Open
CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program
Supports Black-led NPOs delivering business support services
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 100,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada
Overview
Provides up to $3,000,000 over four years (up to $750,000/year) to support Black-led, not-for-profit organizations in Quebec. Funding supports activities such as incubation/acceleration, mentorship, networking, training, outreach, and capacity building to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem.
/100
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
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
- Women
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
- Incubation and acceleration programs for Black-led businesses
- Business consulting and support services
- Strategy development (studies, assessments, action plans)
- Networking activities and business contacts
- Mentoring and managerial capacity development initiatives
Documents Needed
- Completed application form (submitted by the signing authority/authorized person)
- Financial statements for the previous two years
- Annual reports for the previous two years
- Project proposal (max 10 pages, excluding appendices)
- CVs (1 page each) for management team members and, if applicable, five mentors
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Black-led not-for-profit organizations providing business support services
Who is not eligible
- For-profit businesses
- Organizations not registered in the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ)
- Organizations not operating in Quebec
- Organizations that are not Black-led (less than two-thirds Black leadership/governance)
Eligible expenses
- Wages associated with eligible activities
- Consulting fees
- Travel expenses
- Other project delivery costs directly related to eligible activities
- Overhead costs (e.g., rent, telecom, utilities, insurance) up to 15% of total project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Establishment of a fund to finance business projects
- Debt refinancing
- Amortization costs
- Purchase of assets above fair market value
- Non-essential costs not directly related to the project
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a competitive evaluation process.
- Applications must include all required information to be considered (incomplete or late files are not considered).
- CED may request additional information from applicants at any time during the evaluation.
- CED may approve an amount different from the amount requested.
- If approved, eligible costs can start from April 1, 2026 (costs incurred before this date are not eligible).
Additional information
- This call for projects is competitive; meeting requirements does not guarantee funding due to budget availability and proposal volume.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered; applicants may be asked to provide additional information during the evaluation.
- As Phase 2, applicants are expected to demonstrate unique positioning, expertise, and added value within Quebec’s Black entrepreneurship support ecosystem.
- Ability to deliver services in both official languages is considered an asset.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CED — Black Entrepreneurship 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.
What is the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program?
Provides up to $3,000,000 over four years (up to $750,000/year) to support Black-led, not-for-profit organizations in Quebec. Funding supports activities such as incubation/acceleration, mentorship, networking, training, outreach, and capacity building to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem.
How much funding can be received?
CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program program?
To be eligible for the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program program, you must:
Quebec NPO registered in the REQ
Black-led leadership and governance (≥ two-thirds)
At least 1 year providing business support services
What expenses are eligible under CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program?
Incubation and acceleration programs for Black-led businesses
Business consulting and support services
Strategy development (studies, assessments, action plans)
Networking activities and business contacts
Mentoring and managerial capacity development initiatives
Who can I contact for more information about the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program?
You can contact Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
Where is the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program available?
The CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
CED — Black Entrepreneurship Program is a Grant and Funding