Closed
FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund
Supports Black-led entrepreneurship ecosystem services
Offered by Official source: feddev-ontario.canada.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev)
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 125,000 - $ 3,000,000
- Up to 100% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
- Who can apply
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in Canada or Ontario that operate in southern Ontario and whose primary focus is to support businesses and/or community economic development.
- See full eligibility
Overview
FedDev Ontario’s Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund supports incorporated Black-led not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario through non-repayable contribution funding of normally between $125,000 and $3 million per project to strengthen services for Black entrepreneurs and businesses. Eligible projects include networking and matchmaking, business advisory services, and mentorship and training.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $3,000,000
- Minimum funding
- $125,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 100%
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Access new markets
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Receipt of requests is now closed
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Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 2
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Incorporated not-for-profit organizations in Canada or Ontario that operate in southern Ontario and whose primary focus is to support businesses and/or community economic development.
- Black-led not-for-profit organizations with at least two-thirds of leadership positions and at least two-thirds of governance positions primarily held by people who self-identify as Black, and with a mandate, activities, and outcomes focused on supporting members of Black communities.
- Organizations that can demonstrate the ability to deliver business support services and reach the Black community.
Who is not eligible
- Organizations cannot submit multiple or concurrent applications to this initiative or other programs offered by FedDev Ontario, and an application must be distinct and separate from any active FedDev Ontario project.
Eligible expenses
- New costs that are essential to the project and directly related to carrying out eligible activities.
- Project costs to build operational capacity, including hiring and training, and developing procurement and conflict of interest policies.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs that are not new or incremental, or not directly related to project activities.
- Buying land and buildings.
- Entertainment expenses and motor vehicle costs.
- Basic and applied research and development.
- Refinancing of existing debts and costs related to existing projects currently receiving support from FedDev Ontario.
Activities funded
- Networking and matchmaking services for Black entrepreneurs and businesses.
- Incubator and/or accelerator programs.
- Business advisory services to help Black entrepreneurs and businesses develop business plans, grow, and access new markets.
- Mentorship and training, including digital literacy and financial skills.
How to apply
- Gather the mandatory and supporting documents before starting the application.
- Download the Application for Funding to your computer.
- Open the application in Acrobat Reader 10 or later, not in a web browser.
- Complete the application using the Application Guide and save your work often.
- Attach all mandatory and supporting documents using the Add Attachments button.
- Click Submit to send the Application for Funding and attachments.
Documents Needed
- Financial statements for the last two fiscal years and the most recent interim financial statement, externally prepared and including a balance sheet, income statement, cashflow statement, and supporting notes at a minimum.
- Financial projections capturing the timing of project spending and revenue growth.
- Articles of incorporation, amendments, constating documents, by-laws, or similar documents.
- Biographies of key management and technical staff required to complete the project.
- A diagram of the organizational structure, a work plan or project schedule, a breakdown of the types and numbers of jobs to be created or maintained, and, if available, conflict of interest and procurement policy documents.
Selection criteria
- The extent to which the project supports the Ecosystem Fund objectives and addresses gaps and challenges in support for Black entrepreneurs.
- Expected results of the project, including measurable economic benefits for southern Ontario.
- Quality and feasibility of the project plan and budget, including capacity to undertake project risks and mitigation strategies.
- The organization’s expertise and experience in undertaking the proposed activities, and the sustainability of the organization and project beyond completion.
- Financial resources from project partners, collaboration with other organizations, and the breadth, representation, and diversity of the project.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications received and acknowledged by FedDev Ontario during the intake period are assessed, and applicants receive an email confirming the time and date of submission.
- FedDev Ontario begins the application assessment process and issues a final project decision.
- If approved, the applicant must sign a contribution agreement within 30 calendar days of being notified.
- Funding is normally reimbursed based on approved costs incurred and claimed throughout the project’s duration.
- If approved, engagement with FACE for referrals and sharing project reporting data with the BEKH will be conditions of funding.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund Program
What is the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund?
FedDev Ontario’s Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund supports incorporated Black-led not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario through non-repayable contribution funding of normally between $125,000 and $3 million per project to strengthen services for Black entrepreneurs and businesses. Eligible projects include networking and matchmaking, business advisory services, and mentorship and training.
How much funding can be received?
FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $3,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund program?
To be eligible for the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund program, you must:
Incorporated not-for-profit organization in Canada or Ontario operating in southern Ontario.
Black-led organization with at least two-thirds of leadership and governance positions primarily held by people who self-identify as Black.
Demonstrated ability to deliver business support services and reach the Black community.
What expenses are eligible under FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund?
New costs that are essential to the project and directly related to carrying out eligible activities.
Project costs to build operational capacity, including hiring and training, and developing procurement and conflict of interest policies.
Who can I contact for more information about the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund?
You can contact Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev) or by phone at 1-866-593-5505.
Where is the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund available?
The FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
FedDev — Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund is a Grant and Funding