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CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund
Supports Black-led organizations serving entrepreneurs
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 100,000 - $ 750,000
- Up to 90% of project cost
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
- Who can apply
- Not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in Quebec and registered in the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ).
- See full eligibility
Overview
The Ecosystem Fund - Black Entrepreneurship Program supports Black-led not-for-profit organizations across Canada to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs. It funds new or expanded services such as mentorship, networking, financial planning, and business training.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $750,000
- Minimum funding
- $100,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 90%
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Black Canadians
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
- Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Scope
- National
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) operating in Quebec and registered in the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ).
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that are not registered in the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ).
- Organizations where less than two-thirds of leadership positions are held by individuals who identify as Black.
- Organizations whose governance structure is not largely composed of individuals who identify as Black, with a minimum of two-thirds.
Eligible expenses
- Wages associated with eligible activities
- Consulting fees
- Travel expenses
- Other costs directly related to carrying out the eligible activities
- Overhead costs such as rent, telecommunications, utilities, and insurance, if reasonable and essential, up to 15% of total project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred before April 1, 2026 are not eligible for funding.
- Establishment of a fund to finance business projects
- Debt refinancing
- Amortization costs
- Purchase of assets at a price that exceeds fair market value
Activities funded
- Incubation and acceleration programs
- Consulting and support services
- Strategy development, including studies, assessments, and action plans
- Networking activities and business contacts
- Mentoring and managerial capacity development
How to apply
- Submit a completed application form signed by the signing authority.
- Send the requested documents to the email address indicated in the form.
Documents Needed
- An application form, duly completed and submitted by the signing authority.
- The organization’s financial statements and annual reports for the previous two years.
- The proposal in Word format, no longer than 10 pages, excluding appendices.
Selection criteria
- Contribution to the BEP Ecosystem Fund’s objective and expected results
- Organizational capacity and performance
- Complementarity and collaboration with the ecosystem
- Reasonableness of the costs and the relevance of the financing package
Processing and Agreement
- All applications will be reviewed.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- Applicants may be asked to provide additional information during the evaluation process.
- Beneficiaries must collaborate with the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) for referrals to the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund and with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub for sharing data on supported activities and clients.
Additional information
- The Ecosystem Fund has already invested $100 million in 43 Black-led business support organizations across the country.
- The fund is delivered by the regional development agencies (RDAs).
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund Program
What is the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund?
The Ecosystem Fund - Black Entrepreneurship Program supports Black-led not-for-profit organizations across Canada to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs. It funds new or expanded services such as mentorship, networking, financial planning, and business training.
How much funding can be received?
CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $750,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund program?
To be eligible for the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund program, you must:
Not-for-profit organizations operating in Quebec and registered in the REQ
At least two-thirds of leadership and governance identify as Black
Capacity and experience to provide business support services
What expenses are eligible under CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund?
Wages associated with eligible activities
Consulting fees
Travel expenses
Other costs directly related to carrying out the eligible activities
Overhead costs such as rent, telecommunications, utilities, and insurance, if reasonable and essential, up to 15% of total project costs
Who can I contact for more information about the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund?
You can contact Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) by email at operations@cannor.gc.ca.
Where is the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund available?
The CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund program is available the province of Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.