Indigenous Business Grants Canada (2024): Current Grants + Tips for Applying
Finding the right support for your business can be tough, but for Indigenous entrepreneurs, a variety of grants and programs are available to help you grow and thrive.
Indigenous business grant programs are designed to provide financial assistance, access to resources, and support tailored to the needs of Indigenous business owners in Canada. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand, there’s likely a program that can assist you in reaching your goals.
Key Takeaways
- There are dozens of grant programs available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada for business startup and growth
- Grants are offered by the Canadian federal government, provincial governments, and non-profit organizations
- Eligibility criteria for Indigenous business grants include proof of Indigenous status, operations in Canada, and a solid business plan
- In addition to grants, there are Indigenous loan programs offered by governments, banks, and non-profits, as well as Indigenous startup and equity investment programs
What is a Business Grant?
A business grant is a financial award typically provided by governments and non-profit organizations. Unlike loans, business grants do not need to be repaid. Business grants are designed to support and stimulate business growth, innovation, and development.
In Canada, business grants are often oriented towards certain activities, audiences, industries, or regions. Here’s a quick explanation of each:
Business Grants vs Business Loans for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Business grants and loans are two common ways businesses secure funding, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Business grants are non-repayable funds provided by government bodies or organizations, offering businesses the benefit of funding without the obligation to repay. This can help enhance a business’s credibility and support specific goals like innovation or sustainability. However, grants are highly competitive, sometimes come with strict eligibility requirements, and can involve a complex application process.
Business loans provide greater flexibility in fund usage and can offer larger amounts than grants, which are beneficial for substantial investments or expansions. Successfully repaying a loan can also help build a business’s credit score. Despite these advantages, loans require repayment with interest, potentially strain cash flow, may require collateral, and carry financial risks if the business struggles to meet repayment obligations.
Comparison: Business Grants vs Business Loans
| Business Grants | Business Loans | |
|---|---|---|
| Requires Repayment? | No | Yes, with interest |
| Financial Risk | Low | High |
| Eligibility Criteria: | Specific criteria; depends on grant program | Typically good credit and business plan needed |
| Application Difficulty: | Competitive and rigorous | Depends on financial institution |
Choosing between a grant and a loan depends on your specific needs and situation. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks, so it’s essential to consider them carefully before deciding.
Types of Indigenous Business Grants
There are various types of business grants to support your entrepreneurial journey, from federal and provincial governments as well as non-profit organizations.
Federal Government Business Grants for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
The Canadian federal government provides grants to Indigenous businesses to promote economic reconciliation, reduce disparities, and support self-sufficiency. These grants empower Indigenous entrepreneurs, stimulate economic growth, and preserve cultural heritage.
Typically, these grants fund activities such as startup capital, business expansion, research and development, and marketing. They support a wide range of industries, including natural resources, technology, tourism, arts, and sustainable development, aiming to enhance economic participation and drive innovation within Indigenous communities.
Provincial Government Business Grants for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Provincial governments in Canada provide grants to Indigenous businesses to address specific regional economic needs, promote local economic diversification, and support Indigenous participation in the provincial economy. These grants are designed to foster regional development, boost Indigenous entrepreneurship, and ensure that Indigenous communities can actively contribute to and benefit from local economic opportunities.
Typically, provincial grants focus on funding activities such as business startup, expansion, skills training, and community-led economic initiatives. The industries supported often reflect the province’s economic priorities, including sectors like natural resources, agriculture, tourism, cultural industries, and clean energy. By investing in these areas, provincial governments aim to create locally-driven economic growth and sustainability that resonates with the unique characteristics and needs of Indigenous communities within their regions.
Non-Profit Business Grants for Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Non-profit organizations in Canada provide grants to Indigenous businesses to promote social equity, empower entrepreneurs, and support community-driven development.
Non-profit grants often fund activities like capacity building, social enterprises, and community-based projects, with a focus on industries such as cultural preservation, arts, education, health, and environmental sustainability. The goal is to strengthen Indigenous communities and create sustainable economic opportunities aligned with cultural values..
