Black Entrepreneurship Program

Additional information

• Evaluation process

  This call for projects is a competitive process. Even if a project meets all the criteria, CED may not be able to fund it due to the high volume of quality proposals and budget availability. As this is phase 2 of the program, CED is aiming to strategically consolidate the entrepreneurial support ecosystem based on the continuum of services offered to Black entrepreneurs. Therefore, the organizations we support will be required to demonstrate their unique positioning, expertise and added value.

  This selection process is designed to be thorough and transparent. It aims to support a diversity of projects and provide the best anticipated impact in the development and growth of businesses in the Black community.

  All applications will be reviewed. Your application must include all the required information listed in this guide to be considered. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

  At any time during the evaluation process, applicants may be asked to provide additional information to their application.

  Criteria:

  • Contribution to the BEP Ecosystem Fund’s objective and expected results/ anticipated economic impacts for businesses
  • Organizational capacity and performance
  • Complementarity and collaboration with the ecosystem
  • Reasonableness of the costs and the relevance of the financing package

  
  

  Contribution to the BEP Ecosystem Fund’s objective and expected results / anticipated economic benefits for businesses

  This criterion is used to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the proposal in relation to the BEP Ecosystem Fund’s objective. CED will consider the extent to which the proposal directly contributes to the growth, success and resilience of Black-led businesses. Projects must not only have an immediate impact, but also generate sustainable, tangible economic benefits for the community. The assessment will be based on the following elements:

  a) Alignment with Fund objectives: Clearly demonstrate how the project aligns with the BEP Ecosystem Fund’s objectives, which aim to help Black entrepreneurs and business owners access support services for businesses (mentorship, financial planning, management training, etc.).

  b) Results and performance indicators: Identify the project’s expected results and propose clear, measurable performance indicators (e.g. the number of businesses supported, number of support activities carried out, number of jobs created or maintained in businesses supported, number of loans or funding agreements secured). These indicators should make it possible to monitor progress and measure the project's impact on the target community. Indicate how you will be able to provide this information on a regular basis.

  c) Expected economic benefits: Describe the direct and indirect economic benefits expected for Black-led businesses and for the community as a whole. Explain how project activities (training, mentorship, networking, etc.) will lead to tangible results, such as business growth, wealth creation, or increased participation in the local and national economy.

  d) Reach and accessibility : Demonstrate how the project will reach a large number of entrepreneurs. If applicable, explain how the project will be accessible to entrepreneurs from Black communities in various regions of Quebec and across business lines.

  Organizational capacity and performance

  This criterion assesses the organization's ability to manage and carry out the proposed project. It refers to all the resources, skills and structures an organization has at its disposal to achieve its objectives. The strength and effectiveness of the organization will be assessed on the basis of the following elements:

  a) Organization’s track record: Demonstrate a track record of success. Has the organization ever managed a similar project? What were the results? Provide tangible evidence of the management team’s ability to achieve objectives and make a measurable impact.

  b) Structure and governance: A clear organizational structure and good governance are essential. Present the membership of the organization’s leadership team and the board of directors, and demonstrate how these bodies are well balanced and have the necessary expertise.

  c) Financial capacity : The organization’s financial health and ability to manage project funds in a sound and sustainable way will be assessed.

  d) Team resources and expertise: Demonstrate how the team assigned to the project has the required skills and experience.

  Complementarity and collaboration with the ecosystem

  This criterion is designed to assess the project’s capacity to complement the current ecosystem. CED will give priority to projects that demonstrate existing collaboration or anticipated collaboration with other players in the entrepreneurial community, and to those which avoid duplicating services already on offer. A strong proposal will present clear and relevant collaborations. Projects should aim to extend the organization’s reach and enhance the effectiveness of the ecosystem as a whole.

  In addition, beneficiaries will be required to collaborate with the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) for referrals in connection with the Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund, as well as with the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub for sharing data on the activities and clients they support. If any such collaboration already exists, it must be documented in the application.

  Reasonableness and essential nature of the costs and suitability of the financing package

  This criterion is designed to assess the rigor and realism of the proposed budget. Priority will be given to proposals with a well-structured, transparent financial plan aligned with project activities. The objective is to ensure that the funds requested are used efficiently and responsibly to maximize the project's impact, while demonstrating sound financial management. Ability to demonstrate how the organization implements effective financial management to minimize administrative costs and benefit field activities will be considered an asset.

  Expected results

  Black-led support organizations expand their service offering and increase the number of businesses supported.
  

  • Black entrepreneurs are supported in starting up and growing their businesses.
  • The number of Black-led businesses in Canada is on the rise.
  • Gender diversity is supported.

  Other considerations

  Additional consideration will be given to ensure geographical coverage (several regions across Quebec) and diversified representation of Black communities (Caribbean, African, diaspora).

  Ability to deliver the services in both official languages will be an asset.

• Ineligible costs

  • Establishment of a fund to finance business projects
  • Debt refinancing
  • Amortization costs
  • The purchase of assets at a price that exceeds fair market value
  • All non-essential costs not directly related to the project
• Definition of an authorized person

  The authorized person:

  • Is the person who can legally bind the client by approving official documents such as the contribution agreement, the letter of amendment, the client's declaration, and the claim certificate.
  • May be an administrator registered with the Registre des entreprises du Québec (REQ), such as the president, vice president, or secretary.
  • May be any other person within the company who has received authorization from the client through a letter of mandate, a resolution of the board of directors, or an internal delegation of authority.