Nova Scotia’s Black Business Initiative and startup hub Volta are seeking applicants for Boost, a new four-month program designed to support the growth and development of Black and Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada.

Launching in mid-March, Boost will take entrepreneurs through workshops and skills development sessions. Applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but preference will be given to those who identify as women and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"Black and Indigenous-owned businesses contribute significantly to Canada's economy,” Matthew James Martel, Black Business Initiative Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.

“Launching a program of this caliber will provide significant opportunities in the entrepreneurial sector. We truly believe that increasing the participation of BIPOC founders in the startup ecosystem will strengthen the business community not only in our province, but globally.”

The partners said that five to ten individuals will be selected and will have access to a working lab in Volta’s Co-Working Space and an honorarium for their participation in the program, which is being supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Skills development sessions will include leadership, branding, Lean Business Model Canvas, MVP prototyping and design thinking test solution, customer discovery, adapting to employment trends, and more.

Ideal participants will have an early-stage business idea or professional development goal. Preference will be given to those with a tech-enabled startup idea, though no technical experience is required.

Participants must be willing and eager to learn and apply new skills from industry experts, be able to commit to a 16-week term and be based in the region.

Interested applicants can apply here by Feb.14.

Volta and BBI will interview applicants and contact those selected to participate on or before March 1.