Aboriginal Business Financing Program — Community project

This grant provides non-refundable contributions that support the financial needs of community projects within the Aboriginal Business Financing Program, offering substantial aid for community development ventures.

• The maximum contribution for a community project is up to CAD $1,000,000.
• The contribution rate varies based on the type of project activity: up to 75% for project-related management and professional advisory services, up to 60% for marketing activities, and up to 40% for business start-up, acquisition, or expansion.
• Applicants must have a minimum equity of 10% of the project’s cost, with exact requirements varying based on the net value of the applicant, which ranges from 10% to 25% depending on the individual's or band council's financial situation.
• A non-refundable contribution is considered as the last resort of financing, requiring the exhaustion of all other financial resources and maximum borrowing capacity.
• Expenses incurred prior to the approval of the application are not considered eligible for funding.
• The determination of the funding amount considers eligible expenses, the applicant's net value (equity), and other available financing sources.

This grant is available to specific entities with defined financial and operational criteria.

• The applicant must be a First Nation, the Native Alliance of Quebec, a member of a First Nation, or a corporation owned by a First Nation or the Native Alliance of Quebec.
• The applicant must possess the necessary financial resources, with a minimum equity of 10% of the project cost.
• The business project must be viable.
• The applicant must have a good credit rating.
• Experience and training in the relevant field of activities for the project are required.
• The applicant must be involved full-time in the business.
• The business must not operate in activities related to gambling, sex, alcohol, or tobacco.
• All other sources of financing must have been considered and approved, with borrowing capacity and equity at their maximum.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain types of businesses due to their involvement in specific sectors. These restrictions help ensure that the support provided aligns with the ethical and strategic goals of the grant program.

• Businesses involved in gambling.
• Businesses operating in the sex industry.
• Companies that predominantly sell or distribute alcohol.
• Industries focused on tobacco products.

Eligible expenses

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP) offers support for various business activities undertaken by First Nations communities and individuals in Quebec. Eligible projects focus on the start-up, acquisition, and expansion of businesses, along with crucial planning and management activities.

• Start-up, acquisition, or expansion of a business.
• Implementation of marketing activities.
• Project-related management.
• Professional advisory services after the business is launched (such as accounting).
• Development of a business plan, marketing plan, or feasibility studies (including assessments and environmental studies).

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The eligibility and evaluation criteria are:

• Must be a First Nation or part of the Native Alliance of Quebec
• Must have the necessary financial resources (equity: 10% minimum of the project cost)
• Present a viable business project
• Good credit rating
• Experience and training in the field of activities
• Mandatory full-time involvement in the business
• Operate a business not involved in certain sectors (gambling, sex, alcohol, tobacco)

Additional relevant details for this grant are:

• The non-refundable contribution is intended as a last resort, implying that all other financing options should be exhausted beforehand.
• Expenses incurred before project approval are ineligible for grant consideration.
• The contribution level is determined based on eligible expenses, net applicant value, and available financing sources.
• Equity requirements vary based on net value for both individuals and band councils, with specific percentages outlined for different value ranges.
• The grant involves varied contribution rates depending on the type of project activity, ranging from 40% to 75%.
• First Nations must refrain from operating businesses in certain sectors (gambling, sex, alcohol, tobacco) to qualify.