Deadline: 27-Jul-21
Blueprint: Backing BIPOC Businesses is a mentorship and grant program designed to support the advancement of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) business owners across Canada.
Blueprint is powered by the DMZ, in consultation with BIPOC-focused community organizations across Canada. The Blueprint mentorship program is made possible by a grant from the American Express Foundation.
The mentorship program is a 15-week virtual program run on a part-time basis consisting of workshops, one-on-one sessions with designated mentors, and networking sessions.
Blueprint participants get access to
- A 15-week curated mentorship and training program, delivered virtually, by subject matter experts and mentors
- A community network of Blueprint participants from across Canada connected through small group training and social events
- Online resources and learning materials designed to support the BIPOC small business community
- A $10,000 grant to help unlock the next stage of their business growth
Funding Information
- In 2021, 100 Blueprint recipients will take part in a comprehensive mentorship program designed to provide the tools, resources and community to help BIPOC entrepreneurs thrive – plus, recipients will receive a $10,000 CAD grant to help take their business to the next level.
- Additionally, American Express Canada is contributing $1,000,000 in grants to be disbursed to the 100 selected participants.
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for Blueprint, an applicant must:
- Identify as a member of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) community
- Be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent resident of Canada, or Hold Current and Valid Authorization under the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
- Be a founder, owner, or hold a senior position within a privately held, for-profit company, where the company is at least 50% owned by BIPOC owners or founders
- Have a business incorporated in Canada, where the business is primarily operated and managed in Canada, with a maximum of $500,000 CAD in annual revenue
- Your business must be currently active in the Canadian market or have been previously active in the Canadian market (i.e. made sales and/or have an existing customer base
- Speak English or French fluently
- Preference is given to applicants that demonstrate:
- Commitment to participate in the mentorship program
- Understanding of opportunities for growth and demonstrates commitment to business success
- Intended use of funds and illustrates grant impact
- Challenges that have been addressed in the course of running or starting the business
- An understanding of existing competitors and their industry’s landscape
Ineligible
The following industries and business types are ineligible for Blueprint:
- Any government agency or Crown corporation, public administration, non-profit or charitable organization, or political organization of any type
- Businesses engaged in any illegal activity
- Any business that is primarily in the business of manufacturing, promoting, or selling tobacco, firearms or other weapons (including related equipment)
- Businesses which derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of a sexual nature
- Franchises not founded in Canada, are not founded or run by the applicant, or have over ten (10) franchisees
- Businesses, private clubs, and memberships which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity or applicable regulations due to COVID-19
For more information, visit https://dmz.ryerson.ca/amexblueprint
