ACT Official Website

A Collective Journey for Black Entrepreneurs Across the Prairies

ACT brings together Africa Centre, Canadian Imperial Advantage, and The Nod Foundation to support entrepreneurs from idea to growth through coordinated business development, execution support, and economic participation opportunities.

A coordinated journey, designed end to end.

ACT is a collaborative initiative designed to address the fragmented support journey many entrepreneurs experience.

Through a coordinated partnership model ACT supports entrepreneurs move from idea to growth through structured support, tailored pathways, and access to opportunities aligned with their stage of business. Participants gain access to the resources, expertise, and connections needed to strengthen readiness and achieve sustainable growth.

Three Organizations. One Pathway.

Building Black Entrepreneurship

Is ACT Right for You?

ACT is designed for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey, including:

Individuals exploring a business idea
Entrepreneurs preparing to launch a business
Existing businesses seeking growth opportunities
Business owners looking to strengthen operations and readiness
Entrepreneurs seeking access to ecosystem resources and opportunities
Founders preparing for capital, procurement, or market expansion

Your ACT Journey

ACT provides a coordinated participant experience designed to connect entrepreneurs with the right opportunities at the right time.

Learn About ACT

Explore the program and determine if ACT aligns with your business goals.

Complete the ACT Interest Form

Share information about yourself, your business, and your current stage of development.

Complete the ACT Pact

The ACT Pact establishes goals, readiness indicators, and participant commitments that help shape the journey ahead.

Assessment & Onboarding

Participants complete onboarding activities designed to better understand their business needs, goals, and opportunities.

Pathway Placement

Participants are connected to opportunities, services, and supports aligned with their stage of business and identified priorities.

Growth & Progress Tracking

Progress is monitored throughout the participant journey to help measure outcomes, milestones, and advancement.

What You Can Access Through ACT

ACT is designed to strengthen entrepreneurial readiness and create clearer pathways toward business growth.

Participants may gain access to:

Business readiness assessments
Entrepreneurial learning opportunities
Ecosystem navigation and referrals
Technology and digital adoption resources
Growth and scaling pathways
Capital readiness opportunities
Market access opportunities
Business development resources
Progress tracking and milestone planning

What Is The ACT Pact?

The ACT Pact is a foundational commitment completed by participants as part of their ACT journey.

It helps establish:

Business goals

Growth priorities

Readiness indicators

Areas requiring development

Participant commitments throughout the program

"The Pact creates a more intentional participant experience while helping ensure alignment between entrepreneur goals and pathway opportunities."

ACT Partners

ACT is delivered through a collaborative partnership that brings together complementary expertise, resources, and pathways to create a more coordinated entrepreneurial experience.

Africa Centre

Assessment, intake, onboarding, case management, and participant navigation.

Canadian Imperial Advantage

Business development, strategy, operational readiness, and growth planning.

The Nod Foundation

Execution support, visibility, marketplace access, ecosystem opportunities, and economic participation.

"Together, these organizations contribute expertise, resources, and opportunities that help entrepreneurs navigate their business journey more effectively."

Black Entrepreneurship Program through PrairiesCan

Recognition of the Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP) through PrairiesCan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACT a funding program?

ACT is not a direct funding program. It is a coordinated entrepreneurial readiness initiative designed to connect participants with opportunities, pathways, and resources aligned with their business needs.

Do I need an incorporated business?

No. ACT welcomes entrepreneurs at different stages, including those exploring or validating business ideas.

Is there a cost to participate?

There is no cost to participate.

How long does the ACT journey take?

Participant experiences vary based on business stage, goals, and pathway placement.

From Readiness to Scale

Readiness

Build

Scale

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join ACT and connect with opportunities, pathways, and resources designed to strengthen entrepreneurial readiness and support long-term business growth.