Deadline: 09-Jan-2026
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund, offered by FedDev Ontario, supports Black-led not-for-profit organizations in southern Ontario to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem through mentorship, networking, training, outreach, and capacity building, with funding available through 2030.
The focus of this program includes strengthening the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting Black-led not-for-profit organizations to deliver high-impact business services from mentorship and networking to training, outreach and capacity building, empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners, and supporting their long-term success to contribute to a stronger Canadian economy.
This funding opportunity is designed for incorporated not-for-profit organizations in Canada or Ontario operating in southern Ontario whose primary focus is to support businesses and/or community economic development, specifically Black-led organizations where a minimum of two-thirds of leadership and governance positions are occupied by people who self-identify as Black, with mandates, activities, and outcomes focused on supporting members of Black communities. The Ecosystem Fund supports projects that address gaps and build capacity for Black entrepreneurs and business owners, including networking and matchmaking services, incubator or accelerator programs, business advisory services to develop business plans and access new markets, and mentorship and training in areas such as digital literacy and financial skills.
Funding is project-based, typically ranging from $125,000 to $3 million per project in non-repayable contributions, with FedDev Ontario potentially covering up to 100% of eligible project costs. Projects must be new, essential to the project, and directly related to carrying out eligible activities, while costs for buying land, buildings, vehicles, or refinancing existing debts are ineligible. Projects may start no earlier than January 9, 2026, and must be completed by February 28, 2030. Contributions are reimbursed based on approved costs incurred throughout the project duration.
Applications are assessed based on eligibility, alignment with Ecosystem Fund objectives, expected results and measurable economic benefits for southern Ontario, quality and feasibility of the project plan and budget, organizational expertise, sustainability, collaboration plans, and complementarity with existing support for Black-led businesses. Successful applicants will be expected to collaborate with the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) and share reporting data with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) to enhance coordination and project impact.
A strong application clearly demonstrates eligibility, provides a detailed project plan with milestones, explains how it strengthens business advisory services and support for Black entrepreneurs, outlines services in the preferred official language, addresses gaps or complements existing initiatives, details collaboration with other organizations, highlights measurable economic benefits, describes evaluation methods, and explains governance and financial management processes.
For more information, visit FedDev Ontario.
