Before you apply

On this page

• Get ready to apply
• Elements of a strong application
• Expected results

Get ready to apply

Only projects that best align with program objectives and expected results will be chosen. To prepare a strong application you should:

1. Check eligibility in the Who can apply section
2. Understand what can be funded in the Program information section
3. Review the complete program materials as described on this website and in the expression of interest help guide to understand the application requirements and process
4. Assign a project lead from your organization to be a primary contact that PrairiesCan will engage with for the project
5. Gather all the documentation that PrairiesCan is requesting for the application

Should you have any questions regarding or during the application process, please contact a PrairiesCan office.

Elements of a strong application

A strong application is complete, clearly shows you’re eligible and includes enough detail for PrairiesCan to thoroughly review and confirm the information. A strong application will also demonstrate relative strengths in the following areas:

• clear alignment with the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund objectives
• measurable economic benefits for the Prairie provinces and how they would be achieved
• the applicant’s long-term financial viability and opportunity for the project to support its financial sustainability
• project viability
• clear, reasonable, and incremental project budget that aligns with the project description and demonstrates value for money
• strong leveraging of funds (> 10%) from other sources
• the project team’s management skills and expertise to carry out the project
• the applicant’s experience providing entrepreneurship and business support to the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem
• a thorough and practical project plan (e.g., clear timelines and milestones, how the activities would be carried out and by whom)
• strong plans to collaborate with others to broaden its reach and complement/enhance the impact within the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem (including Federation of African Canadian Economics, Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub)
• clearly identified need(s) in the Black entrepreneurship ecosystem and how the project will meet the identified need(s)

If relevant, a strong application will also demonstrate:

• alignment with other Government of Canada, PrairiesCan and/or provincial government priorities
• community and/or partner support (e.g. support letters)
• ability to provide support to Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs)

In addition to the quality of applications, PrairiesCan reserves the right to base funding decisions on the geographic breadth, representation, and diversity of its projects.

Applicants will also be assessed for their compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements/permit requirements. Refer to the applicant guide for more details.

Expected results

Your project should help support and strengthen Black Canadian entrepreneurs and business owners in the Prairies. It should also contribute to the growth of the Black business community in Canada by actively engaging with key organizations including the Federation of African Canadian Economics and the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub. If selected for funding, you will be expected to collaborate with these organizations as part of your project activities.

Recipients must measure, substantiate, and report on these expected results during and after the project:

• number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) jobs created in Canada
• number of non-HQP jobs created in Canada
• number of businesses created, maintained, or expanded
• number of businesses served
• number of participants trained

Additional (non-mandatory) indicators available to measure the success of your project during reporting include:

• revenue growth ($)
• export sales growth ($)

PrairiesCan is working to improve the economic participation (e.g. job creation) of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, women, and youth.

Refer to the applicant guide for more information on project indicators and expected results.