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BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund

Supports Black-led businesses with growth potential

Offered by
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Official source: bdc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Black-led businesses.
See full eligibility

Overview

BDC Capital’s Black Entrepreneurs Fund is a $100 million equity fund for Black-led businesses in Canada, focused on supporting companies with strong growth potential and promising business models. It backs early-stage ventures, minority growth investments, and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition to help firms scale or acquire established businesses.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
No objectives are currently available

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
For-profit business

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

Partner nomination required for Thrive Lab

The Thrive Lab for women partners page now states that women-led businesses must be nominated by a BDC-approved investment partner, and it adds next-step guidance for applicants without a partner.

See more

The Thrive Lab for women partners page now states that all women-led businesses must be nominated by a BDC-approved investment partner who applies on their behalf. It also adds guidance for applicants without a partner to connect with a pre-approved partner, and provides a contact route for those pre-qualified by an unlisted partner or nominated through an investment contest. The partner list now shows the program’s regional and thematic network, including national, provincial, impact, tech, BIPOC, Indigenous, youth, research-focused, and underserved-region partners.

Official source: bdc.ca
September 17, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Black-led businesses.
  • Black entrepreneurs.
  • Black-led general partners.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada.

Activities funded

  • Early-stage venture capital investments in high-potential and breakthrough companies positioned for significant scale.
  • Minority growth investments.
  • Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) to acquire established Canadian businesses.
  • Investments in Black-led general partners.

How to apply

  • Contact us.

Official sources

Black Entrepreneurs Fund

Program guide

Powering Canada’s Next Wave of Business Champions: BDC’s Black Entrepreneurs Fund set to expand leadership and scale

Application form

Is the Black Entrepreneurs Fund (BEF) right for you?
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Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund Program

What is the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund?

BDC Capital’s Black Entrepreneurs Fund is a $100 million equity fund for Black-led businesses in Canada, focused on supporting companies with strong growth potential and promising business models. It backs early-stage ventures, minority growth investments, and Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition to help firms scale or acquire established businesses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund program?

To be eligible for the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund program, you must: High-potential companies with promising business models. Companies with demonstrated market traction or breakthrough technology. Strong scalability potential.

Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund?

You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

Where is the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund available?

The BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund program is available across Canada.

Is the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?

BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund is a Loans and Capital investments

Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund?

BDC Capital — Black Entrepreneurs Fund is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)