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APPLICATIONS

WHY PARTICIPATE?

After two successful editions, the Quebec Black Entrepreneurs Recognition Gala is back to honor entrepreneurs from Quebec's black communities, and highlight your importance in Quebec's economic life. As one of the finalists, you'll be in the spotlight of Quebec's business community. It's an opportunity for you to raise the profile of your company by gaining visibility within the wider Fonds Afro-Entrepreneurs network.


PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS

To apply for the Gala, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:


Selection criteria

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Be the head of a for-profit business incorporated or registered in Quebec, or a social economy business (non-profit organization or cooperative)
  • Must have started operations before January 1, 2024 and be able to present financial statements (interim financial statements are accepted).
  • Not have been among the winners of previous editions (finalists may participate)
  • For social economy enterprises, have a market activity as defined by the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec  Definition of a social economy enterprise ›
  • The company must be at least 25% owned by people from Black communities
  • Candidates may apply in only one category

CATEGORIES

Have taken over or acquired a business before January 1, 2024 that was still in operation at the time of acquisition OR be an entrepreneur under the age of 40

Be the head of a company incorporated or registered less than 3 years ago.

Be the head of a company that has been incorporated for more than 3 years, and demonstrate strong growth potential. Among other things, the jury will look at whether sales have grown remarkably in the last 2 years, or whether there has been an increase in the number of jobs created.

Be a woman entrepreneur owning at least 50% of a company.

Be the head of a company that has developed a unique or avant-garde project or concept in any sector.

Be the head of a company whose mission contributes to meeting today's major social and/or environmental challenges.

Be the head a company whose head office is located outside the Greater Montreal area as defined by the Montreal Metropolitan Community (https://cmm.qc.ca/a-propos/territoires-et-municipalites/).

Be the head of a company that has developed a market outside Canada (e.g. opening an office, exporting products or services, etc.).

All finalists compete for the People's Choice Award. The winner will be the company receiving the most votes from the public during the gala, provided it has not already won an award in its category.

The Afro-Entrepreneur Award honors the most outstanding entrepreneur among the winners in the eight categories. The jury selects the winner.

APPLICATIONS

The application process for the 2025 edition is now closed. Many thanks to all those who took the time to submit their applications!