October 12, 2026 · By FilAfrik
Where LIFT Began
From 75 people in one room in 2024 to a summit at Western University with three levels of government: the LIFT story so far.
LIFT began on December 28, 2024, at North London Optimist Community Centre. The first forum brought together 75 African and Black diaspora founders and professionals for a morning of learning, questions and new connections.
The inaugural theme, Essential Steps for Growth, focused on practical support: entrepreneurial leadership, access to funding, technology and the resources founders need to move forward.
A full day for diaspora networks
On August 16, 2025, LIFT 2.0 moved to the BMO Centre. Co-presented by FilAfrik and TheKscope.London, The Power of Diaspora Networks brought keynotes, panels, a fireside conversation, vendors and a pitch competition into a full-day summit.
Sessions explored funding, artificial intelligence and partnership. The format grew, while the purpose remained familiar: help founders find knowledge and relationships they could use.
A new stage at Western University
LIFT 3.0 took place on August 8, 2026, at Western University’s Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The theme, Beyond the Hustle, asked founders to think about businesses that could last beyond their own daily effort.
Keynotes, practical sessions, masterclasses and the Pitch Lab gave that theme different forms. The programme also brought government and municipal voices into conversation with the entrepreneurial community.
The next chapter
The series has grown from a morning forum into a wider programme of learning and connection. LIFT 4.0 is planned for summer 2027. Explore the photographs from each edition and join the list to hear when the next summit is announced.
