Two Black entrepreneurs have received $10,000 as part of Futurpreneur and RBC’s Rock My Business Start-up Awards.

Corine Sobela, founder of AFI Epicerie, a grocery store specializing in selling African and island food products, won the Emerging Black Entrepreneur Award. Meanwhile, Oluwaseyi Adaghe won the Youth Entrepreneur Award for her early-stage bio-cleantech company — ROUN Beauty Inc. — which is creating Canada’s first plant-based braiding hair extensions for Black and Afro-textured women.

“We are thrilled to introduce you to the recipients of the RBC Rock My Business Start-Up Awards for 2023,” the organization said in a statement. “These passionate founders stood out among the rest, and we are excited to support them in their entrepreneurial ventures with a $10,000 prize each, thanks to the support of RBC Future Launch.”

Eight business owners were awarded prizes for completing Futurpreneur's workshop series. See the full list here.

The money will help both entrepreneurs continue their growth. For Sobela, AFI Epicerie’s mission is to become a benchmark for quality exotic groceries, offering authentic products, vital customer service, and a rewarding shopping experience for immigrants who land in Canada without food options from their native lands.

Likewise, Adaghe’s company continues to provide an alternative to synthetic hair products. Established in January 2023, RÓUN Beauty was born out of frustration with the hidden costs of synthetic braiding hair, particularly scalp irritation from exposure to harsh chemicals and plastic waste, as these products end up in landfills after use.

“Imagine what $10,000 could mean for your start-up? It could help you develop a website, order supplies, activate your marketing plan, purchase inventory… and take it to the next level!” a statement reads.

Futurpreneur is already taking registrations for the 2024 program. You can apply here.