Minister Valdez Marks Black History Month by Highlighting Federal Government’s Intention to Extend Black Entrepreneurship Program
Ottawa, ON – February 6, 2025 – The Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, on behalf of the Honorable Pascale Valdez, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, today recognized Black History Month and highlighted actions the Government of Canada is taking to support Black entrepreneurs and businesses.
Black-owned businesses play a vital role in the Canadian economy and create jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast. That’s why the government is committed to providing Black entrepreneurs with the support they need to succeed. Minister Ng announced that the government intends to extend the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) beyond its current end date of March 31, 2025.
Launched in 2020, the BEP provides funding, mentorship, and other support services to help Black entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. To date, the BEP has supported over 1,500 Black entrepreneurs and businesses across Canada, with funding commitments totaling over $100 million.
The extension of the BEP will provide ongoing support to Black entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them to grow and create jobs in their communities.
Speaking at a Black History Month event in Ottawa, Minister Ng said, “Today, we recognize the tremendous contributions of Black entrepreneurs to our economy and our communities. They are innovators, job creators, and role models for all Canadians. Extending the Black Entrepreneurship Program will help them continue to succeed and thrive.”
The extension of the BEP is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs and businesses. The government is also working to address systemic barriers that Black entrepreneurs face, such as access to capital and mentorship.
“Our government is committed to supporting Black entrepreneurs and businesses in every way we can,” said Minister Valdez. “Extending the Black Entrepreneurship Program is one important step we are taking to help them succeed and create jobs in their communities.”
The government encourages Black entrepreneurs to apply for the BEP and to take advantage of the many other programs and services that are available to support them.
Related Products
- Black Entrepreneurship Program
- Government of Canada Supports Black-owned Businesses
- Black History Month
Additional Information
- The deadline to apply for the BEP is March 31, 2025.
- To learn more about the BEP, visit the program website.
- For more information on the government’s support for Black-owned businesses, visit the Black Entrepreneurship webpage.
Contacts
Jeremy Bellefeuille Press Secretary Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development 613-295-6484 jeremy.bellefeuille@international.gc.ca
Amelie Lefebvre Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion 819-654-4982 amelie.lefebvre@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Media Relations Office Employment and Social Development Canada 819-994-5559 media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Minister Valdez marks Black History Month by highlighting the federal government’s intention to extend the Black Entrepreneurship Program
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