Black Entrepreneur Startup Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Black Entrepreneur Startup Program Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses, capped at $75000 per project.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Black Entrepreneur Startup Program is a Other Support

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program?

Black Entrepreneur Startup Program is funded by Futurpreneur Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program?

To be eligible for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program, you must: • Business must be majority Black-owned (over 50% for two partners; over 25% for more than two partners). • Business must be operating for 24 months or less, or not yet operational.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program?

You can contact Futurpreneur Canada.

Q: Where is the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program available?

The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are startups eligible for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program program.

Last Update: July 30, 2025

Canada

Supporting young Black entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and resources

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $75,000
Up to 25% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Other Support

Expert Advice

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program provides up to $75,000 in flexible, non-dilutive loan funding to support young Black entrepreneurs in launching or acquiring a business. The program also offers free mentorship and access to a national network and resources to help eligible participants establish and grow their companies.

Financing terms and conditions

Flexible loan funding of up to $75,000, supported by BDC, for starting or purchasing a business (conditions apply).
Additional loan opportunities available after two years for eligible businesses.

Activities funded

Launching a new business owned predominantly by Black entrepreneurs.
Purchasing an existing business by eligible Black entrepreneurs.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 69,000

Starting a tech education hub for youth and coding workshops

$ 71,000

Acquisition of a mobile hair studio serving underserved communities

$ 67,000

Launching an e-commerce platform for African art and fashion

$ 69,000

Purchase of an existing cleaning company with updated equipment

$ 69,000

Launching a food delivery service featuring Afro-Canadian cuisine

$ 69,000

Opening a Caribbean fusion restaurant with local suppliers

Eligibility

The applicant must identify as Black. Applicants who also identify as Indigenous are welcome.
The applicant must have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and be physically residing in Canada.
The age of the applicant must be between 18 and 39 years old at the time of application.
The business must be either not yet operational or operating full-time for 24 months or less.
The business must be majority Black-owned (over 50% if two owners; at least 25% if more than two owners).

Who is eligible?

Startups launched by Black entrepreneurs
Businesses operational for 24 months or less and majority-owned by Black entrepreneurs

Eligible expenses

Startup or business acquisition costs covered by a flexible loan of up to $75,000.
Access to mentorship and business resource tools to support business growth.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses located anywhere in Canada

How to apply

Verify eligibility criteria

Identify as Black or as Black and Indigenous
Be aged between 18 and 39 at the time of application
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and reside in Canada

Prepare your application documents

Prepare a comprehensive business plan
Prepare 24-month cash flow projections
Gather personal and business contact information

Submit online application

Complete the online application form on the Futurpreneur website
Provide required personal, business, and eligibility information
Indicate identification as Black (and/or Indigenous if applicable)

Wait for application review

Application is reviewed by Futurpreneur team
You may be contacted for additional details or to clarify documents

Receive application decision

Receive notification of acceptance or refusal

Additional information

The program includes up to two years of free mentorship for successful applicants.
Participants gain access to a nationwide network of Black entrepreneurs and business management resources.
There are opportunities for organizations to become community partners and help deliver resources and mentorship to Black entrepreneurs.
Dedicated team members are available across Canada to support Black entrepreneurs through the program.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program. 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.