Skills Development Training

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Across Ontario

At Olundara Foundation, we provide immersive Skills Development Training to help Black entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups across Ontario — especially in Bradford, York, and Simcoe — build sustainable, thriving businesses.
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500+

Businesses Trained

45%

Average Revenue Growth

70%

Graduates Launched/Expanded

Overview of Skills Development Training

Our Skills Development Training programs are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, tools, and strategies to thrive in today’s competitive economy.

Training Mandate

Empowering Black Entrepreneurs Across Ontario: breaking barriers through immersive skills development and training programs.

Value Proposition

Our programs equip entrepreneurs with practical skills to overcome systemic barriers and build sustainable, resilient businesses.
Duration
12 weeks per cohort
Format
Workshops, mentorship, hands-on projects
Region Focus
Bradford,
York,
Simcoe

Topics Covered

Hands-on workshops, mentorship, and practical tools to help entrepreneurs build, grow, and sustain thriving businesses in today’s competitive economy.
  • Bookkeeping & Financial Planning
  • Tax Filing & Management
  • Funding & Grant Applications
  • Digital Marketing & Social Media
  • Customer Retention & Business Sustainability
  • Digital Marketing
  • Small Business Marketing
  • Small Business Recruitment
  • Cross-cultual Marketing
  • And many more...
Impact Metrics
  • Over 500 Black-owned businesses trained in 10 years.
  • Average 45% increase in revenue for past participants.
  • 70% of graduates successfully launched new or expanded businesses.

What We Offer

Our immersive, 12-week training programs blend expert-led workshops, mentorship, and collaborative learning to give participants the tools they need to succeed.

Immersive Training Programs

Highly interactive, hands-on workshops ensure participants build practical skills they can apply immediately to their businesses.


Every cohort runs for 12 weeks, combining expert instruction with peer collaboration and real-world projects.

• Weekly workshops & coaching
• Action-oriented assignments
• Community of practice & support

group-of-business-international-people

Inclusive Approach

Our programs are designed with inclusion and equity at the core, serving a diverse range of participants, including:
• Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Newcomers and immigrants
• People with disabilities
• Other underrepresented groups seeking economic empowerment.


We meet participants where they are, creating a supportive environment that honors lived experience and community knowledge.

Accessible Funding Model

Our programs are self-funded and supported by government grants, ensuring they remain accessible and sustainable for the communities we serve.

This model allows us to lower financial barriers while maintaining high-quality, community-centered training.


We partner with funders and stakeholders who share our commitment to racial equity, entrepreneurship, and economic justice.

Our Impact

Over the past 10 years, Olundara Foundation has supported more than 500 Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate systemic challenges and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Our alumni report higher confidence, stronger financial management, and increased access to capital, networks, and markets.

Driving Socio-Economic Development

  • Creating jobs and reducing unemployment in local communities.
  • Strengthening local businesses and community ecosystems.
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in Ontario’s entrepreneurial landscape.
  • Enhancing economic sustainability across Bradford, York, Simcoe, and beyond by equipping entrepreneurs with tools to thrive long-term

Why Our Training Matters

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Systemic barriers continue to limit access to capital, networks, and resources for many Black and marginalized entrepreneurs. Our programs are intentionally designed to disrupt these inequities.

By centering community, culture, and lived experience, we help entrepreneurs build not only profitable businesses, but also transformative legacies.
  • Practical business skills
  • Financial literacy and management strategies
  • Digital tools for modern entrepreneurship
  • Networking opportunities with industry leaders

Practical, Applied Learning

Participants engage in real-world exercises, case studies, and projects that mirror the challenges of running and scaling a business.

Community and Mentorship

Our cohorts create space for shared learning, accountability, and mentorship—building long-term networks of support.

Long-Term Impact

The skills and connections gained extend well beyond the 12-week program, supporting sustainable business growth and generational change.

Join Our Next Cohort

Are you ready to take your business or career to the next level? Our next 12-week Skills Development Training cohort is now open for registration.

Together, we can build stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a stronger Ontario rooted in equity, resilience, and opportunity.

Testimonials and Success Stories

Our graduates share how Olundara Foundation’s Skills Development Training helped them gain confidence, clarity, and concrete tools to move their businesses forward.
"Before joining Olundara’s training, I had no idea how to manage my business finances. The program taught me practical bookkeeping and financial planning skills that gave me confidence to launch my business. Today, I feel prepared to keep my records accurate and make informed decisions."
Sarah
Bookkeeping & Financial Planning
"I was worried about tax compliance as a new entrepreneur. Olundara’s training simplified tax filing and management for me. Now, I understand my obligations and can avoid costly mistakes. This knowledge is priceless for my future business."
David
Tax Filing and Management
"Getting funding seemed impossible until I attended Olundara’s workshop. They walked me through grant applications and funding strategies step by step. I now have the tools to secure financial support for my startup."
Aisha
Funding and Grant Application
"I had a great business idea but no clue how to market it online. Olundara’s training opened my eyes to digital marketing and website promotion. I’m now building an online presence that will attract customers before I even launch."
Kelvin
Digital Marketing and Website Promotion
"I wanted to start a service-based business but didn’t know how to keep customers coming back. Olundara taught me practical customer retention techniques that will help me build loyalty and long-term success."
Maria
Customer Retention Strategies
"My business was struggling to gain visibility online. Olundara’s training on social media marketing transformed my approach. Today, my engagement has tripled, and I’m attracting new customers every week."
James
Social Media Marketing
"Keeping good employees was a challenge for me. Through Olundara’s program, I learned strategies to motivate and retain staff. My team is now stronger and more committed than ever."
Linda
Employee Retention
"I feared my business wouldn’t survive the economic downturn. Olundara’s sustainability training gave me tools to adapt and thrive. Now, I’m confident about the future and planning for growth."
Victor
Small Business Sustainability
"I never considered sponsorship as a growth strategy until Olundara introduced it. Their guidance helped me secure partnerships that boosted my revenue and brand visibility."
Naomi
Product and Service Sponsorship
"Even as an experienced entrepreneur, I struggled with long-term financial planning. Olundara’s advanced sessions helped me restructure my finances for stability and expansion. It was a game-changer for my business."
Samuel
Advanced Financial Planning