Carleton-Led Hub Expands Support for Black Entrepreneurs
Carleton University welcomes the renewed federal support for the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub (BEKH) through March 2028, reinforcing the university’s leadership role in advancing research, collaboration and community engagement to strengthen Black entrepreneurship across Canada.
Supported by the Government of Canada through the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED), the funding renewal of up to $4.5M was announced at the 2026 Inter-Institutional Forum of the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education. The renewed investment marks the next phase of a nationally significant initiative dedicated to expanding Canada’s Black entrepreneurial ecosystem through research, data and practical solutions.
Since its launch, BEKH has played a central role in building a stronger understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in Canada, and realized many successes including the creation of a national data repository on Black entrepreneurship. The next phase, known as BEKH 2.0, will build on this foundation focusing on expanding its research, partnerships and community engagement.
“As an institution committed to mutual flourishing and inclusive impact, Carleton is delighted with the renewal of this partnership with ISED, which will enable us to continue the very important work that the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub is leading,” said President Tettey.
“With this support, BEKH will deepen and expand its anchor role as the go-to source for robust and credible data, a trusted repository of relevant knowledge, and a catalyst for data-informed collaboration and innovation that will enhance Black entrepreneurship, grow Black businesses, and strengthen the Canadian economy for the benefit of all Canadians.”
BEKH 2.0 will welcome new partners and increase collaboration among its national network of research hubs and partners, including Simon Fraser University, Saint Mary’s University, Université du Québec à Montréal, Concordia University, the University of Alberta and the University of Northern British Columbia. The Dream Legacy Foundation will continue to serve as one of the initiative’s community partners.
Building on extensive community consultations and research conducted during the initiative’s first phase, BEKH 2.0 will focus on five thematic research pillars: supporting business growth and resilience; improving access to financing opportunities; strengthening investment readiness; advancing digital adoption and innovation; and identifying scalable interventions to support Black entrepreneurs across Canada.
The initiative aligns with Carleton’s commitment to inclusive impact and supports the Government of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen Black entrepreneurship and expand economic opportunities for equity-seeking groups across the country. Through collaborative research, data management and national communities of practice, BEKH 2.0 aims to translate knowledge into practical tools and strategies that help Black businesses scale and grow sustainably.
The announcement was made in the presence of Members of Parliament representing The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), including Greg Fergus (Hull—Aylmer), Tatiana Auguste (Terrebonne) and Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre).
About the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub is a collaborative, co-generated national data and knowledge platform that reflects the state of Black entrepreneurship in Canada and forms a key part of the Government of Canada’s Black Entrepreneurship Program.
BEKH is a national network of regional research hubs focused on co-creating community-based research and knowledge that supports Black entrepreneurs and helps Black businesses reach their full potential.
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