Open
Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABDP) — Community project
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Non‑repayable funding for First Nations community economic development projects
Grant and Funding
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Marketing a product
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
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 1,000,000
Launching an Indigenous-owned organic farm to supply local markets and community-supported agriculture
$ 1,000,000
Developing a business plan and feasibility study for a First Nations-owned renewable energy project
$ 1,000,000
Acquiring a restaurant specializing in traditional Indigenous cuisine to promote cultural heritage
$ 1,000,000
Expanding a First Nations-owned daycare center to accommodate more children and provide specialized programs
$ 1,000,000
Launching an Indigenous art gallery to promote and sell local artists' works
$ 1,000,000
Establishing a cooperative café that offers Indigenous-themed beverages and artisan crafts
Eligibility
- The applicant must be a First Nation, the Native Alliance of Quebec, a member of a First Nation, a member of the Native Alliance of Quebec, or a corporation owned by any of these.
- The project must be a viable business initiative within the eligible activities (such as start-up, acquisition, expansion, marketing, management, planning or feasibility studies, or post-launch professional advisory services).
- The applicant must have the necessary financial resources, including a minimum equity contribution of 10% of the project cost.
- The applicant and its owners must have a good credit rating, as well as relevant experience and training in the project’s field of activity.
- The main promoter must be fully involved in the business on a full-time basis.
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).
Selection criteria
- Level of eligible project expenses.
- Net value (equity) of the applicant.
- Amount and availability of other sources of financing.
How to apply
1
Verification of eligibility criteria
Ensure that the project meets the eligibility criteria: First Nation or the Indigenous Alliance of Quebec, project viability, credit history, experience in the field, full-time commitment, and sector exclusions.
2
Preparation of the project
- Develop a business plan, marketing plan, or preliminary studies.
- Calculate financial needs and prepare the required capital contribution.
- Explore all other available sources of financing.
3
Assembly of the request
Gather all the necessary documents to support the application: business plans, proof of funding, approvals for additional financing, etc.
4
Submission of the request
- Contact the Indigenous Commercial Credit Company using the provided contact information (email or phone) to submit the application or to obtain clarification on the submission.
- Ensure that no incurred costs are prior to the final approval of the file.
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
