Deadline: November 28, 2025
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia, Canada 2026 is a federal government initiative designed to empower and strengthen Black-led entrepreneurship across British Columbia. The program provides financial support to eligible Black-led not-for-profit organizations, enabling them to deliver business development and support services to Black entrepreneurs and business owners within the province.
Under this program, the Government of Canada is investing CAD $3.8 million through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) to expand entrepreneurial opportunities and reduce systemic barriers for Black business leaders.
Eligible organizations can apply for up to CAD $3 million to fund activities that foster business growth, mentorship, and capacity building within the Black business ecosystem.
The application deadline for this British Columbia intake is November 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Pacific Time).
Objective of the BEP Ecosystem Fund
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund aims to:
- Strengthen the Black business ecosystem in British Columbia.
- Build long-term capacity for Black-led organizations to support entrepreneurs.
- Increase access to mentorship, business training, and financing opportunities for Black-owned businesses.
- Encourage collaboration among community organizations to create a sustainable network for business growth and inclusion.
This fund plays a crucial role in creating equitable economic opportunities and ensuring that Black entrepreneurs have the tools, resources, and networks to succeed.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia, Canada 2026, organizations must meet the following requirements:
- Black-Led Organization:
The organization must be Black-led, meaning that at least two-thirds (2/3) of its directors, founders, and board/advisory members identify as Black. - Incorporated Not-for-Profit:
The applying entity must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization. - Provincial Focus:
The organization’s mandate, operations, and impact must be directed toward supporting members of Black communities in British Columbia. - Service Delivery Capacity:
Applicants must demonstrate a proven ability to deliver business-support services such as training, mentorship, incubation, acceleration, and networking programs to Black entrepreneurs.
Eligible Activities
The BEP Ecosystem Fund supports a wide range of activities designed to strengthen Black entrepreneurship, including:
- Incubation and Acceleration Programs: Initiatives that nurture business ideas from conception to sustainable growth.
- Mentorship and Networking: Structured programs that connect Black entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders and mentors.
- Capacity Building and Training: Programs that enhance entrepreneurial and leadership skills in Black communities.
- Business Development Services: Advisory and technical support in areas such as business planning, marketing, and financial management.
- Community Outreach: Activities that encourage the participation of Black community members in entrepreneurship and business ownership.
These activities must contribute to tangible outcomes, such as the number of businesses created or expanded, jobs generated, and entrepreneurs supported.
Key Application Insights
To improve your chances of success when applying for the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia, Canada 2026, consider the following tips:
- Governance Structure: Ensure your organization’s leadership and decision-making structures meet the “two-thirds Black-identified” requirement.
- Program Alignment: Clearly show how your project aligns with the BEP objectives of building strong, inclusive, and sustainable Black business ecosystems.
- Capacity Demonstration: Provide evidence that your organization can deliver business support services efficiently and effectively.
- Collaboration: Include details of partnerships or alliances with other organizations in the Black entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collaboration is a strong evaluation criterion.
- Outcome Measurement: Outline measurable results — for example, number of businesses supported, jobs created, and entrepreneurs trained.
- Timely Submission: The deadline is November 28, 2025 (12:00 PM PT), and late applications will not be accepted.
Why This Fund Matters
The Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund in British Columbia, Canada 2026 represents a significant opportunity to empower Black-led organizations and communities. By funding initiatives that support business growth, innovation, and mentorship, this program helps bridge the economic gap for Black entrepreneurs and fosters long-term community resilience.
For British Columbia, the CAD $3.8 million investment will expand access to critical resources, training, and networks — essential elements for driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic inclusion.
Application Details
- Funding Amount: Up to CAD $3 million per organization
- Total Investment: CAD $3.8 million (for British Columbia)
- Application Deadline: November 28, 2025, at 12:00 PM PT
- Administered By: Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
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