BEST STEP 1
Build
Investment Readiness & Business Loan Program
SECTION 1 · WHAT YOU GET
Three things on your hard drive by graduation.
A funder-ready business plan
Built on BEBC's Business Growth Wheel framework. Lender-grade.
24-month cash flow projections
Month-by-month projections you can defend in a lender meeting.
A complete loan application
Direct on-ramp to the BOF Black Business Loan Program (April 2026 launch).
WHO THIS IS FOR
Black-owned Canadian businesses preparing to apply for capital — first-time loan applicants, founders rebuilding after a 'no,' or operators planning a growth round.
CURRICULUM
Four phases. Built to progress.
Foundations
Weeks 1–3
Business registration, legal structure, CRA setup. The administrative on-ramp every lender expects.
Build the business plan
Weeks 4–8
Operations, team, governance, risk register, pricing strategy. Each section workshopped, peer-reviewed, refined to lender-grade.
Cash flow & capital structure
Weeks 9–12
Working capital cycle. The 5 C's of credit explained from the lender's seat. Building a 24-month cash flow you can defend line by line.
Meet the Funders
Weeks 13–18
Application submission + funder introductions. BOF Loan Program walkthrough, Vancity & BDC sessions, federal & provincial grants, and live Application Submission Day.
COHORT SCHEDULE
Upcoming cohorts.
Cohort dates are announced each season.
Join the waitlist →WHAT GRADUATES SAY
From the community.
“I'd been turned down for loans three times. After Step 1, my application was tight. Approved on the first try.”
Graduate, BERP cohort · Food & beverage · ON
“The cash flow projections part terrified me. By week 12 I could defend every line — and the lender noticed.”
Graduate, Newcomer stream · Logistics · BC
“Came in with a pitch deck. Left with a real business plan and three funder conversations already booked.”
Graduate, Step 1 · 2025 · Tech / SaaS · QC
THE BEST METHOD
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions.
The Build program is open to Black Canadian entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of business development (0–2 years) or have not yet launched. You do not need to be incorporated or have a registered business to apply — we help you get there.
No. The Build program is free to participants. BEBC programs are funded through government partnerships and corporate Council contributions specifically to remove cost as a barrier for Black entrepreneurs.
Each graduate who completes the Build program and meets the milestone criteria receives a $1,000 Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) milestone grant. Complete all four BEST steps and unlock $4,000 in total milestone funding.
Expect to commit approximately 4–6 hours per week over the 12-week program. This includes cohort sessions (typically two evenings per week), independent work on your business plan, and optional mentor calls.
Graduates of the Build program are eligible to advance to the Empower program (BEST Step 2) and receive ongoing access to the BEBC alumni network, mentor connections, and future programming opportunities.
Complete the 15-minute application using the form on this page. The application is designed to route you to the right BEST step — if Build is the right fit, you will be enrolled in the next available cohort or added to the waitlist.
READY TO APPLY
One application places you in the right step.
Application takes ~15 minutes.
Apply now →Applications reviewed within 48 hours · powered by FG Funnels
Apply for the BEBC Build Program
Not sure where to start? Complete the Business Assessment and a BEBC coordinator will guide you. Already know you're applying for the BOF Loan? Go straight to the loan application.
All business stages welcome · No prior loan rejection required · ~15–20 minutes