If your organization helps Black entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, or business support, the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Support Fund is one of the largest federal funding streams available. It offers $125,000 to $3 million for Black-led, not-for-profit groups that strengthen entrepreneurship support across Canada. Each region has its own intake process, rules, and timelines. How you apply depends on where your organization operates.
The BEP Support Fund does not fund individual Black-owned businesses. Instead, it funds Black-led community organizations that help entrepreneurs on a larger scale.
Across all regions, funded projects usually include:
Funding can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs in some regions. However, you must check with your regional agency. Some areas may have restrictions on stacking with other government funding. For example, Southern Ontario allows stacking up to 100% (FedDev Ontario). Always check your region’s rules before applying.
Administered by: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
Funding amount: $125,000 to $3,000,000
Cost coverage: Up to 100% of eligible costs (stacking allowed, but check your other funding sources)
Funding type: Repayable
Status: Open
Who’s eligible
Eligible project focus
How to apply
A tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your organization fits the regional criteria before starting a full application.
Administered by: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Funding envelope: $6.8 million total for the region
Status: Open
Who’s eligible
Eligible activities
How to apply
Administered by: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
Funding amount: $250,000 to $3,000,000
Funding type: Non-repayable
Project length: Up to 5 years
Project deadline: Must end by March 31, 2030
Status: Intake closed (EOIs under review)
Who’s eligible
Eligible project types
Administered by: Regional Development Agencies (RDAs)
Each agency sets its own intake timelines and priorities. Eligibility and funding ranges usually follow national BEP guidelines. Always check your region’s website for current details (Government of Canada).
Applying as a for-profit business
The Support Fund is only for not-for-profit organizations. Individual entrepreneurs or businesses are not eligible.
Ignoring regional rules
Each region has its own intake status, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Always check before applying.
Proposing duplicated services
Projects must add or improve services for Black entrepreneurs, not repeat what already exists.
Underestimating reporting obligations
Some regions require detailed performance and financial reports. If your funding is repayable, you must follow repayment terms closely.
Q: Is the Black Entrepreneurship Program Support Fund repayable?
In Southern Ontario, the funding is repayable (FedDev Ontario). In the Prairies, it is non-repayable (PrairiesCan). Other regions may have different terms. Always check your region’s guidelines.
Q: How much funding can a project receive?
Projects can receive between $125,000 and $3 million, depending on region and project scope.
Q: Can I stack BEP funding with other grants?
Stacking is allowed up to 100% of total project costs in some regions, as long as all programs permit it. Check your region’s guidelines before applying.
Q: Does the BEP Support Fund provide funding directly to startups?
No. It funds organizations that support Black entrepreneurs, not individual businesses.
Q: Is the program currently open?
Some regions are open, while others have closed intakes or are reviewing applications. Always check your regional RDA for up-to-date status.
The BEP Support Fund can help your organization if your project fits your region’s priorities and eligibility rules. Before applying, match your activities to eligible costs and confirm intake status in your area. GrantHub can help you compare BEP and other Black-led or community-focused funding programs, so you can find the best fit for your organization.
See also:
GrantHub tracks over 200 active grant programs across Canada, including region-specific BEP funding. Use it to see which programs match your organization’s profile and location.
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