Platform
Consulting
Resources
Pricing
Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project - Quebec - Canada
Open

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project

Non‑repayable funding for First Nations community economic development projects
SOCCA
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Quebec, Canada

Overview

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project offers a non‑refundable contribution of up to $1,000,000 for viable community-owned business initiatives led by First Nations or the Native Alliance of Quebec. Eligible activities include business start-up, acquisition or expansion, marketing implementation, project-related management, development of business or marketing plans and feasibility studies, as well as professional advisory services after launch.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Quebec
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Start-up of a new community-owned or community-controlled business.
  • Acquisition of an existing business to be operated by the community.
  • Expansion of an existing community business to grow its operations or services.
  • Implementation of marketing activities to promote community business products or services.
  • Management and post-launch advisory projects to strengthen the governance and operations of community businesses.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP) is specifically designed for First Nations and the Native Alliance of Quebec, their members, and corporations owned by them. This includes specific First Nations such as Abenaki, Algonquin, Atikamekw, Cree, Huron-Wendat, Malecite, and Micmac.

Who is not eligible

  • Businesses whose main activities are in the gambling sector.
  • Businesses whose main activities are in the sex industry.
  • Businesses whose main activities are in the alcohol sector.
  • Businesses whose main activities are in the tobacco sector.

Eligible expenses

  • Costs for developing a business plan, marketing plan or feasibility studies (such as assessments and environmental studies) directly related to the project.
  • Expenses for starting up, acquiring or expanding a business (e.g. purchase of assets, equipment or other start-up and expansion costs directly tied to the project).
  • Marketing and promotional costs incurred for implementing project-related marketing activities.
  • Project-related management expenses required to organize, coordinate and administer the project.
  • Professional advisory fees after the business is launched (e.g. accountant or other external advisors directly supporting the project).

Additional information

  • The support is provided as a non-refundable financial contribution rather than a repayable loan.
  • A non-refundable contribution is treated as financing of last resort, after other funding sources and borrowing capacity have been fully considered.
  • The applicant’s net worth is taken into account when determining both required equity and the level of support.
  • Expenses incurred before final approval of the file are explicitly excluded from consideration.

Contacts

administration@socca.qc.ca
1-800-241-0972

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project?

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project offers a non‑refundable contribution of up to $1,000,000 for viable community-owned business initiatives led by First Nations or the Native Alliance of Quebec. Eligible activities include business start-up, acquisition or expansion, marketing implementation, project-related management, development of business or marketing plans and feasibility studies, as well as professional advisory services after launch.

How much funding can be received?

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project program?

To be eligible for the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project program, you must: Applicant must be a First Nation, the Native Alliance of Quebec, or a corporation owned by them or their members. Must provide at least 10% of project cost as equity and demonstrate good credit and financial capacity. Must operate a viable business full-time, with experience in the field, and not in gambling, sex, alcohol, or tobacco sectors.

What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project?

Start-up of a new community-owned or community-controlled business. Acquisition of an existing business to be operated by the community. Expansion of an existing community business to grow its operations or services. Implementation of marketing activities to promote community business products or services. Management and post-launch advisory projects to strengthen the governance and operations of community businesses.

Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project?

You can contact SOCCA by email at administration@socca.qc.ca or by phone at 1-800-241-0972.

Where is the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project available?

The Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project program is available the province of Quebec.

Is the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project is a Grant and Funding

More programs like this