The federal government is investing $5.6 million in three Alberta-based projects aimed at helping Black entrepreneurs start, grow and expand their businesses through training, mentorship and business development services.
The funding will support organizations delivering programming intended to address barriers facing Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the province.
The investment is being provided through the federal Black Entrepreneurship Program and will fund initiatives led by the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians (Africa Centre), the BIPOC Foundation and Black Canadian Women in Action Society.
The largest share of the funding, $2.6 million, will go to the Council for the Advancement of African Canadians, also known as Africa Centre, along with co-recipients Canadian Imperial Advantage and The Nod Foundation.
The organizations will deliver a provincewide initiative called ACT, which is designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage businesses and companies preparing to scale. The program will provide business advisory services, capital readiness assessments, tailored incubation, one-on-one coaching, digital technology adoption training, market access preparation and commercialization support.
The BIPOC Foundation will receive $1.5 million to expand its Founders Hub, which provides provincewide programming including business planning, financial forecasting, mentorship, investor readiness and market access training for Black entrepreneurs.
A further $1.5 million will be provided to Black Canadian Women in Action Society to expand services for Black women entrepreneurs through business development initiatives, advisory services and skills training intended to support business creation, growth and long-term sustainability.
According to Prairies Economic Development Canada, the three projects are expected to create 280 jobs, serve 950 businesses, train 720 participants and support the creation, maintenance or expansion of 302 businesses.
The funding is part of the Black Entrepreneurship Program’s Ecosystem Fund, which supports Black-led, not-for-profit organizations that provide services such as mentorship, financial planning, networking and business training. In Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, the program is administered by Prairies Economic Development Canada.
“Black entrepreneurs and businesses are leaders in Alberta’s economy. Their innovation and determination create jobs, drive growth, and strengthen communities across the province. The Government of Canada is proud to work with the organizations receiving funding today to help remove barriers to success and ensure more Black entrepreneurs have the tools, networks, and opportunities they need to start, grow, and scale their businesses. When Black entrepreneurs succeed, Alberta’s economy grows stronger, more competitive, and more resilient,” said Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
The federal government said the projects are intended to increase access to business supports for Black entrepreneurs, including training, advisory services and mentorship.
“Black businesses and entrepreneurs play a vital role in building a strong and inclusive Canada. Canada and Alberta are stronger when entrepreneurs have the tools they need to succeed. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Black entrepreneurs, including Black women entrepreneurs, have the support they need to grow, succeed, and create good jobs here in Alberta,” said Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).
Prairies Economic Development Canada said applications for the current intake of the Black Entrepreneurship Program’s Ecosystem Fund have closed and all approved projects must be completed by March 31, 2030.
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