Updated August 2026 · Verified against Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) guidelines
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CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
Loan Range
$5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements;...
Ongoing / open for applications (no posted deadline or intake close date)
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Moderate
Payment
Loan
Trend
Stable
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Financing share
Varies
CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan provides up to $5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements; $5,000 to $50,000 for working capital loans. A CIBC business loan for Black-owned or Black-led businesses, offering $5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements and $5,000 to $50,000 for working capital. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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Eligibility & Details

What this program funds and who can apply

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Program Description

A CIBC business loan for Black-owned or Black-led businesses, offering $5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements and $5,000 to $50,000 for working capital. Variable rate (CIBC Prime +1.25% to +3.00%), interest-only payments for the first 12 months, and no penalty for early repayment.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Black-owned or Black-led business
  • Loan purpose must be equipment, leasehold improvements, or working capital
  • Subject to CIBC credit approval — all loan applicants must meet CIBC lending criteria, and the credit decision is based on receipt of a complete application and supporting documentation
  • You do not need to be an existing CIBC client to apply
  • Personal guarantees may be required from all principals who have ownership in the business
  • A General Security Agreement may be required from the business
  • Applicants who do not qualify for a loan may be referred to the Black Opportunity Fund for a non-repayable amount of up to $2,000
Provinces
All Provinces
Industries
All
Business Stage
Startup Growth Established

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Moderate
Competition
Low
First-Timer
Friendly

Funding Details

Amount
$5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements; $5,000 to $50,000 for working capital loans
Type
Loan
Level
Private
Deadline
Ongoing / open for applications (no posted deadline or intake close date)

Program Scorecard

Competition, effort, and approval at a glance

Competition
Low
Deadline
Ongoing
Approval
Varies
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
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What's in this Playbook

Everything you need to secure CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan

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How to qualify

Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like

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Insider Tip

Ask about the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) partnership for mentoring and help crafting a business plan or financial documents.

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Evaluation Criteria

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Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

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Application Steps

1 Start your application online Go to cibc.com/en/business/programs/banking-for-black-owned-businesses/apply-for-bep-loan.html and select Start your application.

Required Documents 6

✓ Completed online application form (personal and contact information, business operating history, CIBC client status)
✓ Business plan

Eligible Expenses 3

Deadline Notes

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Funding Stack Strategy

Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential

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Stacking partner data not yet available.

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Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

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How CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan Compares

Side-by-side with similar programs

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Program Amount Difficulty Payment Deadline
CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan $5,000 to $150,000 Moderate Loan Ongoing / open for...
Black Entrepreneurship Program Up to $250,000 Moderate Loan Ongoing
Canada Small Business Financing Program Up to $1.15 million Easy Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Ongoing
Futurpreneur Canada Startup Program Up to $75,000 Moderate Loan Ongoing
Futurpreneur Black Entrepreneur Start... Up to $75,000 Moderate Loan Ongoing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about CIBC Black Entrepreneur Program Loan

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How much can I borrow through the CIBC program, and for what?
$5,000 to $150,000 for equipment and leasehold improvements, or $5,000 to $50,000 for working capital loans. Maximum terms are up to 10 years for equipment and leasehold improvements and up to 60 months for working capital.
What is the interest rate and the repayment structure?
It is a variable rate loan at CIBC Prime +1.25% to +3.00%. You pay interest only for the first 12 months, then principal plus interest. There is no penalty for early repayment.
Do I have to be an existing CIBC client to apply?
No. The application form states plainly: if you're not yet a CIBC client, you can still apply for a Black Entrepreneur Program Loan.
What happens if I don't qualify for the CIBC loan?
CIBC states you may qualify instead for the Black Opportunity Fund — a non-repayable amount of up to $2,000 to help you scale up your business.
Will I have to give a personal guarantee or security?
Possibly. CIBC states that personal guarantees may be required from all principals who have ownership in the business, and that a General Security Agreement may be required from the business.

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