Closed
Aboriginal Business Investment Fund
Funding for Indigenous community-owned development
Last Update: June 8, 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 $
- Up to 100% of project cost
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.
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Community benefits.
- Management risk.
- Industry risk.
- Financial risk.
How to apply
1
Read the guidelines
Refer to the ABIF Application Guidelines to learn the program’s terms and conditions.
2
Complete your application package
- Fill out the ABIF Grant Application Form, defining the business and scope of work clearly.
- Include a detailed breakdown of estimated costs or funding sources.
- Provide a reasonable timeline for carrying out project activities with project milestones.
- Submit a comprehensive business plan for ongoing operations or use the business plan template.
- Demonstrate community support with documents such as a Band Council Resolution.
- Attach supporting documentation like feasibility studies, permits, and partnership arrangements.
3
Submit the application package
Submit one electronic copy of the entire application package to [email protected].
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
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 100% of admissible expenses, capped at $750,000 per project.
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