The Black Leadership Launchpad is a 10‑week intensive leadership development program for Black‑identifying leaders across Manitoba, funded by the Government of Manitoba. The program equips early‑stage Black leaders with the mindset, skills, and mentorship needed to lead confidently, build strong teams, and contribute meaningfully to Manitoba’s economic and organizational growth.
Centered on Black affirmation, equity, and community, it offers a safe, supportive space to grow as a leader and connect with Black mentors and peers across sectors.
This is a scholarship based program, meaning it has been paid in full by the provincial government, valued at $5,000 per participant, and comes at NO financial cost to you.
Program Overview
Who This Program Is For?
This program is designed for Black‑identifying leaders, you are:
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In your 1–24 months (under 2 years) of your first ever management or supervisory role in paid employment, or business owners / entrepreneurs who are building or leading a team.
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Must be a Manitoba resident
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Must be willing to commit up to 4 hours weekly and attend all sessions in order to maintain scholarship.
Limited to cohort of 17 participants only
Program Components
1. Leadership Training Series (6 Weekly Workshops)
Interactive 2.5‑hour virtual sessions held Saturdays, March 21 – May 2, 12:00 – 2:30 PM CST
The training will cover:
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Transition from Peer to People Leader
Learn how to shift from peer to leader, establish authority without over-control, set boundaries, and confidently lead former colleagues. -
Foundations of Inclusive Leadership
Explore leadership styles and how identity, power, and bias influence decisions, with a focus on building equitable, psychologically safe teams, while aligning inclusion with organizational goals. -
Building Trust, Credibility & Self-Advocacy
Build trust with teams and senior leaders while strengthening leadership presence, visibility, and self-advocacy as a Black leader. -
Delegation with Equity & Accountability
Develop clear, fair delegation practices that promote accountability, reduce burnout, and move leaders from doing to leading. -
Communication & Difficult Conversations
Gain tools to navigate feedback, conflict, and emotionally charged conversations with clarity, confidence, and care. -
Performance Management with an Equity Lens
Learn to manage performance fairly by setting expectations, reducing bias, and supporting growth through equitable practices.
2. Leadership Coaching (Two 1‑hour sessions per participant) - March 21 – May 1
Personalized coaching with a Black leadership coach focused on real‑world leadership challenges, confidence building, and values‑aligned decision‑making.
3. Group Mentorship Sessions (May 9 & 16, 12:00–2:00 PM CST)
Group mentorship sessions with six senior Black leaders from various sectors, focused on lived experiences navigating bias, leadership, advancement, imposter syndrome, as a Black professional in Canada.
4. The Leadership Lounge (Ongoing Virtual Community)
A private online space for participants only, transitioning into community on May 23.
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Peer support and discussion threads.
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Monthly live Q&A sessions with coaches or guest leaders.
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Weekly leadership tips, templates, and tools.
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A safe space to ask questions, share wins, and grow together.
Program Timeline
Program Start & End Date: March 21 – May 23, 2026
Leadership Training Series: Saturdays, March 21 – May 2, 12:00–2:30 PM CST
1:1 Coaching: March 23 - May 1 (2 × 1‑hour sessions per participant)
Group Mentorship Sessions: May 9 & 16, 12:00–2:00 PM CST
Transition to Online Community: Begins May 23
All sessions are delivered virtually, allowing participants to join from anywhere in Manitoba
Why This Matters
High-performing employees are often promoted into leadership without the people-management skills needed to lead effectively.
Leadership requires new skills and support, not just technical excellence.
70% of team engagement is driven by the quality of the manager (Gallup).
Black professionals face systemic barriers and limited access to leadership development and networks.
The Black Leadership Launchpad Project provides early-stage, culturally responsive leadership development to strengthen retention and build an equitable leadership pipeline across Manitoba.
Funded by the Government of Manitoba