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
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