Grants & Programs for Entrepreneurs
And Other Useful Resources Updated June 2025
for entrepreneurs
Story Lab: Share Your Story with Peers
June 26th @ 7pm EST on Zoom
You already have a powerful story—but are you sharing it in a way that makes potential funders, clients, and partners want to know more?
Join us for Story Lab – a free, monthly gathering where entrepreneurs like you come together to practice sharing their 30-second stories, receive live feedback, and build the confidence to show up even stronger. No perfection needed. No pressure. Just real stories and real transformation.
for black entrepreneurs
Cassels Black-Owned Small Business Grant
Deadline June 20th
Cassels is pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications from Black-owned or operated small businesses. They are accepting applications from businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. In 2025, the total of the grants provided will be up to $100,000, combining funds raised by individuals from across Cassels with the generous support of Wheaton Precious Metals.
for accessibility startups
Access to Success Grant & Accelerator
Deadline June 2025
This program is for startups building solutions that help people with disabilities, including hardware, software or service-based innovations. $50,000 in grants. 3 months of invaluable programming. Hundreds of global experts.
for male entrepreneurs of color
Move. Breathe. Rise.: A Wellness Experience for Male Entrepreneurs
June 11th, 18th, and 25th
We’re excited to share that Jelly Social has partnered with Move.Breathe.Rise. to give you access to a powerful 3-part wellness workshop—at a Pay What You Can rate. This is a virtual wellness experience for men of color— blending movement, breathwork, and community. If you’re a male entrepreneur that has been running on empty, this is your opportunity to tap back in.
for female entrepreneurs
Black Youth AI Fellowship
Deadline June 22nd
The Black Youth AI Fellowship is an 8-week virtual program designed to equip Black university students in Canada with real-world AI skills, mentorship, and a national network — all for free. You don’t need to know how to code. All you need is curiosity, creativity, and commitment to learn.
for small business owners
Backing Canadian Small Businesses Grant
Deadline June 9th
Applications are now open for Amex Canada’s grant program aimed at supporting small business owners in Canada. Funded by American Express Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses with community significance, owned by individuals experiencing economic hardship, will be selected to receive a $10,000 CAD grant and mentoring support from DMZ.
for young entrepreneurs
Catapult Canada Spring 2025 Grant
Deadline June 20th
Catapult Canada supports youth-serving organizations in Canada to design, build, scale up and evaluate the impact of initiatives to better support Canadian youth in their learning goals, especially those underserved by the education system and disengaged from education and/or career pathways. Funding available: $25,000–$150,000
for food entrepreneurs
Backing International Small Restaurants Grant
Deadline June 30th
With support from American Express, the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation is now accepting applications for its Backing International Small Restaurants grant program. This initiative seeks to support independent restaurants that positively impact their community. Each of the selected restaurants will receive $20,000 to support their business. The restaurant must be located in Toronto, Canada.
for atlantic entrepreneurs
Start Small Grant
Deadline July 5th
The Tribe Start Small Grant Program Powered by Emera exists to provide early-stage funding and support to Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs and grassroots leaders in Atlantic Canada who are just getting started. Microgrants of $500–$1,000 to support your business or initiative; Mentorship from experienced changemakers in business.
