Stage One applications are now open for the 2025 Black Men in Business program, a national six-week initiative supporting Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
Canada’s leading initiative for Black male entrepreneurs is officially back. The 2025 edition of Black Men in Business, an impactful national program designed to empower early-stage founders and small business owners, is now open for Stage One applications.
Led by the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), the Black Men in Business (BMIB) program offers a transformative six-week journey combining mentorship, practical business training, and a supportive peer community. With the added incentive of a $10,000 prize opportunity, the program continues to fuel the ambitions of Black entrepreneurs working to scale their businesses across Canada.
Whether you're launching a tech startup, running a catering business, or designing innovative creative services, BMIB is about more than just capital — it’s about capacity building, community, and confidence.
What the program offers
At the heart of BMIB is a mission to support 500 Black male entrepreneurs nationwide by equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace. Participants will benefit from:
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Six weeks of structured learning: Business fundamentals delivered through workshops, expert sessions, and real-world assignments designed to move businesses forward.
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Mentorship and coaching: Access to a network of seasoned professionals and industry leaders committed to guiding participants through common growth challenges.
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Pitch competition: A capstone opportunity to present your business for a chance to win up to $10,000 in funding.
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Peer community: An environment that fosters collaboration and shared learning among fellow Black male entrepreneurs across various sectors.
This mix of education, opportunity, and cultural relevance makes BMIB not just a program, but a springboard toward long-term success.
Who should apply?
The program is open to Black men across Canada who are committed to growing their businesses and who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You are a Black-identifying male entrepreneur who is the founder or owner of a registered small business in Canada.
- You can commit at least two hours per week to program sessions and activities.
- Your business operates in one of the following five key sectors:
- Technology
- Consumer Goods
- Food & Hospitality
- Creative Business
- Business Services
Whether you're still in the early stages or looking to advance through the next growth phase, this program can help clarify your vision and enhance your business outcomes.
How to apply
Stage One applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. The process is straightforward and designed to get you connected quickly:
- Learn more about the program: BMIB 2025 Landing Page
- Ready to apply? Complete your Stage One application here: Application Form
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited and demand is high across Canada’s growing Black entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Looking ahead
The return of Black Men in Business marks another important step toward dismantling systemic barriers and promoting equitable opportunities in Canada’s business landscape. By connecting entrepreneurs with tailored training and culturally aligned mentorship, this program strengthens not only businesses but also entire communities.
For Black men navigating the unique challenges of entrepreneurship, programs like BMIB are more than just a platform — they are a powerful intervention that uplifts vision, values, and viability. If you or someone you know is eligible, now is the time to step forward and take action.
