Supports to help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow your businesses and succeed now and into the future.
Latest Update - November 23rd, 2020: Applications are open for the National Ecosystem Fund and the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub.
What is the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP)?
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) is a partnership between the Government of Canada, Black-led business organizations, and financial institutions. With an investment of up to $221 million over four years, it will help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow successful businesses.
The BEP is made up of three parts:
- The National Ecosystem Fund
- The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
- The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The National Ecosystem Fund
The National Ecosystem Fund aims to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada. It will do this by supporting not-for-profit Black-led business organizations across the country in their capacity to provide support, mentorship, financial planning, and business training for Black entrepreneurs.
For more details on the program, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the links below:
Applications close on December 21st, 2020 at 2pm PST.
The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub will conduct research on Black entrepreneurship in Canada. It will help identify barriers to success and opportunities for growth. The Hub will be led by not-for-profit Black-led community and business organizations in partnership with educational institutions.
For more details on the program, including eligibility and how to apply, visit the links below:
Applications close on January 18th, 2021 at 2pm PST.
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
The Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is a partnership between the Government, Black-led business organizations, and several financial institutions. It will provide loans up to $250,000 to Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.
Details of how to apply will appear here when they are available.
Important Dates
- November 23rd, 2020 - applications open for the National Ecosystem Fund and Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
- December 21st, 2020 at 2pm PST - National Ecosystem Fund application period closes
- January 18th, 2021 at 2pm PST - Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub application period closes
