# BIPOC Business-Supporting Services American Express is Launching a Mentorship and Grant Program By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-06-16 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mentorship-and-grant-program References: [newswire](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/american-express-launches-a-mentorship-and-grant-program-supporting-the-advancement-of-bipoc-owned-businesses-across-canada-844589379.html) & [dmz.ryerson](https://dmz.ryerson.ca/amexblueprint) In order to prioritize equality in the market, American Express is launching a special mentorship and grant program geared toward [BIPOC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-opportunity-fund)-owned businesses across Canada. The project is called Blueprint: Backing BIPOC Businesses™ and is powered by the DMZ, which works to help companies grow their business. The mentorship and grant program will provide 100 businesses, owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour, with comprehensive guidance and $1,000,000 in grants to help support their business ventures. This comes as a welcomed and necessary program as statistics show that "BIPOC business owners face barriers to running their businesses at a rate higher than their white counterparts." [American Express Canada](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-express-platinum-dining-experiences) partnered with pro basketball player and owner of the FVV Shop, Fred Van Vleet, to help spread the word. Starting now until July 27, BIPOC business owners nationwide can learn more and apply by visiting dmz.to/AmexBlueprint. Image Credit: DMZ, American Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 43% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/education) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Bipoc-owned Business Mentorship Programs:** There is an opportunity for companies to develop mentorship programs for BIPOC-owned businesses to help them overcome barriers and grow their ventures. - **Grants for Bipoc-owned Businesses:** Offering grants to BIPOC-owned businesses can help provide the necessary funding to overcome financial challenges and support their growth. - **Diversity and Inclusion in Entrepreneurship:** Focusing on diversity and inclusion within the entrepreneurship community can help create opportunities and support for underrepresented groups. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Financial Services:** Financial services companies can develop grant and mentorship programs to support BIPOC-owned businesses and promote equality in the market. - **Tech Incubators:** Tech incubators can partner with businesses to provide mentorship programs and create opportunities for underrepresented groups within the technology industry. - **Professional Sports:** Professional sports organizations can partner with BIPOC entrepreneurs to promote and support their ventures while also creating opportunities for athletes to become business owners. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toronto Restoration Efforts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restaurants-in-toronto.md) - [Small Business Support Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastercard-x-pier-five-small-business-fund.md) - [Diversity-Focused Entrepreneurs Access Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entrepreneurs-access-network.md) - [BIPOC Culinary Grants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-opportunity-fund.md) - [Branded Acceptance Artist Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/promote-acceptance.md) - [Gen Z-Targeting TikTok Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopsmall-accelerator.md) - [Entrepreneur-Supporting Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doordash-accelerator.md) - [Platinum Dining Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/american-express-platinum-dining-experiences.md) - [Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-entrepreneur.md)