LEGUP Symposium

A symposium that brings awareness, normalcy and available resources in a beautiful, exciting and welcoming manner to get a LEGUP on the wealth mindset

Our Next Symposium

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
A Platform for the Stories We're Creating Together

The best of the BIPOC community on display

Breaking through the barriers of economic inequality with leaders and peers that you can relate to because YOU CAN SEE YOURSELF IN THEM. This forum is designed to encourage and empower you.

We’re using stories, images and videos to change the social, financial and psychological health of the BIPOC community.

"Our people, method and approach presents a formula that is essential to helping build financial literacy and security."

Types of Tickets

  • Individual Pass: $250

  • Corporate Group Pass: $2,500

  • Breakfast: $49

  • Lunch: $79

Types of Tickets:

Thank you to our sponsors

Why the LEGUP Symposium is needed

According to a 2020 Statistics Canada survey, for most measures of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants from the Black visible-minority group reported poorer self-rated mental health and greater financial insecurity compared with White participants. The LEGUP Wealth Symposium is needed to advance financial security in the Black community, and to also encourage better health. There is a strong correlation between our financial security and overall health and with dedicated, empowered leadership and a focus on sustainable equity, we will create an environment where individuals can collaborate and realize their full potential.
Statistics show that 15% of Canadians are overbanked, hence, 85% are underbanked. Families that reside in underbanked communities are deprived of taking advantage of financial services such as mortgages, investments, or savings services. In the majority of cases, perhaps in all cases, underprivileged communities are mainly inhabited by people of colour who face numerous constraints daily – particularly, financial difficulties. From data collected during the pandemic, 37.5% of Black Canadians reported feeling financially insecure. With an 8% inflation rate, that number is more likely over 50% since the latest poll shows that 47% of Canadians feel insecure about money.
Statistics show that 15% of Canadians are overbanked, hence, 85% are underbanked. Families that reside in underbanked communities are deprived of taking advantage of financial services such as mortgages, investments, or savings services. In the majority of cases, perhaps in all cases, underprivileged communities are mainly inhabited by people of colour who face numerous constraints daily – particularly, financial difficulties. From data collected during the pandemic, 37.5% of Black Canadians reported feeling financially insecure. With an 8% inflation rate, that number is more likely over 50% since the latest poll shows that 47% of Canadians feel insecure about money.

The damages caused by financial instability are not limited to the pockets of these communities. Mental health is one of the major epidemics affecting black communities to the tune that 38.8% percent of Black Canadians in difficult financial situations face mental health issues. The number one reason for divorce in the Black community is financial security. These factors generate incalculable damage in families and communities. They destroy the family structure and negatively impact future generations – who are raised in unstable homes and with nothing to hope nor strive for. There is an urgent need to revamp the way that Canadians receive financial services to equally share opportunities in this new era of financial services.

In this new era of financial services, technology driven wealth, accessibility and equity is proliferated by the role that technology startups and serial entrepreneurship is playing in furthering the wealth gap, not only in Canada but globally. It is not just founders of venture-backed startups who tend to be distinctly non-diverse— there are also, typically, few employees who are people of color. This makes yet another route to building wealth that has been largely closed to most members of marginalized communities.

To get a foot in the door, barriers such as a lack of network and connections or even an understanding of how to build generation wealth need to be broken down.

young african american employee focused on her laptop in a coworking office. sitting at desk side view
middle eastern man in office standing leaning on desk smiling and taking notes
Statistics show that 15% of Canadians are overbanked, hence, 85% are underbanked. Families that reside in underbanked communities are deprived of taking advantage of financial services such as mortgages, investments, or savings services. In the majority of cases, perhaps in all cases, underprivileged communities are mainly inhabited by people of colour who face numerous constraints daily – particularly, financial difficulties. From data collected during the pandemic, 37.5% of Black Canadians reported feeling financially insecure. With an 8% inflation rate, that number is more likely over 50% since the latest poll shows that 47% of Canadians feel insecure about money.
Statistics show that 15% of Canadians are overbanked, hence, 85% are underbanked. Families that reside in underbanked communities are deprived of taking advantage of financial services such as mortgages, investments, or savings services. In the majority of cases, perhaps in all cases, underprivileged communities are mainly inhabited by people of colour who face numerous constraints daily – particularly, financial difficulties. From data collected during the pandemic, 37.5% of Black Canadians reported feeling financially insecure. With an 8% inflation rate, that number is more likely over 50% since the latest poll shows that 47% of Canadians feel insecure about money.

