Aboriginal Business Investment Fund

• Completed and signed Application Form.
• Comprehensive business plan or ABIF template with supporting documents.
• Evidence of community support, such as a Band Council Resolution or Board Motion.
• Supporting documentation and appendices, including historical financial statements, projected financials, organizational charts, resumes, and job positions.
• Relevant supporting materials such as feasibility studies, permits, environmental assessments, letters of support, franchise agreements, partnership arrangements, and commitments.

Who is eligible?

• Indigenous communities in Alberta.
• Indigenous organizations or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities in Alberta.

Who is not eligible

• Entrepreneurs.
• Sole proprietors.

Eligible expenses

• Eligible capital costs for tangible capital assets, including land improvements, buildings and building improvements, operating equipment, heavy equipment, vehicles, and information and communication technology.
• Acquisition, construction, renewal, rehabilitation, material enhancement, or renovation of a tangible capital asset.
• Professional fees for appraisal, application, survey, inspection, design, engineering, architecture, and similar activities.
• Site preparation, project-related signage, lighting, markings, utility adjustments, and contractor labour or materials.
• Other expenditures necessary for successful project implementation that are pre-approved in writing by Indigenous Relations.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Costs incurred prior to the current fiscal year.
• Business case or proposal development, land acquisition, financing charges, loan interest, and leasing costs.
• Operating costs, including rent, salaries, utilities, operation, repair and maintenance costs, and training expenses.
• Furnishings and non-fixed assets that are not essential to the project, passive business income projects, payments for services normally provided without charge, GST, goodwill, and legal fees.
• Infrastructure costs financed by or eligible for funding from other government sources, and expenditures not related to the approved project.

• Community benefits.
• Management risk.
• Industry risk.
• Financial risk associated with each project.
• Availability of funding and program budget, alignment to program priorities, and the ability of partners to make necessary financial contributions to the project.

• Step 1. Read the ABIF Application Guidelines to learn the program’s terms and conditions.
• Step 2. Complete the application package with the completed and signed Application Form, comprehensive business plan or template, evidence of community support, and supporting documents.
• Step 3. Submit one electronic copy of the entire submission to ir.economicdevelopment@gov.ab.ca.

• Applications are reviewed by a cross-ministry panel, and top-scoring projects that meet all requirements and demonstrate financial viability receive an in-depth assessment.
• Each applicant is informed of the final funding decision and may request a debrief session.
• Indigenous Relations enters into a funding agreement with recipients of approved projects.
• Successful proponents must complete post-project reporting and evaluation, including a Final Report and a Financial Verification Report.
• For equipment or building purchases, recipients must provide bill(s) of sale or invoices, proof of payment, and photos of the assets; all funds are subject to audit and follow-up.