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As Canada’s startup scene continues to evolve, a powerful new initiative is setting a bold precedent for inclusive innovation. Enter Melamoon, a dynamic two-day experience designed to uplift Black founders with real capital, holistic support, and culturally rooted community engagement. Taking place September 26–27, 2025, at Toronto’s Globe and Mail Centre, Melamoon launches as a national call to action that urges Canada’s business community to see, fund, and believe in Black entrepreneurial excellence—far beyond the bounds of a traditional pitch competition.

Melamoon is powered by two influential forces: the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE)—a national catalyst for Black wealth creation—and Black Ambition, the U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Pharrell Williams that’s known for fuelling underrepresented founders with funding, coaching, and opportunity. Together, they’re laying down a blueprint that merges creativity, commerce, and culture to drive meaningful and measurable change for Black communities.

A purpose-driven launchpad for innovation

Melamoon’s strength lies in its deeply intentional design. The two-day event is structured to go beyond surface-level support by nurturing the full founder journey—from idea to execution—within a culturally affirming and investor-ready environment.

September 26: So Ambitious Dinner

This invite-only evening brings together 120 founders, funders, cultural leaders, and investors for an intimate dinner experience centred around connection and collaboration. Fifty top applicants will join seasoned changemakers for a night of shared storytelling, dynamic discussion, and bold ambition. Set against the backdrop of panoramic city views, the evening’s fireside conversations will reflect on what it truly means to support Black innovation in Canada—not with lip service, but with capital and care.

September 27: The Melamoon Pitch

This is the moment when capital meets culture. Six finalists will pitch their ventures live on stage, competing for four non-dilutive cash prizes totalling $200,000:

• $100,000 grand prize
• $50,000 second place
• $25,000 third place
• $25,000 People’s Choice Award

But the impact of Melamoon extends far beyond prize money. Finalists will also gain access to a suite of founder-focused workshops, coaching, and mentorship in the lead-up to pitch day—ensuring their ideas are ready to resonate with both investors and the community.

A keynote speaker will headline the event, further connecting Black entrepreneurial brilliance with broader conversations around systemic change, wealth creation, and the cultural power of innovation.

What sets Melamoon apart?

Melamoon doesn’t take equity. There are no strings attached. It exists to serve the aspirations of Black founders across Canada through authentic support and intentional ecosystem building. Its standout features include:

• Founder readiness programming: Tailored virtual workshops and mentorship opportunities before demo day.

• Cultural and strategic alignment: A program design that centres Black identity, creativity, and business acumen.

• Deep ecosystem integration: Networking with funders, cultural stakeholders, and peer entrepreneurs over two immersive days.

• High-visibility storytelling: From pitch-stage exposure to media engagement, Melamoon helps founders claim space and tell their stories.

• Community momentum: The People’s Choice Award introduces a community-driven approach to funding decisions, reinforcing grassroots impact.

Applications now open

Black founders from across Canada are encouraged to apply before August 15, 2025, at www.melamoon.ca. Whether you're building in tech, consumer goods, health, media, or beyond, Melamoon offers a rare platform to launch ideas into action, with no equity taken, and every voice amplified.

About the organizers

FACE Coalition is Canada’s leading organization focused on building generational wealth for Black communities through strategic partnerships, funding initiatives, and economic empowerment programs.

Black Ambition, launched by global artist and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams, supports underrepresented founders through a U.S.-based network of grants, mentorship, and startup support across sectors including AI, healthcare, media, and consumer products.

A cultural turning point for Black entrepreneurship

Melamoon arrives at a critical time. While Canada’s tech and startup sectors continue to grow, equitable access to funding remains a challenge, especially for Black-led ventures. By pairing no-strings-attached capital with deep community engagement and strategic support, Melamoon isn’t just filling a gap. It’s helping to redefine how inclusive innovation looks, feels, and functions in Canada.

Beyond the financial investment, Melamoon offers something more vital: belief. Belief in Black ideas. In Black leadership. In futures built on trust, brilliance, and collective action. As Toronto gets ready to host this powerful showcase of ambition, the broader message is clear—Black entrepreneurs don’t need to wait for permission. Their time is now. Their spotlight is here.

And with Melamoon, that spotlight comes with capital, culture, and community built to last.