Astro Bug

TORONTO & NEW YORK - AstroBug -- The Roadmap to Billions conference, organized by Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT), is set to make its first-ever appearance in Toronto, offering a transformative experience for Black women tech entrepreneurs, and professionals. The conference, renowned for celebrating and empowering Black women in tech, will be held at East Room, 50 Carroll St, Toronto, ON M4M 3G3. The event kicks off with a welcome reception on Sunday, September 29, at the DMZ, and Monday September 30th kicking off with a VIP breakfast, Mentor Marketplace of experts in finance, legal, VC and career coaching and tech workshops. Attendees can also expect exhibitor booths, a networking lounge powered by Dell, and a closing reception featuring special guests on Monday, September 30.

Why Toronto?
"Toronto's status as a burgeoning tech and innovation hub makes it a fitting choice for Black Women Talk Tech's expansion into Canada," says BWTT co-founder, Regina Gwynn. "This move underlines the organization's commitment to supporting and uplifting Black women in tech globally, tackling the unique challenges they face in a predominantly white and male-dominated industry" Gwynn adds.

A Stellar Line-Up of Speakers and Sponsors
Participants will hear from leading voices in the industry, including Claudette McGowan, Founder of Protexxa; Lauren Maillian, Founder of LMB Ventures; and MPP Charmaine Williams. These influential speakers will cover essential topics such as personal branding, fundraising strategies, AI trends, and the growth of the Canadian Black tech ecosystem.

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"I'm thrilled to support Roadmap to Billions in Toronto, a city known for innovation and inclusion," said Claudette McGowan, CEO, Protexxa. "This conference is more than just an event; it's a movement that is breaking barriers and redefining success in the tech industry."

The event is sponsored by MITACS, Dell Technologies, Air Canada, DMZ, Invest Brampton, and East Room, with promotional support from MaRS Discovery District, Ontario Center of Innovation, StartUp Ontario, Black Entrepreneurship Alliance, Blacks in Technology Toronto, Future Skills Centre, Ted Rogers Business Career Hub and Black North Initiative.

As an official partner of Elevate Festival, Black Women Talk Tech will also host a featured workshop at Elevate's Women+ Tech Lounge, further expanding their impact and reach.

Building Connections and Securing Opportunities
Designed as a nexus for networking, resource-building, and community empowerment, the conference will include a $15,000 Pitch Competition in collaboration with the Black Founders Network, Nobellum, and Black Entrepreneurship Alliance. Attendees will gain critical insights on creating standout resumes, navigating the fundraising landscape, and leveraging AI in their businesses.

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"This conference is more than just an event—it's a powerful catalyst for change," said Associate Minister of Women's Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams. "Roadmap to Billions is offering Black women the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive in an industry where their voices are often underrepresented. By bringing this conference to Toronto, we're taking a significant step towards building a more inclusive and innovative tech community."

"While only receiving 0.1% of venture capital funding, Black women are leading the charge in entrepreneurship. At the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA), we're proud to see that 85% of our ventures are women-led. The Roadmap to Billions conference is a crucial platform to empower these innovators and bridge the funding gap for Black women founders. Together, we can build a more inclusive and thriving tech ecosystem" said Olu Villasa, Manager of Black Entrepreneurship Alliance.

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About Black Women Talk Tech
Co-founded by Regina Gwynn and Esosa Ighodaro, Black Women Talk Tech is a collective dedicated to creating opportunities, fostering community, and driving growth for Black women in tech. Despite receiving only 0.1% of venture capital funding, Black women are starting businesses at a faster rate than any other demographic. BWTT's initiatives, such as Roadmap to Billions, have helped over a dozen women secure nearly $30 million in VC funding, with plans to expand their impact in Canada.

Join Us
The Roadmap to Billions conference is ideal for Black women tech founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, tech professionals, investors, and allies dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in tech. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://roadmaptobillions.ca.

Press Contact
For press inquiries, please contact:
Sandra Gabriel
PR & Communications
sandra@360aac.com