Eligibility Criteria for Indigenous Business Grants
Many Indigenous grant programs have the following requirements:
- Proof of Indigenous Status
- Majority Indigenous-Owned
- Operating in Canada
- Detailed Business Plan
These are additional requirements that may apply, depending on the specific grant program:
Applying for Indigenous Business Grants: Top 5 Tips
When applying for Indigenous business grants in Canada, ensuring that your application stands out and meets all criteria is crucial. Here are the top five tips to increase your chances of success:
- Thoroughly Research Grant Programs
- Develop a Comprehensive and Clear Business Plan
- Emphasize Indigenous Identity and Community Impact
- Prepare Financially
- Submit a Well-Organized and Timely Application
Alternatives to Indigenous Business Grants
While Indigenous business grants are a valuable resource, there are other many other types of funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada. We cover each funding type below:
Business Loans & Credit For Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Business loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada are offered by federal and provincial governments, as well as non-profit organizations, to support startup, expansion, and operational needs. These loans often come with favourable terms, such as lower interest rates or easier qualification conditions, and may include additional support like mentorship.
In addition to loans, some banks and credit unions in Canada offer Indigenous entrepreneurs various business credit products, including lines of credit, business credit cards, and trade credit.
Startup Programs For Indigenous Entrepreneurs (Incubators, Accelerators, Pitch Competitions & More)
Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada have access to a variety of startup programs designed to support the launch and growth of their businesses.
Startup programs for Indigenous entrepreneurs include:
Equity Investment Programs For Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Equity investment programs available to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada provide crucial capital by offering funding in exchange for ownership stakes in their businesses.
Federal and provincial government equity investment programs often partner with Indigenous investment funds to provide equity financing, which helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses without taking on debt. These programs may also include additional support, such as mentorship and strategic guidance.
Beyond government initiatives, angel investors and private equity firms are increasingly recognizing the potential in Indigenous businesses, offering equity investments that not only provide financial backing but also valuable industry connections and expertise.
These equity investments are essential for Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses and expand into new markets.
Indigenous Business Grants – Current Grants Available
In the sections below you’ll find a sample of the federal, provincial, and non-profit business grants currently available for Indigenous businesses:
Federal Indigenous Business Grants
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
Through their Challenge programs, the NRC is partnering with private and public sector, academic and other research organizations in Canada and internationally to advance transformative, high-risk, high-reward research that address Canadian priorities.
These R&D programs bring together researchers and facilities from across the NRC’s 14 research centres, with academic and industrial partners.
The opportunities for collaboration are in any of the following areas:
1. Pandemic Response – to address challenges requiring further R&D for solutions to meet COVID-19-related needs;
2. Materials for Clean Fuels – to develop new materials for clean and sustainable sources of energy;
3. High-throughput and Secure Networks – to develop high-performance, rapid and secure communication for rural and remote communities;
4. Artificial Intelligence for Design – to improve the quality of life of older adults and their personal caregivers through innovation that will support safe and healthy aging;
5. Disruptive Technology Solutions for Cell and Gene Therapy – to improve the quality of life of older adults and their personal caregivers through innovation that will support safe and healthy aging;
6. Aging in Place – to improve the quality of life of older adults and their personal caregivers through innovation that will support safe and healthy aging;
7. Internet of Things: Quantum Sensors – to develop revolutionary sensors that could be engineered and commercialized for applications in the environment, natural resources, health care, and defence.
8. Arctic and Northern – to address pressing issues impacting the quality of life of northern peoples;
9. Applied Quantum Computing – to support commercial and government innovations in quantum algorithms and applied quantum computing.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) provides funding to support Indigenous-led economic development in Canada’s forestry sector. Benefits of the program include:
1. increased Indigenous participation in forestry-related opportunities, businesses, careers and governance;
2. increased engagement and economic development for Indigenous communities and peoples involved in the forest sector;
3. increased investment and collaboration between Indigenous peoples and other natural resource development stakeholders, including governments, industry and non-governmental organizations.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
DFO’s Indigenous Marine Servicing Initiative (IMSI) is designed to increase Indigenous participation in the marine industry supply chain, which supports Indigenous communities and commercial fishing enterprises (CFEs) that want to expand and diversify into Indigenous marine-related service industries.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
ECCC’s Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) supports the development of Indigenous capacity to participate actively in the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
AFSAR provides grants to projects seeking to support and promote the conservation, protection and recovery of target species and their habitats on Indigenous lands or lands where traditional food, social, and ceremonial activities are carried out by Indigenous peoples.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI) helps Indigenous communities participate in complex economic opportunities.
