Government of Canada invests in pathways to success for Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs in Alberta

PrairiesCan funding helps remove barriers, expand access to capital, and drive long-term economic growth for Black-led entrepreneurs and businesses

February 18, 2026 – Edmonton, Alberta – PrairiesCan

Black entrepreneurs play a key role in Alberta’s economy, yet many continue to face systematic barriers to capital, business networks, and opportunities to grow and scale their businesses. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing these challenges to build a stronger, more inclusive economy that works for everyone.

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) announced $3 million in federal funding through the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) Ecosystem Fund to support Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs across Alberta.

This funding will strengthen not-for-profit organizations that provide community-based support to Black-led businesses and entrepreneurs. Organizations receiving support will be able to expand services such as mentorship, networking, financial planning and business training – helping Black entrepreneurs start, scale, and sustain successful businesses.

Projects receiving support are:

African Canadian Civic Engagement Council (ACCEC) will expand the ANZA Entrepreneurship Ecosystem program to empower Black youth and early stage entrepreneurs to launch and scale sustainable businesses and social enterprises that create jobs and generate revenue. With $1.5 million in BEP investment, ACCEC will deliver training, mentorship, and guidance under the ANZA program.
Black Business Ventures Association (BBVA) will strengthen business supports available to Black entrepreneurs in Alberta that are advancing innovative technologies. $1.5 million in BEP investment will enable the BBVA to deliver personalized coaching, enhance collaboration in the Black entrepreneur ecosystem and increase visibility for Black-led technology driven businesses.

Together, these projects are expected to provide over 250 employment and skill training opportunities and will help build the capacity of Black-led not-for-profit organizations to support entrepreneurs. By investing in Black entrepreneurs and the organizations that support them, this government is strengthening local economies, supporting innovation, and building a more inclusive and competitive Canadian economy.