Welcome to the
Youth Village

A non-profit charity dedicated to empowering minority communities through economic success and intergenerational connections. We believe that by fostering relationships between entrepreneurs of various generations, we can create a strong, supportive network that accelerates growth and strengthens our cultural identity.

our mission

Developing, leading, and expanding opportunities for intergenerational conversations among black entrepreneurs.

our mission

Developing, leading, and expanding opportunities for intergenerational conversations among black entrepreneurs.

Cultivating a network of entrepreneurs from different generations who can support each other in establishing and growing successful businesses.

Expanding networks and increasing each other’s competence to compete in the global marketplace.

Strengthening Afrocentric cultural identity through community building activities and bidirectional knowledge exchange.

our vision

We envision a future where minority communities are thriving economically, and entrepreneurs of all ages can collaborate, learn from one another, and contribute to the cultural richness of their communities.

Our value proposition is to create wealth by focusing on youth development and mentorship through the entrepreneurial journey and funding of intergenerational projects.

Programs

We envision a future where minority communities are thriving economically, and entrepreneurs of all ages can collaborate, learn from one another, and contribute to the cultural richness of their communities.

To achieve our mission, the Youth Village offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to bring together entrepreneurs from various generations and backgrounds. These include.

 

To achieve our mission, the Youth Village offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to bring together entrepreneurs from various generations and backgrounds. These include



To achieve our mission, the Youth Village offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to bring together entrepreneurs from various generations and backgrounds. These include



To achieve our mission, the Youth Village offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to bring together entrepreneurs from various generations and backgrounds. These include



To achieve our mission, the Youth Village offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to bring together entrepreneurs from various generations and backgrounds. These include



get involved

Become a member

Join our network of entrepreneurs to access resources, support, and connections.

Volunteer

Share your skills and expertise as a mentor, workshop facilitator, or event organizer.

Donate

Your financial support enables us to continue providing valuable programs and services to our community.

Partner with us

Collaborate with the Youth Village on initiatives that align with our mission and values.

Together, we can build a brighter future for minority communities through economic success and intergenerational connections. Join us in making a difference today!

contact us

Courses Waitlist

Become a Mentor

Become a Mentee

ABOUT

Enrique Robert

MSPH

Originally trained human rights Lawyer in his homeland El Salvador. Enrique has lived and work in Canada for over thirty years, his academic formation has been useful in his role as a community development worker. Enrique has worked as a housing worker providing support to homeless and people described as “hardest to house”, he has managed a shelter for the homeless and worked in many social service organizations. 

Enrique has over twenty years of experience as an Executive Director of non-profit multiservice organisations. Including the Open Door Centre, Peterborough Social Planning Council and Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre. 

Enrique is a member of the United Way of Greater Toronto Speakers Bureau, as well of Passages to Canada, Dominion Institute. Enrique has been peer reviewer with the Ontario Trillium Foundation, and the Toronto Urban Health Fund. Enrique has presented workshops on Community Development and Non Profit Board Governance, anti racism and anti oppression work. 

Your generosity plays a crucial role in the success of The Youth Village.

By donating, you help us provide valuable mentorship, education, and opportunities for intergenerational conversations among Black entrepreneurs. Your contribution directly impacts the lives of our youth, empowering them to reach their full potential as global citizens. No matter the amount, your support makes a lasting difference. Donate today and be part of our mission to uplift and empower the Black community.

Creating Black Legacies

Research has shown that projects undertaken between young entrepreneurs and more experienced entrepreneurs have a greater probability of success. Research has also shown that funding for Black intergenerational projects is not well received in the marketplace.

Our Goal

Create a fund of over $5 million CAD to finance intergenerational projects between Black Youth and Black mature entrepreneurs.

Our Research

The responses from more than 300 black entrepreneurs from across Canada revealed that systemic racism, access to capital and the lack of a business network represent the main barriers to the growth and sustainability of Black-led and/or owned businesses.

The Challenge

Access to capital is the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs: Access to funding, financing, capital or sales was the top stated challenge by a significant margin. 75% say that if they needed to find $10,000 to support your business, it would be difficult for them to do so.

Source

Access to capital is the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs: Access to funding, financing, capital or sales was the top stated challenge by a significant margin. 75% say that if they needed to find $10,000 to support your business, it would be difficult for them to do so.

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