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ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada
Supports Black-led non-profits delivering business support services
Last Update: March 3, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Canada
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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)
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada?
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.
Who is eligible for the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada program?
To be eligible for the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada program, you must:
Incorporated Black-led non-profit
2/3 leadership self-identify as Black
Mission supports Black communities
What expenses are eligible under ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada?
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
Who can I contact for more information about the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada?
You can contact Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) by email at ns.bis-sie.ne@acoa-apeca.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-576-4444.
Where is the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada available?
The ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada program is available the province of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island.
Is the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada?
ACOA — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in Atlantic Canada is funded by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)