home 2 - Welcome to LEAD Initiative

Strengthening communities through

technology, empowerment, innovation and inclusive growth

LEAD Initiative is a nonprofit ecosystem that strengthens marginalized communities through technology, empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth. Our tailored programs help participants grow, thrive, and drive lasting impact.

Many face higher barriers to opportunity. Newcomers need networks and compliance guidance. Teens need safe spaces to be mentored, build digital skills, and gain confidence. Micro-entrepreneurs need affordable tools, customer feedback, and a first sales channel. Seniors and families need navigation support to access resources. LEAD addresses these barriers with a clear pathway that turns potential into progress and progress into stability.

Our vision is an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where individuals can learn, practice, launch, and grow. We support youth and newcomer-led ventures, women and linguistic minorities, and families seeking stability. We strive to build sustainable micro-businesses, improve access to skills and resources, create local jobs, and strengthen overall well-being. We exist to help more people rise, build, and lead with purpose.

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Our Programs

LEAD Incubator Program

A structured support system for early-stage entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, training, Market Access, funding opportunities, and business development resources to help startups grow and scale.

Break into Tech (BIT)

Empowering participants with essential digital literacy skills and providing tech-based solutions to prepare them for careers and business opportunities in the tech industry.

Youth Impact Program (YIP)

A dynamic initiative for youth (ages 6-18), focusing on engagement, education, leadership, entrepreneurship, sports, and technology, preparing them today, for future opportunities.

LEAD Vendor Program

Market Access both Physical and digital. Helping entrepreneurs reach multi-digit sales growth. Achieve business sustainability. Expand into retail stores and international markets

LeadConsult

A revenue-generating arm offering expert consulting services, whose profits fund community initiatives and programs.

Supporting Mental and Resilient Thriving (S.M.A.R.T.)

Focused on mental health awareness, education, and culturally competent counseling services for Black individuals and families.

CONNECT (Community Networking and Engagement for Collaborative Transformation)

Promoting cultural pride, community building, and social cohesion through events, meetups, and volunteering workshops.

E³R (Economic Empowerment and Employment Readiness)

Providing job skills, career development workshops, financial literacy training, and pathways to employment opportunities.

Built as an ecosystem. Governed by servant leaders. Led by Jesus.

Stories

LEAD Initiative provided me with the critical guidance I needed to take Gbagagba Bitters closer to full regulatory approval in Canada. From connecting me with seasoned experts to walking me through compliance pathways, they’ve made what once seemed impossible feel achievable. I’m truly grateful for the support.

Ikenna Akunebu Founder, Gbagagba Herbal Limited

Being here was really enjoyable. They taught us things we didn’t know and things we actually need for real life. The atmosphere and surroundings were great, and it was a really good time to spend with everyone. I would recommend LEAD YIP to anyone.

Pauwels Angelo Nyassiri YIP participant

We started with three young women. No fancy business plan, no investors, just a shared vision that wouldn’t quit. We joined the LEAD Initiative Youth Impact Program (YIP) Summer Bootcamp and everything changed. That’s how Auvera was born. We learned to build, to lead, and most importantly to believe in what we could create.

Peace Akinbinu YIP Participant

Shoutout to LEAD YIP Summer Bootcamp. This program is fire. It helped me grow, lead, and believe in myself even more. I learned how to step up, stay confident, and actually inspire others. If you want to level up your life for real, LEAD YIP is where it’s at.

Daniel Abiona YIP Participant

Working with LEAD Initiative through Canada Summer Jobs has been amazing. The programs helped me build my confidence, improve how I speak with people, and gain real skills I can use in future jobs. I also worked with children and kept learning along the way. I am really grateful for this experience.

Blessing Canada Summer Jobs student Staff, LEAD Initiative