How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $1500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans?

Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans is funded by Ulnooweg

What are Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be Indigenous entrepreneurs, specifically Indigenous women or youth. The business must be operating within the Atlantic provinces. Minimal security requirements as loans are not based on collateral.

Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NS, Canada

Loans for Indigenous youth and women entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada

Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,500,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Ulnooweg

Status

Open

Overview of the Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans program

Get a loan of up to $25,000 for any business need you have, at a fixed interest rate of 8% and a 5-year repayment term.

Financing terms and conditions

Aboriginal Business Loans for Youth and Women provide accessible financing options specifically designed to empower Indigenous women and young entrepreneurs. These modalities are designed to enhance business growth without heavy dependency on collateral.

Loan amounts available up to $25,000.
Interest rate set at 9.25% over a maximum term of 5 years.
Minimal security requirements are needed as loans are not based on collateral.
A recommended cash equity contribution of 5%.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant aims to support business development activities for Indigenous Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada. The eligible projects focus on establishing, expanding, and enhancing entrepreneurial ventures through financial assistance and strategic business planning.

Development of business plans and marketing plans.
Feasibility studies for new business initiatives.
Business establishments and expansions.
Marketing initiatives, both domestic and export-oriented.
Support for new product or process development.
Adding technology to improve business operations and competitiveness.
Business acquisitions.
Financial services and business support activities.
Business-related training and mentoring services.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Upgrade manufacturing equipment to improve productivity

$ 25,000

Launch a new eco-friendly product line

$ 25,000

Establish a community training center

$ 20,000

Develop a digital marketing campaign to increase local brand awareness

$ 25,000

Acquire a local bakery business

$ 25,000

Expand a local organic grocery store

Eligibility criteria of the Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans program

Eligibility for the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP) is based on specific criteria related to the applicant's heritage, location, and business operations.

The applicant must be an individual of Canadian Indigenous status or non-status, Metis, or Inuit heritage.
The applicant must reside and operate their business within the Atlantic provinces of Canada.
Indigenous business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations, are eligible for contributions.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants are individuals of Canadian Indigenous status or non-status, Metis or Inuit Heritage, living and operating their businesses within the Atlantic provinces. Indigenous business and financial organizations, as well as development corporations, are also eligible for contributions.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports the growth and development of Indigenous businesses in Canada by providing financial contributions towards various business-related activities. The eligible projects emphasize business planning, expansion, marketing, and technological advancements.

Development of business plans, marketing plans, and feasibility studies.
Expenses related to business establishment, expansion, or acquisition.
Local, domestic, or export-oriented marketing initiatives.
New product or process development to enhance business operations.
Adding technology to improve business competitiveness.
Providing business support, management training, and mentoring services.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is designed for businesses operated by Indigenous individuals located in specific regions within Canada. Eligible companies must be situated within the Atlantic provinces.

Newfoundland and Labrador
Prince Edward Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick

Eligibility criteria of the Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The Aboriginal Business Financing Program administered by Ulnooweg considers factors such as the project's eligibility, potential impact, and alignment with funding priorities.

Project's eligibility
Potential impact
Alignment with funding priorities

How to apply to the Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans program

Client Inquiry Form

Use the assessment tool provided to evaluate your business strengths and areas for improvement.
Fill out the Client Inquiry Form to initiate the process.

Recommended Tools

Receive recommended tools from Ulnooweg to assist with loan calculations and establishing an online presence.
Utilize these tools as your application is processed.

Funding Program Options

Review the available funding options provided by Ulnooweg based on your needs.

Personal Connection

Submit your completed application package with the help of the Client Services Officer.
The officer will assist in navigating the application process and submit your application for assessment.

Continued Support

Receive ongoing support from the Business Development Team regardless of the application outcome.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for the grant programs offered by Ulnooweg:

Flexible lending programs include measures to establish a credit rating for applicants, aiding them in future financial endeavors.
The business financing support includes gender-specific training and mentoring, catering to diverse needs.
The Micro Lending Program specifically supports micro-enterprises with a simplified and less stringent loan approval process.
The Women & Youth Lending program is tailored to address the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous women and youth in entrepreneurship, offering easy access with minimal security requirements.
Continued support from the Business Development Team is available, regardless of the outcome of the application assessment.
Loans for various programs may vary in security requirements, ensuring accessibility for different business sizes and needs.