Funding finder / Programs / Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
Loan

Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

Federal - FACE / BDC · Up to $250,000

Loans of up to $250,000 for Black business owners, delivered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) in partnership with BDC. The Black Entrepreneurship Program was extended for 2025–2030. Published amount: Up to $250,000. Best for: Black entrepreneurs starting or growing a business. This is a loan, not a grant. Administered by Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) / Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Official source: Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund.

Criteria

Who qualifies
  • Startups and existing businesses
  • Eligible statuses in catalog: Canadian citizens, permanent residents
  • Aimed at: black
  • For-profit
  • Available across Canada
  • Best for: Black entrepreneurs starting or growing a business
Who does not
  • Work-permit-only newcomers (catalog lists citizen/PR, not work-permit)
  • Applicants who do not meet the black requirement
AmountUp to $250,000
Rate / repayableSet by FACE / BDC underwriting. Repayable: yes (loan / repayable contribution — not a grant).
What it fundsLoans of up to $250,000 for Black business owners, delivered by the Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) in partnership with BDC. The Black Entrepreneurship Program was extended for 2025–2030. Highlights: Up to $250,000 loan (not a grant); FACE + BDC; BEP extended 2025–2030; Startups and existing businesses.
Intake windowBlack Entrepreneurship Program extended 2025–2030 (stated in the program description). See the official page for current intake.
RegionCanada-wide, including Markham and York Region, where the published criteria are met.
AdministratorFederation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) / Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) (Federal - FACE / BDC)

Published highlights

Official apply / learn more See if you match Get help applying

FAQ

Is this a grant?

No. Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund is catalogued as a loan / repayable contribution. Set by FACE / BDC underwriting Confirm terms on the official page.

Who qualifies in Markham?

Canada-wide, including Markham and York Region, where the published criteria are met. Qualifies where the published criteria fit: startups and existing businesses; Canadian citizens, permanent residents; aimed at: black; for-profit; available across Canada; black entrepreneurs starting or growing a business.

Is there a minimum years in business or employee count?

No minimum years in business in this catalog; no minimum employee count in this catalog. See the official page if a rule is not listed here.

Can newcomers or work-permit holders apply?

The catalog lists Canadian citizens and permanent residents only — work-permit is not in the eligibility list. Do not assume a work-permit newcomer qualifies.

Is this limited to a specific community?

The catalog demographic tags are: black. Self-identification / ownership rules are set by the administrator — see the official page.

When is intake open?

Black Entrepreneurship Program extended 2025–2030 (stated in the program description). See the official page for current intake.

Related programs

Futurpreneur Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP)Loan · Up to $25,000 + up to $50,000 from BDCCanada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP)Loan · Up to $1,150,000 ($1M term loan + $150K line of credit)Women Entrepreneurship Loan FundLoan · Up to $50,000

Eligibility is determined by the government administrator (Federation of African Canadian Economics (FACE) / Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)), not Markham Office. Amounts, rates, and windows change. Verify every detail on the official page before you apply. Markham Office is an assessment helper only. As of September 2026.