SPI promotes partnerships between federal and non-federal groups in key economic areas. This allows SPI to support opportunities that are not eligible for other federal funding. SPI initiatives can span multiple years, have regional economic impacts and serve multiple communities.
$99,999.00
Grant
Description:
This program promotes entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has 2 components: access to capital and business opportunities.
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital provides Indigenous businesses with access to non-repayable contributions of up to $99,999 for: supporting eligible business proposals and leveraging additional funds.
$500,000.00
Grant
Description:
This program promotes entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities and seeks to increase the number of viable Indigenous-owned businesses. The program has 2 components: access to capital and business opportunities.
The Access to Business Opportunities stream provides national level funding to promote a culture of entrepreneurship through national Indigenous organizations to improve access to business opportunities and to enhance the capacity of Indigenous businesses. Support will vary depending upon the needs of the recipient, the availability and sources of funding, the eligibility of costs, the economic benefits, and the project viability.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Public Outreach component of Arts Across Canada provides grants to support activities of Canadian groups and organizations, as well as professionals in architecture, that contribute to the public appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. Grants fund a wide range of live events, publications and other initiatives that build connections between artists and diverse audiences.
$25,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Translation component of Arts Across Canada provides grants to activities linked to the translation of Canadian literary works or dramatic works into French, English, an Aboriginal (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) language, American Sign Language (ASL), Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ), or any other regional Canadian or Indigenous sign language for Canadian publication or presentation.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Creating, Knowing and Sharing program provides grants to support activities in three broad areas:
1. Creating provides support for research, production and creation of new works of art. 2. Knowing provides support for the retention, maintenance, innovation and transmittal of cultural knowledge and creative practice.
3. Sharing provides support for the dissemination, exhibition, presentation and distribution of works of art by First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis peoples, which enrich and engage communities in Canada and abroad.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
Digital Greenhouse is a digital innovation initiative for Canadian individuals, groups and organizations. It supports short-term projects that leverage digital technology to address sectoral and digital challenges, including:
1. the development of new digital tools and solutions that increase the resilience, sustainability, and discoverability of the arts sector,
2. the development of sector-wide and cross-sector collaborations, partnerships, and networks to support innovative digital business models, revenue models and monetization strategies,
3. sectoral approaches aimed at strategically increasing the digital/data literacy and ongoing digital transformation of the arts sector,
4. addressing challenges and exploring digital solutions related to accessibility, equity, diversity, decolonization, social justice, and climate responsibility created by, or relevant to, the digital world,
5. addressing challenges and exploring solutions related to the lack of access to digital infrastructure for remote regions and Northern and under-represented communities.
$30,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Travel component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing funds First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists provides support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis arts/cultural professionals (including artists’ representatives), cultural carriers, artistic groups, collectives and organizations working in all disciplines to help them with the travel costs incurred to attend significant events within Canada or abroad.
$3,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Small-Scale Activities component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing provides funding to First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis individuals, artistic groups, collectives and organizations working in all disciplines for activities that will advance their artistic career or practice. This may include acquiring materials for artistic production, engaging in career or artistic development activities or benefitting from specific expertise, advice or training from a professional artist or cultural carrier.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Short-Term Projects component of Creating, Knowing and Sharing provides support to First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis professional and aspiring artists, cultural carriers, arts/cultural professionals, groups, collectives and arts/culture organizations for any combination of eligible Creating, Knowing and Sharing activities for projects lasting up to 12 months.
$100,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Sector Innovation and Development component of Supporting Artistic Practice provides grants to projects by Canadian and First Nations, Inuit and MĂ©tis arts professionals, cultural connectors, groups, and organizations. These projects must grow and improve the arts sector.
$50,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Co-productions component of Arts Abroad provides grants to support the realization of new works or exhibitions developed by Canadian artistic groups and arts organizations in partnership with foreign arts organizations. Support is for artistic co-productions or financial co-productions.
