Closed
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund
Funding for Indigenous community-owned development
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000 - $ 750,000
Timeline
- Open Date : May 15, 2024
- Closing date : September 15, 2024
Location
Alberta, Canada
Overview
Aboriginal communities in Alberta can access funding of $150,000 to $750,000 for capital costs tied to community-owned economic development projects. The program supports shovel-ready projects that create jobs, revenue, and long-term benefits for Indigenous communities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 750,000 $
- Minimum amount : 150,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : May 15, 2024
- Closing date : September 15, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Alberta
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
- Indigenous community-owned economic development projects.
- Projects that begin or expand business operations within the funding year.
- Projects that create jobs, local revenue, and spin-off opportunities.
- Construction of new buildings and infrastructure.
- Purchase of equipment needed for business growth.
Documents Needed
- Completed and signed application form.
- Comprehensive business plan or ABIF template.
- Proof of community support.
- Supporting documents such as financial statements, resumes, and job positions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities in Alberta.
- Indigenous community-owned corporate entities in Alberta.
Who is not eligible
- Individual entrepreneurs.
- Sole proprietors.
Eligible expenses
- Capital costs for business development projects.
- Equipment purchases.
- Construction or improvement of buildings and infrastructure.
- Professional fees, permits, and related asset costs.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs related to land acquisition.
- Loan interest and financing charges.
- Leasing costs for land, buildings, equipment, or facilities.
- Training, salaries, utilities, rent, GST, goodwill, and legal fees.
Eligible geographic areas
- Alberta
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by a cross-ministry panel.
- Top-scoring projects may receive an in-depth assessment.
- Applicants are informed of the final funding decision.
- Successful applicants enter into a funding agreement.
- Post-project reporting and audited financial statements are required.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund. 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 Investment Fund?
Aboriginal communities in Alberta can access funding of $150,000 to $750,000 for capital costs tied to community-owned economic development projects. The program supports shovel-ready projects that create jobs, revenue, and long-term benefits for Indigenous communities.
How much funding can be received?
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund Funds up to $750,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 15, 2024.
Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund program?
To be eligible for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund program, you must:
Indigenous communities in Alberta.
Community-owned corporate entities.
Shovel-ready projects.
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Business Investment Fund?
Indigenous community-owned economic development projects.
Projects that begin or expand business operations within the funding year.
Projects that create jobs, local revenue, and spin-off opportunities.
Construction of new buildings and infrastructure.
Purchase of equipment needed for business growth.
Where is the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund available?
The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund program is available the province of Alberta.
Is the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund is a Grant and Funding