Many Black-led organizations want to support entrepreneurs but are unsure if they qualify for federal funding. The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund was created to close gaps in business support for Black Canadians — but it is only open to certain types of organizations, not individual businesses. Under PrairiesCan, this fund offers up to $3 million per project to strengthen Black entrepreneurship support systems across the Prairie provinces.
This guide explains organizational eligibility for the BEP Ecosystem Fund, with a focus on the PrairiesCan stream, so you can quickly assess whether your organization is a fit.
The PrairiesCan — Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund supports Black-led, not-for-profit organizations that deliver services to Black entrepreneurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
To be eligible, your organization must meet all of the following criteria:
Your organization must be formally established and not-for-profit. PrairiesCan requires Black individuals in key leadership roles.
While PrairiesCan does not publish a fixed percentage, other BEP delivery agencies define Black-led as at least two-thirds of leadership and governance self-identifying as Black, which PrairiesCan uses as a guiding benchmark during assessment.
Your project must address a clear gap or need in the Black entrepreneurship support network in:
Eligible organizations typically support:
Projects must be regionally focused. National programs without Prairie-specific delivery are unlikely to qualify.
PrairiesCan funds projects that fall into one or more of the following activity categories:
Your project must expand or improve services. Expanding or improving existing services is acceptable, but simply maintaining current operations is not.
PrairiesCan assesses whether your organization can realistically manage a large, multi-year project. You must demonstrate:
Projects can run for up to five years and must finish by March 31, 2030.
Under the PrairiesCan BEP Ecosystem Fund, eligible organizations can receive:
Unlike some regional BEP streams, PrairiesCan funding is repayable, which is an important consideration for cash flow planning.
Funding can be stacked with other government sources, as long as total public funding does not exceed 100% of eligible project costs.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter programs by province, organization type, and funding structure so you do not pursue ineligible options.
The BEP Ecosystem Fund is delivered by different federal agencies across Canada. Key differences matter for eligibility:
If your organization operates in multiple regions, you must apply to the correct regional agency.
Applying to the PrairiesCan BEP Ecosystem Fund involves several steps:
Review eligibility criteria
Make sure your organization meets all requirements listed above.
Develop a project proposal
Clearly outline how your project will support Black entrepreneurs in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba, and how it will expand or improve services.
Gather supporting documents
Prepare documentation showing your governance structure, financial stability, and relevant experience.
Submit your application
Applications are submitted directly to PrairiesCan through their online portal. Check for any region-specific requirements.
Wait for assessment
PrairiesCan will review your application, assess eligibility, and contact you if further information is needed.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada, including regional BEP streams, so you can check which ones match your organization’s profile before you apply.
Always check the PrairiesCan website for the most up-to-date information on deadlines and application windows.
Applying as a for-profit business
The BEP Ecosystem Fund does not fund individual Black-owned businesses directly. It only funds support organizations.
Proposing general business support without a Black focus
Your mission and outcomes must clearly support Black entrepreneurs, not the broader business community.
Submitting projects that maintain existing services only
PrairiesCan looks for new or expanded impact, not business-as-usual programming.
Ignoring the repayable nature of the funding
Some applicants assume this is a non-repayable grant. Under PrairiesCan, it is repayable, which affects financial planning.
Q: Can an individual Black-owned business apply for the BEP Ecosystem Fund?
No. The fund supports Black-led not-for-profit organizations, not individual businesses.
Q: Does my organization need to be incorporated?
Yes. You must be a formally established not-for-profit with appropriate governance and financial controls.
Q: Is the funding non-repayable?
Under PrairiesCan, BEP Fund contributions are repayable, even though they support development for Black entrepreneurs.
Q: Can we partner with non-Black-led organizations?
Yes, partnerships are allowed. However, the lead applicant must be Black-led, and the project must clearly benefit Black entrepreneurs.
Q: Is the BEP Fund currently open?
Yes. The PrairiesCan BEP Ecosystem Fund is open at the time of writing.
If your organization supports Black entrepreneurs in the Prairies and meets the governance and project requirements, the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund can provide long-term, meaningful funding. Before you apply, use GrantHub to check which programs match your organization’s profile and stay updated on new funding opportunities.
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