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PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
Supports Black-led nonprofits delivering entrepreneurship ecosystem services
Grant and Funding
Overview
Provides up to $3,000,000 per project in non-repayable contributions to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Prairie provinces. Supports Black-led not-for-profit organizations delivering incubator/accelerator programming, mentorship, networking, training, and capacity-building services for Black entrepreneurs.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Strengthening governance
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 3,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Black Canadians
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Activities funded
- Deliver business incubator and accelerator programming for Black entrepreneurs
- Provide networking, matchmaking, and mentorship services connecting entrepreneurs with investors, experts, and opportunities
- Run capacity-building initiatives such as financial planning, business development, advisory services, and training
Documents Needed
- Incorporation documents and proof of signing authority (e.g., bylaws, articles, board minutes/record of decision)
- Business plan (organization details and proposed project)
- Financial statements (past 2 years) and interim statements (at least last 6 months)
- Letters of support/partner letters (signed, if applicable)
- Confirmation of non-PrairiesCan project funding (e.g., bank statements, letters of intent, funding agreements)
Eligibility
- Be a Black-led, not-for-profit organization located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
- Be incorporated federally or provincially, with a mandate focused on supporting members of Black communities in Canada
- Be able to deliver business support/advisory services and reach the Black entrepreneurship community
- Be able to enter into legally binding agreements
- Submit an eligible project that addresses a need in the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Prairie provinces and aligns with an eligible program activity
Who is eligible?
- Black-led not-for-profit organizations
- Incubators and accelerators
- Innovation hubs
- Business and entrepreneur support organizations
- Organizations supporting social enterprises or cooperatives
Who is not eligible
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations that are not Black-led
- Organizations not located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
- Unincorporated organizations
Eligible expenses
- Labour costs (wages and benefits) and materials used
- Incremental project operating costs (e.g., management fees, working capital, translation)
- Consulting and professional/advisory/technical service fees
- Advisory and training-related costs (e.g., coaching/mentoring/networking events, workshops and conference fees)
- Subcontracting, market expansion/maintenance costs, and promotional/management tools production and distribution
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debts; amortization or depreciation of assets
- Infrastructure improvements (construction, expansion, or modification of buildings)
- Purchasing an asset above fair market value
- Land acquisition and goodwill
- Entertainment/hospitality, donations, dues, and membership fees
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Selection criteria
- Alignment with BEP Ecosystem Fund objectives
- Measurable economic benefits/impact for the Prairie provinces
- Project viability
- Relative strengths: market potential, management capability, financial capacity, economic benefits, and alignment with governmental priorities
- Compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory/permit requirements
How to apply
1
Check eligibility
- Confirm your organization is a Black-led, not-for-profit incorporated organization located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
- Ensure you can deliver business support/advisory services to the Black entrepreneurship community and can enter into legally binding agreements
2
Confirm project fit
- Confirm your project addresses a need in the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Prairies and aligns with eligible activities
- Ensure activities provide incremental value (expand or improve existing service offerings)
3
Prepare to apply
- Review program materials on the website and the Expression of Interest (EOI) help guide
- Assign a project lead as your primary contact with PrairiesCan
4
Gather required documents
- Gather incorporation documents and proof of signing authority
- Prepare a business plan describing your organization and the proposed project
- Compile financial statements (past 2 years) and interim statements (at least last 6 months)
- Obtain confirmation of non-PrairiesCan project funding (where applicable)
- Collect partner/support letters (if applying with partners or as a consortium)
5
Submit an expression of interest
- Log in to the PrairiesCan portal (create an account if needed)
- Complete the online EOI form using the EOI help guide
- Attach all required documents and submit the EOI through the portal
6
Respond to invitation decision
- Wait up to 30 days after EOI submission to learn whether you are invited to submit a full application
- If invited, submit the full application through the online portal and undergo detailed assessment
Processing and Agreement
- Within 30 days of EOI submission, EOIs with strongest merit/alignment may be invited to submit a full application
- Funding decisions are usually made within 90 business days of receiving a complete application with satisfactory supporting documentation
- PrairiesCan may contact applicants to clarify details or request additional information for assessment
- If approved, applicants are invited to enter into a contribution agreement (to be signed within 30 days of notification)
- Funding is delivered through reimbursements based on claims; recipients must report on activities, milestones, and outcomes as required by the agreement
Additional information
- Intake is closed; EOIs submitted before closing may still be evaluated subject to available funding.
- Projects must provide incremental value (e.g., expand/improve existing service offerings).
- Recipients are normally not funded for more than one project.
- Consult an accountant and/or the Canada Revenue Agency regarding implications of receiving program funding.
Contacts
atip-aiprp@prairiescan.gc.ca
1-888-338-9378