$20,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Translation component of Arts Abroad funds the translation of Canadian literary works or dramatic works for international presentation or publication.
$5,000,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is a $680 million initiative ending in 2027 and its objective is to address the lack of charging and refuelling stations in Canada; one of the key barriers to ZEV adoption, by increasing the availability of localized charging and hydrogen refuelling opportunities where Canadians live, work, and play.
This funding will be delivered through cost-sharing contribution agreements for eligible projects that will help meet the growing charging and refuelling demand.
no fixed amount
Grant
Description:
DFO’s Ecosystems and Oceans Science Contribution Framework provides funding to build expertise in ocean and freshwater science and technology in areas that support the mission of the Department to increase its understanding of ocean and freshwater environments. Through this, DFO seeks to better protect, sustain and restore fisheries resources as well as the aquatic ecosystems that support them.
Provincial Indigenous Business Grants
Grant
Description:
The Economic Development Fund supports environmentally sound and sustainable economic development activities throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii. Priority will be given to projects that have positive environmental or social impacts, direct or indirect.
$25,000.00
Grant
Description:
NEDC has partnered with several Nuu-chah-nulth Nations and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council to offer non-repayable contributions of up to $10,000 for entrepreneurs and up to $25,000 to community businesses.
$250,000.00
Grant
Description:
NEDC has partnered with NACCA to offer non-repayable contributions of up to $99,999 to entrepreneurs and up to $250,000 to community businesses to assist with the capital, marketing and operating costs of establishing, expanding or acquiring a business.
$25,000.00
Grant
Description:
NEDC has partnered with New Relationship Trust to offer equity matching contributions to Indigenous entrepreneurs from BC First Nations (including community businesses) to assist with meeting their equity requirements. These NRT Equity Match funds are intended to assist with the support, expansion, or modernization of businesses within BC.
$250,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation Communities & businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive supports to advance economic development opportunities in the federally (production, distribution, and retail) and provincially (non-medical retail sales) regulated cannabis sector.
Grant
Description:
The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is now accepting applications to fund projects that encourage diversity and innovation by the forest sector to utilize uneconomical residual fibre located on provincial crown land. FESBC is committed to fund projects that increase residual fibre utilization by non-lumber producing facilities, utilize fibre from fire and insect damaged stands and minimize emissions associated with open burning.
$99,999.00
Grant
Description:
ABEP will consider non-repayable contributions to Aboriginal clients for eligible capital and business support to start, expand or acquire a viable business. Non-repayable contributions for business plans, marketing and other related business support services will also be considered.
$99,999.00
Grant
Description:
TACC is delivering the Business Equity Program (BEP) to qualifying projects, along with existing loan programs and services. This non-repayable contribution is awarded to eligible Aboriginal clients for eligible capital and business support to start, expand or acquire a viable business. Business plans, marketing and other related business support services will also be considered.
$99,999.00
Grant
Description:
The Business Equity Program offers Aboriginal entrepreneurs contributions to assist in the capital, marketing and operating costs of establishing, expanding and acquiring a business.
$5,000.00
Grant
Description:
The New Relationship Trust (NRT) has developed and implemented the Equity Matching Initiative to assist BC Aboriginal Entrepreneurs with equity-matching funds up to $5,000 to modernize or expand a business in BC.
NRT has partnered with the various BC Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) to offer and administer an equity matching initiative in their respective service regions in BC.
Grant
Description:
The Child Care Capital Grants focus on strengthening the quality of child care and creating new licensed child care spaces in the Basin. This program supports projects focused on creating new child care spaces as well as projects that have broad community support, a building location, an experienced operator, and possible funding from other sources.
$60,000.00
Grant
Description:
The Music Industry Initiatives program is designed to support initiatives that grow and develop British Columbia’s diverse music ecosystem. Successful projects will build the capacity of BC’s music industry through training, knowledge transfer, and the creation of new business opportunities. Applicants can apply as an individual, collective, company or organization, and must be active in the music industry in BC; and headquartered in Canada, or located in and eligible to work in Canada.