Who can apply
Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for the program:
- you’re a Black-led*, not-for-profit organization** located in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
- you’re an incorporated organization (federally or provincially) operating with a mandate, activities, and outcomes that focus on supporting members of Black communities in Canada
- you have the ability to deliver business support/advisory services and reach the Black entrepreneurship community
- you can enter into legally binding agreements
*Black-led organizations, for the purpose of this program, are defined as having both:
- a minimum two-thirds of leadership positions (directors, founders, etc.) in the organization primarily occupied by people who self-identify as Black
- a governance structure (Board of Directors, volunteer committees, advisory boards, eldership circles, etc.) primarily composed of people who self-identify as Black (minimum two-thirds)
**Eligible not-for-profit organizations include:
- incubators and accelerators
- innovation hubs
- business and entrepreneur support organizations
- organizations that support social enterprises or cooperatives
Organizations can apply on their own or with partners. If applying with partners or as a consortium, the application must include signed letters of support from each partner. These letters should describe the partner’s role, contributions, and relevant experience. Partner organizations may be Black-led or non-Black-led.