Tribe Network says more than 70 Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada received support through its 2025–26 Start Small Grant Program.

The Halifax-based organization released the program's results on Tuesday, it provided a total of $50,000 in grants through the program, and the recipients generated more than $270,000 in revenue.

Funded by Emera Inc., the program during the 2025–26 period provided grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 to early-stage entrepreneurs, many of them receiving funding for the first time.

In addition to financial support, participants were offered mentorship and access to the organization's entrepreneurial network.

"The Start Small Grant has shown us that early-stage founders don't need much to get moving — they need the right support at the right moment," said Savior Joseph, founding board chair of Tribe Network. He said the program has helped companies progress from developing prototypes to launching products and generating sales.

Mike Roberts, chief human resource officer at Emera Inc., said the company supports the initiative because it helps entrepreneurs establish businesses, create jobs and contribute to regional economic development.

Tribe Network said Emera has contributed more than $800,000 over the past five years to support programs aimed at Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.

The partnership has funded initiatives including the IDEA Fellowship and the Start Small Grant Program. Tribe Network said Emera's support has also helped provide mentorship, programming, shared workspaces and access to its broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

According to the organization, more than 200 entrepreneurs and community leaders have benefited from these contributions to date.

Tribe Network describes itself as an innovation organization that supports Black, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada through programming, mentorship and ecosystem connections.