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Aboriginal Business Investment Fund

Funding for Alberta Indigenous community development

Government of Alberta

Ministry of Indigenous Relations (AB)

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

If your organization is Indigenous community-owned, get a grant between $150,000 and $750,000 to cover the costs of an economic development project that has long-term viability for the community.

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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

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

Projects poised to start operations or begin construction within the funding year.
Initiatives that increase the number of Indigenous community-owned businesses.
Projects that boost employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.
Development of projects that generate or enhance local revenue streams for Indigenous communities.
Business opportunities with long-term viability and potential for generating spin-off businesses.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) are Indigenous communities in Alberta or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta. It is required that:- Communities must own and control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture.- Corporate entities must be in good standing.- Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding.- An Indigenous community may submit only one ABIF application in any given funding year.

Eligible expenses

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund focuses on funding capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects. These projects aim to enhance social and economic outcomes by creating businesses, employment, and revenue within Indigenous communities.

Capital costs for starting or expanding Indigenous community-owned businesses.
Construction or improvement of buildings and infrastructure related to business operations.
Purchases of equipment necessary for business development.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available only to Indigenous communities or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta, Canada. Applications from regions outside of Alberta are not considered eligible for the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund.

Indigenous communities within Alberta.
Corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities in Alberta.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The ABIF grants can cover up to 100% of eligible costs for capital projects.
Eligible costs include equipment purchases and the construction or improvement of buildings and infrastructure.
The amount of funding received may depend on the number of applications submitted in a given funding period.
Applicants are advised to request the minimum amount necessary to successfully run the project.
A comprehensive evaluation process includes a cross-ministry panel review and may include an in-depth assessment for top-scoring projects.
Successful applicants must provide audited financial statements and a narrative summary detailing the significance of the project and its outcomes.
The Alberta government may conduct follow-up evaluations of the project's effectiveness.

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?

If your organization is Indigenous community-owned, get a grant between $150,000 and $750,000 to cover the costs of an economic development project that has long-term viability for the community.

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: Eligible applicants are Indigenous communities in Alberta or corporate entities owned by Indigenous communities located in Alberta. Communities must own and control 51% or more of the proposed business or joint venture. Applicants must be in compliance with the terms and conditions of any previous Indigenous Relations funding.

What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Business Investment Fund?

The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF) supports Indigenous community-owned economic development projects that aim to enhance economic and social outcomes. Eligible projects focus on creating business opportunities, employment, and local revenue streams, as well as strengthening community economies. Projects poised to start operations or begin construction within the funding year. Initiatives that increase the number of Indigenous community-owned businesses. Projects that boost employment opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Development of projects that generate or enhance local revenue streams for Indigenous communities. Business opportunities with long-term viability and potential for generating spin-off businesses.