Grant Opportunity for Black-owned or operated small businesses in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Application closes on June 26th, 2023.

For three years running, Cassels, a law firm focused on serving the transaction, advocacy, and advisory needs of the country’s most dynamic business sectors, has offered financial support to Black business communities in the form of a grant or grants to Black-owned or operated small businesses in each of the three cities they work in (Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary) to create long-term economic opportunities.

With support from Wheaton Precious Metals, Cassels is now accepting applications for its annual Black-Owned Small Business Grant. Cassels understands the funding challenges businesses face, believes in diversity, and fosters an inclusive environment beneficial for everyone.

About the Program

This initiative will provide recipients with the financial support and expert advice needed to sustain their businesses and create long-term economic opportunities. Cassels support businesses that align with the firm’s core values and will most benefit from the grant and legal expertise. The total of the grants provided will be up to $100,000, combining funds raised by individuals from across Cassels with the generous support of Wheaton Precious Metals.

Available Funding

• Up to CAD$100,000 of Grants and up to CAD$100,000 of pro bono legal services from Cassels will be awarded to final recipients.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The eligibility criteria include

• The business is Black-owned (i.e., owned/controlled and operated in the majority by individuals [partners, officers, managers, directors, etc.] who self-identify as Black)

• The business has a maximum of 50 employees.

• The business is located in the City of Vancouver, City of Calgary, or the City of Toronto or has significant involvement in/impact on the Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto business community.

• The business is a legal and existing Canadian for-profit entity (i.e., sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation)

NOTE THAT

• Grant is limited to one submission/entry per person/individual or business.

• Cassels shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria for a Grant. Cassels’ decisions regarding eligibility are final and binding. There is no payment of any kind required to apply for a Grant.

• The size and allocation of the Grants and Pro Bono Legal Services among the Recipients will be determined by Cassels at its sole discretion.

You can view additional information on the program, such as the grant term and conditions, here.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information on the grant program, view the original article on the Cassels Express website. Click the button below to navigate the site, download and complete the application, and email your application to grantapps@cassels.com

DEADLINE

Applications for this program are due by Monday, June 26th, 2023.

As always, we will keep you posted on any open relevant grant programs and contests for small businesses and organizations within the province!

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