undefined
Aboriginal Business Loans — Youth and Womens Loans - NS - Canada

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

1
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.
2
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.
3
Funding Program Options
Review the available funding options provided by Ulnooweg based on your needs.
4
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.
5
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.

Contact Ulnooweg

1-888-766-2376
Apply to this program

More grants like this

Efficiency Nova Scotia — Fisheries and Aquaculture Energy Efficiency Innovation Fund
Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports energy efficiency and innovation in Nova Scotia fisheries
Nova Scotia Seafood and Agriculture Strategic Investment Fund
Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports transformative, innovative projects in Nova Scotia's seafood and agriculture
Nova Scotia Seafood Innovation and Technology Adoption Program (NS-ITAP)
Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Non-repayable funding for Nova Scotia seafood innovation enhancements
Vessel Loan Program
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Loans for fishing vessels, engines and equipment in Nova Scotia
Atlantic Fisheries Fund — Infrastructure
Grant and FundingClosed
Nova Scotia, Canada
Funding to improve sustainability in Atlantic fisheries
Seafood Accelerator Program – Product Development and Technical Support
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in product development and safety
CBDC Seafood Technology Adoption Program (S-TAP)
Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Enhances seafood operations through technology and process adoption
Seafood Accelerator Program – Quality and Food Safety
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood companies in quality and food safety projects
Local Supplier Food Safety Support Pilot Program
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia producers in achieving food safety standards
Seafood Expansion and Market Access Program (SeaMArk)
Grant and FundingOpen
Nova Scotia, Canada
Supports Nova Scotia seafood businesses in expanding market access