RFPs: Black Youth Action Plan Economic Empowerment Program (Canada)

Deadline: 18-Sep-2026

The Black Youth Action Plan Economic Empowerment Program supports economic empowerment, career development, entrepreneurship, and workforce opportunities for Black youth, communities, and businesses across Ontario. The program addresses systemic barriers through three funding streams: Career Readiness, Entrepreneurship, and Funders. The Career Readiness Stream supports Black youth aged 17 to 29 with skills development, training, work-integrated learning, mentorship, career navigation, and employer connections. The Entrepreneurship Stream supports Black entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29 who are ready to grow and scale their businesses, while the Funders Stream encourages private-sector and philanthropic organizations to co-invest in economic empowerment initiatives.

About the Black Youth Action Plan Economic Empowerment Program

The Black Youth Action Plan Economic Empowerment Program was established to address systemic barriers affecting the economic participation and advancement of Black youth, communities, and businesses in Ontario. The program focuses on improving access to: - Employment and career opportunities. - In-demand skills and training. - Work-integrated learning. - Mentorship and career guidance. - Professional and industry networks. - Entrepreneurship and business growth. - High-growth economic sectors. - Private-sector and philanthropic investment. The program uses three distinct funding streams to support different aspects of economic development and workforce participation. Three Funding Streams The program is structured around three funding streams: - Career Readiness Stream - Entrepreneurship Stream - Funders Stream Each stream has a specific purpose and target audience. Career Readiness Stream The Career Readiness Stream is designed to help Black youth develop the skills, experience, networks, and support needed to enter and progress through the labour market. The stream supports Black youth aged 17 to 29.

It can support initiatives that provide:

- In-demand skills development. - Career training. - Work-integrated learning opportunities. - Mentorship. - Career navigation support. - Professional networking. - Industry connections. - Career development opportunities. - Employer connections. - Support for labour market entry. - Employment retention. - Career progression. Who Does the Career Readiness Stream Support? The Career Readiness Stream is intended for Black youth aged 17 to 29 at different stages of their employment journey.

This includes youth who are:

- Preparing to enter the workforce. - Seeking entry-level employment. - Developing new employment skills. - Participating in work-integrated learning. - Looking for mentorship. - Building professional networks. - Seeking career advancement. - Working toward long-term career progression. The stream recognizes that career development can involve different forms of support depending on where a young person is in their employment journey. Career Skills and Workforce Development A central objective of the Career Readiness Stream is to help Black youth develop skills that respond to Ontario’s current and emerging economic needs. Support can help young people connect their skills and career goals with employers, industries, and professional networks. The stream therefore combines skills development with practical experience, mentorship, career navigation, and employer engagement. Entrepreneurship Stream The Entrepreneurship Stream supports Black entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29 who are ready to grow and scale their businesses. The stream focuses on entrepreneurs seeking to: - Expand their businesses. - Scale business operations. - Increase revenue. - Expand their market reach. - Strengthen business growth. - Access opportunities in high-growth industries. The Entrepreneurship Stream is particularly focused on initiatives connected to sectors that are important to Ontario’s current and emerging economy. Priority High-Growth Sectors The Entrepreneurship Stream prioritizes initiatives aligned with the following sectors: Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive This includes opportunities connected to advanced manufacturing and Ontario’s automotive economy. Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Technology Technology-focused businesses can align with areas such as: - Artificial intelligence. - Cybersecurity. - Digital technologies. - Technology-based business development. Health Care, Life Sciences and Biomanufacturing The stream also identifies opportunities in: - Health care. - Life sciences. - Biomanufacturing. Clean Energy, Nuclear and Critical Minerals Entrepreneurial initiatives connected to clean energy, nuclear industries, and critical minerals are also identified as priority areas. Infrastructure, Construction and Skilled Trades

The program recognizes the importance of:

- Infrastructure. - Construction. - Skilled trades. Supply Chain Logistics and Professional Services

Other priority areas include:

- Supply chain logistics. - Professional services. Business Growth and Economic Empowerment The Entrepreneurship Stream connects Black youth entrepreneurship with broader economic development. By supporting entrepreneurs who are ready to grow and scale, the stream aims to encourage: - Business expansion. - Revenue growth. - Market development. - Entrepreneurial capacity. - Participation in high-growth industries. - Long-term economic opportunities. Funders Stream The Funders Stream is designed for private-sector and philanthropic organizations. It invites these organizations to co-invest in the program and help expand its reach and impact. The Funders Stream recognizes that economic empowerment can be strengthened when government-supported initiatives are complemented by private-sector and philanthropic investment. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must be incorporated legal entities. Potential eligible applicant types include: - Not-for-profit corporations. - Municipal governments. - For-profit businesses.