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Aboriginal Business Loans — General
Non-repayable business support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Aboriginal Business Financing Program offers non-repayable business contributions for Indigenous entrepreneurs and community-owned businesses. It supports business planning, establishment, expansion, marketing, product development, technology upgrades, and related business support services.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Other services (except public administration)
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business planning and feasibility work.
- Business establishment, expansion, or acquisition.
- Marketing initiatives for local, domestic, or export markets.
- New product or process development.
- Technology improvements and business support services.
Documents Needed
- Completed client inquiry form.
- Business information and description.
- Project cost details.
- Business registration and structure details.
- Information on Indigenous ancestry or status.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous entrepreneurs with Canadian Indigenous status or non-status.
- Applicants with Métis or Inuit heritage.
- Indigenous business and financial organizations.
- Development corporations.
Who is not eligible
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the grant. Indigenous businesses and financial organizations, as well as development corporations, are eligible for contributions.
- Non-Indigenous businesses
- Businesses operating outside the Atlantic provinces
Eligible expenses
- Business planning and feasibility studies.
- Establishment, operating costs, expansion, or acquisition.
- Marketing initiatives.
- New product or process development.
- Technology upgrades, business support, training, and mentoring services.
Eligible geographic areas
- Atlantic provinces of Canada.
Processing and Agreement
- The client inquiry form is reviewed before funding options are discussed.
- The Client Services Officer sends the application for assessment.
- The Business Development Team continues to support applicants after the assessment.
Additional information
Additional relevant details for Ulnooweg's Aboriginal Business Financing Program and other funding programs include:
- Ulnooweg focuses specifically on supporting Atlantic Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- The financing programs are designed to not negatively impact other local businesses and to complement other support services.
- Programs are tailored with sensitivity to the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs, including women and youth.
- Offerings are adaptable to meet diverse needs, providing flexibility in financing options.
- Continued support is provided regardless of application outcomes, ensuring ongoing business development.
- Loan programs focus on establishing a credit rating for applicants, aiding long-term financial viability.
- Micro Lending and Women & Youth Lending programs have minimal security requirements, allowing easier access to financial support.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Business Loans — General Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aboriginal Business Loans — General. 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 Loans — General?
Aboriginal Business Financing Program offers non-repayable business contributions for Indigenous entrepreneurs and community-owned businesses. It supports business planning, establishment, expansion, marketing, product development, technology upgrades, and related business support services.
How much funding can be received?
Aboriginal Business Loans — General Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Business Loans — General program?
To be eligible for the Aboriginal Business Loans — General program, you must:
Eligible applicants are individuals of Canadian Indigenous status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage (on or off reserve), living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces.
Indigenous business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations, are also eligible for contributions.
What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Business Loans — General?
Business planning and feasibility work.
Business establishment, expansion, or acquisition.
Marketing initiatives for local, domestic, or export markets.
New product or process development.
Technology improvements and business support services.
Where is the Aboriginal Business Loans — General available?
The Aboriginal Business Loans — General program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Aboriginal Business Loans — General a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Aboriginal Business Loans — General is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Business Loans — General?
Aboriginal Business Loans — General is funded by Ulnooweg