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Black Entrepreneur Program

We provide tailored support and resources for key business needs – Training and Mentorship, Access to Capital, Financial Planning Guidance, and Community-Based Entrepreneurial Programs.

Loan Fund - Access to Capital

Through partner financial institutions and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), BEP provides loans of up to $250,000 to eligible Black entrepreneurs. These funds can support: Business expansion, Equipment and technology upgrades, Hiring and operations, Working capital.  It helps entrepreneurs grow without relying solely on high-interest financing.

Ecosystem Support

The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) supports a network of Black-led organizations across Canada that provide business training, mentorship and coaching, financial planning support, and a range of networking and community programs, ensuring that entrepreneurs gain the knowledge, guidance, and culturally informed support they need from advisors who understand the unique challenges within the community.

Knowledge Hub

The program invests in comprehensive research to better understand the barriers faced by Black business owners, identify opportunities for sustainable growth, and reveal structural gaps in financing or essential resources. By gathering these insights, the initiative helps shape more effective policies, targeted programs, and long-term support systems that directly address the unique needs of Black entrepreneurs across Canada.

Expanded Reach

Recent federal investments ensure the program continues through 2025 and well into the future, allowing it to grow in scale and impact. With this extended support, even more entrepreneurs across Canada can gain access to valuable tools, specialized resources, and comprehensive assistance that were previously limited or unavailable, helping to create stronger pathways for business development, long-term stability, and economic success.

Black Financing Program

Business Empowerment Initiative | Founders Support Program | Entrepreneur Growth Initiative

These programs are designed to uplift Black entrepreneurs by offering access to funding, mentorship, and essential business resources. Each initiative aims to remove barriers, create opportunities, and foster long-term success within the Black business community across Canada.

Black Entrepreneur Program

Quick Eligibility Checklist

To qualify for the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP), applicants generally must meet the following criteria:

A business must be majority Black-owned (51% or more), operate in Canada, and be registered in a Canadian province or territory. Applicants must own or run a for-profit business—whether a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation—and be able to demonstrate basic business viability through a plan, financial projections, or operational history. Additionally, owners must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet any lender-specific age requirements, typically 18 years or older.

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FAQ

Common Questions

The BEP is a federal initiative that supports Black entrepreneurs in Canada through funding, business training, mentorship, financial planning, and community-based services.
 
Eligible applicants must own a majority Black-owned (51%+) for-profit business registered and operating in Canada. Owners must also be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and meet lender age requirements.
The program offers access to loans, business training, mentorship, coaching, financial planning assistance, and networking opportunities through Black-led partner organizations.
 
Yes. Applicants typically need a business plan, financial projections, or proof of operational history to show business viability. Don't worry, we can help you with it.
 
Yes. BEP is open to both new and established businesses, provided they meet eligibility requirements and can demonstrate capacity for successful operations.

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