Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia

Overview

Through the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund, we are delivering $3.8 million in funding to strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in B.C. This Fund enables Black-led not-for-profit organizations to provide business supports to Black entrepreneurs and business owners.

The goal is to:

• build the capacity of Black-led organizations providing business services
• help Black entrepreneurs and business owners grow, connect and access new opportunities
• strengthen the participation of Black entrepreneurs and business owners in the economy

The BEP Ecosystem Fund in B.C. is part of the national Black Entrepreneurship Program.

Who can apply

You can apply for the BEP Ecosystem Fund as a delivery partner if your organization is:

• an incorporated, Black-led not-for-profit support organization where:
  • the leadership positions (Directors, Founders, etc.) are primarily occupied by people who self-identify as Black (minimum two-thirds); and
  • the governance structure (volunteer committee, advisory board, eldership circle, etc.) is primarily composed of people who self-identify as Black (minimum two-thirds); and
  • the mandate, activities and outcomes are focused on supporting members of Black communities in British Columbia
• and is able to deliver business support services and to reach the Black community in British Columbia

Eligible activities

Eligible activities will strengthen the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem in British Columbia. They include, but are not limited to:

• Incubation and acceleration programs
• Networking, matchmaking and mentorship opportunities
• Initiatives to support the participation of the Black community in entrepreneurship
• Other activities that support the objective of the BEP Ecosystem Fund

Assessment process

Only the strongest applications meeting BEP program objectives will receive funding. Applications will be evaluated based on:

• clear alignment with program objectives
• measurable economic outcomes
• capacity to serve Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs)
• strong collaboration plans with other organizations (including Federation of African Canadian Economics and Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, as well as other key organizations delivering business support or services directly to Black entrepreneurs and business owners in B.C.) to broaden reach and enhance impact
• targeted response to ecosystem gaps and complementarity with existing business supports
• sound financial performance and management capacity
• confirmed financial support from other sources (e.g. provincial government, private sector and other non-government sources)
• proven experience supporting the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem in B.C.
• strong governance and leadership

Contact us

If you have questions about the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia, please contact us at info@pacifican.gc.ca.