Eli Rose, a University of Toronto Arts & Science grad and current PhD student, inherited a passion for entrepreneurship. From the Rose Brothers construction store in Jamaica to his grand-uncle's thriving Canadian paint store, business success runs in his family. Fueled by this legacy and his aunt's constant encouragement that “business is in your blood,” Rose always felt destined to lead. But his journey to founding Solutions 4 Lyfe (S4L), a vital support system for Canada's social impact community, was a winding one, marked by unexpected detours and unwavering determination.
“Seeing their success inspired me to pursue a career in business,” Rose shares, “and I eventually studied marketing in college hoping to carry on that legacy.” He launched several ventures, including a non-profit dedicated to inspiring at-risk youth through arts and education. But the combination of these ventures not reaching their full potential and the profound impact of his aunt's death marked a turning point, leading Rose to shift his focus to academia and politics at U of T.
But even with his focus on academics, Rose's entrepreneurial drive persisted. During his later undergraduate years and while pursuing his Master's degree, he became immersed in community work and noticed a critical disconnect across the social justice, social services, and other community-servicing industries—and between those industries and the rest of the Canadian social ecosystem. “There was a glaring lack of synergy,” Rose reflects. “Organizations were isolated, hindering their collective potential for meaningful impact.” This insight sparked a vision of a unified and collaborative network – a catalyst for social change across Canada. Driven by this powerful idea, Rose founded S4L, an organization dedicated to bridging divides and empowering those working towards a better society.
U of T's dynamic landscape enabled Rose's entrepreneurial spirit, but it was the Black Founders Network (BFN) that truly helped S4L take root. Focused on growing Black entrepreneurial talent at U of T, the BFN became a game-changer for Rose. “It was here, during one of the BFN events,” he recounts, “where I conceptualized Solutions 4 Lyfe.” The relationships forged and knowledge gained through the BFN were instrumental in shaping S4L's trajectory.
“Turning this big vision into a reality has been a challenge,” Rose admits. Articulating the complex concept of a unified social impact network initially proved difficult. “I spent a lot of time talking to people, gauging their interest,” he recalls. Through perseverance and a newly refined membership-based model, S4L is now gaining momentum, attracting senior-level professionals and volunteers eager to contribute, with plans to be fully operational this spring.
The culmination of all the winding roads and detours has taught Rose the importance of resourcefulness and self-reliance. Despite facing setbacks like unsuccessful competition entries and rejected grant applications, he remained undeterred. “I made the decision to bootstrap S4L,” he explains, “tapping into my network to further build a community of support.” He understood that he couldn't just sit around and wait — he actively leveraged his connections to propel his vision forward.
Rose's advice to aspiring Black entrepreneurs carries the same tenacious spirit: “If you can't wait for anyone else to do it,” he advises, “that probably means you were meant to do it.” He believes that embracing this sense of purpose, coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellence, is crucial for navigating the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. This conviction is deeply intertwined with a work ethic inspired by figures like Kobe Bryant. He admires Bryant's renowned “mamba mentality” – a relentless pursuit of excellence that led the five-time NBA champion to master his craft with unparalleled dedication. Rose sees in Bryant a reflection of his own drive for constant improvement, a quality he believes is essential for any entrepreneur striving to make a lasting impact.
Rose's ambition for S4L is to drive true and lasting transformation in Canadian society. He sees communities, organizations, and government collaborating seamlessly under a “banner of change and solutions” to address systemic issues. This collaborative spirit, he believes, will forge a legacy that transcends his own ambitions, including his plans to transition into politics. Driven by unwavering determination and fueled by a growing network of supporters, S4L is poised to become a powerful force for positive change across Canada's social landscape.