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PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces
Supports Black-led nonprofits delivering entrepreneurship ecosystem services
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000 - $ 3,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
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.
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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 : 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
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
- Business plan for the organization and proposed project
- Financial statements for the past 2 years
- Interim financial statements for at least the last 6 months
- Letters of support and partner letters, if applicable
- Confirmation of non-PrairiesCan project funding, if applicable
Official resources
Eligibility
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
Frequently Asked Questions about the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces Program
What is the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces?
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.
How much funding can be received?
PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces program?
To be eligible for the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces program, you must:
Black-led not-for-profit (AB/SK/MB)
Incorporated; mandate supports Black communities
Can deliver business advisory services
What expenses are eligible under PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces?
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
Who can I contact for more information about the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces?
You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) by email at atip-aiprp@prairiescan.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-338-9378.
Where is the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces available?
The PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces program is available the province of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan.
Is the PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces a grant, loan, or tax credit?
PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in the Prairie provinces is a Grant and Funding