Deadline: 26-Jul-22
Applications are now open for the About Blueprint: Backing BIPOC Businesses™ mentorship and grant program 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. Additionally, American Express Canada is contributing $1,000,000 in grants to be disbursed to the 100 selected participants.
For a second year, 100 business owners will be selected to take part in a comprehensive mentorship program designed to provide the tools, resources and community to help BIPOC entrepreneurs thrive – plus, participants get a $10,000 CAD grant to help take their business to the next level.
Benefits
Blueprint participants get access to:
- A 15-week curated mentorship and training program, delivered virtually, by subject matter experts and mentors
- Tailored programing to help participants with industry-specific challenges and offer tailored insights on proven strategies for success in their sectors
- 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
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
- 2021 selected Blueprint participants are not eligible to re-apply to the program in 2022
For more information, visit https://dmz.ryerson.ca/amexblueprint