The damages caused by financial instability are not limited to the pockets of these communities. Mental health is one of the major epidemics affecting black communities to the tune that 38.8% percent of Black Canadians in difficult financial situations face mental health issues. The number one reason for divorce in the Black community is financial security. These factors generate incalculable damage in families and communities. They destroy the family structure and negatively impact future generations – who are raised in unstable homes and with nothing to hope nor strive for. There is an urgent need to revamp the way that Canadians receive financial services to equally share opportunities in this new era of financial services.

In this new era of financial services, technology driven wealth, accessibility and equity is proliferated by the role that technology startups and serial entrepreneurship is playing in furthering the wealth gap, not only in Canada but globally. It is not just founders of venture-backed startups who tend to be distinctly non-diverse— there are also, typically, few employees who are people of color. This makes yet another route to building wealth that has been largely closed to most members of marginalized communities.

To get a foot in the door, barriers such as a lack of network and connections or even an understanding of how to build generation wealth need to be broken down.

The Adinkra Symbol of knowledge, life-long education and continued quest for knowledge.
Symposium theme

Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu

"He who does not know can know from learning"

Originally created by the Ashanti of Ghana and the Gyaman of Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa, Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts or aphorisms. While the symbols serve as decorative elements, they also convey evocative messages about traditional wisdom, aspects of life, or the environment.

The theme of this year’s symposium is Nea Onnim No Sua A, Ohu, which means “He who does not know can know from learning.” It is the Adinkra Symbol of knowledge, lifelong education, and the quest for knowledge. Through this symposium, we aim to infuse the LEG-UP mindset into the BIPOC community by changing the approach from a strictly academic to a cultural, more relatable approach.

Event Discussions

Innovation:
Staying At The Forefront

The pace of innovation moves at the speed of light and the future belongs to the disruptors. Join the discussions to ensure you don’t get left behind. Find out about: careers, skills, tools, business and trends that are shaping financial goals in a changing and ever evolving digital world.

Technology:
Forge Into The Future Of Digital Finance & Wealth Creation

The financial ecosystem is on the cusp of a new era. Join us in our efforts to help the BIPOC community participate in building a more sustainable society and feel confident that they can meet their financial goals in a changing and ever evolving digital world.

Sustainability:
Network With Leaders And Peers

Connect with leaders across industries that you can relate to, because you can see yourself in them, Engage with professionals who are breaking through the barriers of financial inequity, becoming more financial empowered, living better and healthier lives, and becoming more active participants in economic decisions.

Our 2023 Speakers

Karen Bradshaw
Karen Bradshaw
VP Business Solutions & Operational Excellence
Dennis Mitchell
Dennis Mitchell
CEO Starlight Capital
Isaac Olowolafe
Isaac Olowolafe Jr.
Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Philanthropist
Agapi Gessesse
Agapi Gessesse
Executive Director of CEE Center
David Kwok
David Kwok
Associate Director of Entrepreneurship – YSpace, York University
Nafis Ahmed
Nafis Ahmed
Entrepreneurship Manager – YSpace, York University
Olu Villasa
Olu Villasa
Entrepreneurship Manager – Black Entrepreneurship Alliance
Faith Biyapo
Faith Biyapo
Regional Manager, Black Community Business Development, TD Bank Group
Leke David Odufuwa
Leke David Odufuwa
Senior Financial Planner, TD Wealth Financial Planning
Diane Scott5
Diane Scott
Sales Representative - RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.
Charles Ayodele
Charles Ayodele
Mortgage Broker - Real Mortgage Associates Inc.
Justice Donald McCleod
Justice Donald McLeod
Kwame Osei
Kwame Osei
Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Nikki Ray Media Agency
Tychon Carter Newman
Tychon Carter Newman
Motivational Speaker, Content Creator
Abdel Ali
Abdel Ali
Venture Capital Investment Professional
Bryan Duarte
Bryan Duarte
Social Venturist | Co-Founding GP, BlackTech Capital | Founder & CEO Enliten
Kofi Hope
Kofi Hope
Founder of Monumental
David Griffiths2
David Griffiths
President and Founder - Brothers Who Care

Our 2023 Entertainment

Greg Birkett
Greg Birkett
Educator, Poet
Nigel Birch Jr.
Nigel Birch
Artist, Poet
Aaron Ridge
Aaron Ridge
Juno Award Nominated R&B Singer
Jay Martin
Jay Martin
Comedian
Corporate

Why should your employees attend?

Designate 10 or more high potential BIPOC employees to attend this all-day financial security conference as part of their professional and leadership development. Attendees are free to go in and out as it suites their schedule. The cost for a 10-pass set is $2,500.

