Open
Source verified July 6, 2026
CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund
Supports Black-led organizations serving entrepreneurs
Funding available
$ 100,000 - $ 750,000
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.
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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
- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Black Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
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.
Official resources
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
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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
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.
Is the CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CanNor — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund is a Grant and Funding