Ryan O'Neil Knight
Executive Director & Board Member - ACBN/Peel Learning Foundation

ACBN/Peel Learning Foundation
With a focus on youth development and education as a Board Member, Ryan provides strategic guidance on how FSF can uplift Black children and families through targeted, school-linked food access programs.
Ryan O’Neil Knight is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for
economic empowerment within the Black community. Over the last decade, Ryan has
successfully built multiple businesses, including Detailing Knights, a mobile waterless car
cleaning company that has gained national recognition. Most notably, Ryan brought
Detailing Knights to the national stage on Dragon’s Den, where he showcased his
business and earned the support of the Dragons, marking a major milestone in his
entrepreneurial journey.
Ryan is also deeply passionate about youth mentorship and empowerment. He founded
the Knighthood Academy, a youth entrepreneurship program designed to help at-risk
youth develop leadership and business skills. The Academy provides an opportunity for
young people, particularly those facing multiple barriers, to explore entrepreneurship as a
path to personal and professional growth.
As a co-founder of the Afro-Caribbean Business Network (ACBN), Ryan plays a crucial
role in supporting Black entrepreneurs across Canada by helping them start, grow, and
scale their businesses. His work with ACBN focuses on fostering long-term economic
sustainability within African and Caribbean communities, making him a leading figure in
advocating for Black business success.
Ryan’s leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including being named one of
Brampton’s Top 40 Under 40 and receiving two Business Excellence Award nominations
in both Toronto and Brampton. His expertise extends into education and community
development, where he serves on the board of the Peel Learning Foundation, working to
provide essential resources and support to students in the Peel District.
Ryan’s commitment to mentorship, his entrepreneurial success, and his ability to bring
communities together make him a valued asset in any advisory role. His leadership
experience, combined with his deep passion for empowering others, ensures that he brings
both insight and vision to any team or organization he advises.