas, opportunities, and conversations shaping the future of Black communities in Canada.
Read full event details +
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.
Support our mission.
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.
Volunteer with us.
Use your skills, grow your network, and create lasting impact in your community.
See current roles ↗







