Open
ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada
Last Update: March 3, 2026
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Supports Black-led non-profits delivering business support services
Grant and Funding
Overview
Provides up to $6.8 million to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in Atlantic Canada. Funding supports Black-led incorporated non-profits delivering business services such as incubators/accelerators, mentorship, networking, outreach, training, and capacity-building.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Incubator and accelerator programs
- Networking, matchmaking and mentorship opportunities
- Community outreach and capacity-building initiatives
- Initiatives to support Black community participation in entrepreneurship
- Other activities supporting BEP Ecosystem Fund objectives
Documents Needed
- Application for Financial Assistance form
- Required supporting documentation (as requested by ACOA)
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an incorporated Black-led non-profit organization.
- At least two thirds of leadership and governance must self-identify as Black.
- The organization’s mission, programming, and outcomes must focus on supporting Black communities.
- The organization must have the capacity and experience to deliver high-impact business support.
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated Black-led non-profit organizations supporting Black communities
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses (the program is intended for incorporated Black-led non-profit organizations).
- Non-profit organizations that are not Black-led (i.e., where fewer than two thirds of leadership and governance self-identify as Black).
- Organizations whose mission, programming, and outcomes are not focused on supporting Black communities.
Eligible expenses
- Operational costs
- Salaries and wages
- Advisory services
- Training and outreach costs
- Capacity-building costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador)
How to apply
1
Confirm eligibility
- Confirm your organization is an incorporated Black-led non-profit (at least two thirds of leadership and governance self-identify as Black)
- Ensure your mission, programming and outcomes focus on supporting Black communities
- Confirm you have the capacity and experience to deliver high-impact business support
2
Plan eligible activities
- Define the activities you will deliver (e.g., incubator/accelerator, mentorship, networking, outreach, capacity building)
- Ensure the activities support the objectives of the BEP Ecosystem Fund
3
Prepare eligible budget
- Identify eligible costs to include (operational costs, salaries/wages, advisory services, training and outreach, capacity-building)
4
Complete application package
- Complete the Application for Financial Assistance form
- Gather the required documentation to submit with the application
5
Submit the application
- Submit your application and required documentation through the Application for Financial Assistance page
Additional information
- Part of the national Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund.
- ACOA is delivering $6.8 million to support organizations in Atlantic Canada.
- Applicants can contact a local ACOA program officer or ACOA Business Information Services for guidance.
- Business Information Services hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (Atlantic time).
Contacts
ns.bis-sie.ne@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
1-888-576-4444