The summit will provide the following benefits to your organization an employees:

Enhance Employee Engagement: Driving an engaged workforce should not be restricted inside the walls of a corporation. When BIPOC employees see that their employer cares for them outside of the workplace, it builds commitment and trust, elevates their performance and lead to higher retention

Grow Capability and Skills: When employees invest in enhancing their financial knowledge and skills in a digital world, it results in enhanced value to your organization and to clients. Employees are happier, healthier, and feel confident about their financial choices throughout life’s milestones

Talent & Skills Pipeline: Participate in a financial security experience platform that emotionally engages BIPOC professional. We are creating Canada’s next gen professional and business leaders

Team of young black people in the office in meeting hands in the middle

The summit will provide the following benefits to your organization an employees:

Enhance Employee Engagement: Driving an engaged workforce should not be restricted inside the walls of a corporation. When BIPOC employees see that their employer cares for them outside of the workplace, it builds commitment and trust, elevates their performance and lead to higher retention

Grow Capability and Skills: When employees invest in enhancing their financial knowledge and skills in a digital world, it results in enhanced value to your organization and to clients. Employees are happier, healthier, and feel confident about their financial choices throughout life’s milestones.

Talent & Skills Pipeline: Participate in a financial security experience platform that emotionally engages BIPOC professional. We are creating Canada’s next gen professional and business leaders

Event Schedule

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Breakfast

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Breakout Sessions 1

Room #1: Money Bootcamp (Presented by TD)

Room #2: Skills & Tools to Elevate Performance (Presented by YSpace)

Room #3: Biz Trends Shaping Your Financial Goals (Presented by Intuit)

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

BREAK + MUSICAL INTERLUDE

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

LEG-UP Wealth Innovator Awards

These awards recognize individuals and corporations leading the industry with innovative ideas and working with LEGUP to elevate the BIPOC Wealth creation experiences and drive human equity and sustainability.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Executive Networking Lunch

  • Fireside Chat with Dennis Mitchell, Isaac Olowofale, Andrew McDonald
  • Entertainment

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Breakout Sessions 2

Room #1: Real Estate & Generational Wealth (Remax)

Room #2: Serial Entrepreneurship & Early Tech Startup (YSpace)

Room #3: Money & Relationship Intelligence – Getting a LEGUP on Your Mindset (Bridge2Well Being)

2:30 PM - 2:30 PM

BREAK + MUSICAL INTERLUDE

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

LEG-UP Den & Showcase

Join us for Happy Hour and a deeper dive game changing business ideas. Three (3) big ideas will be pitched to group of investors and an audience.

Judges Panel: Isaac Olowolafe, Abdel Ali, and  Bryan Duarte

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

BREAK + MUSICAL INTERLUDE

3:30 PM - 4:45 PM

Panel Discussion

The MENTAL HEALTH HOUR: The Psychology of Money, Mental Health & The BIPOC Experience

A discussion on financial inclusion, money biases and the changing future of finances and its impact on the health and well-being of BIPOC communities.

Moderator: Tychon Carter

Panel: Agapi, Kofi Hope

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

LEGUP Wealth Symposium Reception

Concert with Poet Nigel Birch and Comedian Jay Martin

Symposium Sponsorship Packages

Join us in our efforts to enable UN SDG#8 to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all.

Platinum Sponsor - $20,000

  • Title Sponsor for LEGUP Secure Our Wealth, premium logo placement
  • Cocktail Reception sponsor for LEGUP Wealth Symposium
  • A set of 20 tickets for LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner
  • Host Pre-cocktail + Network: Changing Money Norms and Mitigating Bias

Gold Sponsor - $15,000

  • Lunch Sponsor “Forge into the Future of Digital Finance & Wealth
    Creation”
  • Speaking Platform
  • A set of 10 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner
  • Flagship Sponsor of “$top This” – documentary on financial behaviour in the Black Community

Silver Sponsor - $10,000

  • Breakfast Sponsor: Careers, Skills, Tools & Trends shaping wealth
  • Speaking platform
  • A set of 10 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner

Technology Sponsor - $5,000

  • Supports Technology Innovation screens
  • Prominent Logo display
  • 2 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner

Cultural Engagement Sponsor - $5,000

  • Supports the role of culture in wealth creation
  • Prominent Logo display
  • 2 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner

Customer Experience Sponsor - $5,000

  • Supports the creation of beautiful experiences for
    guests
  • Prominent Logo display
  • 2 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner

Lifestyle Sponsor - $5,000

  • Promotes mindset and money lifestyle for wealth
  • Prominent Logo display
  • 2 tickets to the LEGUP Wealth Symposium dinner

Location

Marriott Downtown at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Address

525 Bay St., Toronto, ON
M5G 2L2

Email Us

Info@legupwealth.com

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