Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program?

To be eligible for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program, you must: • Indigenous businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples • Funding accessed through Indigenous Financial Institutions or Métis Capital Corporations • Eligibility may vary between institutions; consult local IFI or MCC

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital?

You can contact National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA).

Q: Where is the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital available?

The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $250,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Get a non-repayable contribution of up to $99,999 for business planning, acquisitions, expansion, domestic or export marketing, new product or process development, introducing new technologies and more.

Financing terms and conditions

Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs may receive up to $99,999 in funding assistance.
Eligible Indigenous community businesses may receive up to $250,000 in funding assistance.

Activities funded

Launching a new Indigenous-owned business.
Expanding an existing Indigenous-owned business.
Acquiring an established business by Indigenous entrepreneurs or organizations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Expansion of Indigenous-owned eco-tourism business

$ 80,000

Launching a new Indigenous-owned organic farm

$ 60,000

Developing a digital marketing platform to support local Indigenous artisans

$ 60,000

Creating an Indigenous entrepreneurship training program

$ 70,000

Acquiring an Indigenous-owned retail store for community-made crafts

$ 50,000

Starting an Indigenous health food store

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Indigenous individual entrepreneur or a business owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous organizations and associations, except those with charitable or religious purposes, are eligible.
Applications must be made through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) or Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs) across Canada.
Eligibility may vary by IFI or MCC; consultation with the local institution is required.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous-owned businesses
Indigenous community businesses

Who is not eligible

Organizations and associations with charitable or religious purposes.

Eligible expenses

Equity contributions to start, expand, or acquire a business.
Funding to cover costs of borrowing for Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations to support lending activities.
Support for business services related to business development.

Eligible geographic areas

Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses located anywhere in Canada.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:

Demonstrated need and estimated budget of the business proposal
Scope of the business proposal
Eligibility of the applicant as an Indigenous individual or organization

How to apply

Identify Local IFI or MCC

Research and locate your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) or Métis Capital Corporation (MCC).
Consult the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association website to find a comprehensive list of IFIs and MCCs.

Initial Contact

Reach out to the identified local IFI or MCC to express your interest in applying for the grant.
Inquire about specific eligibility criteria and application requirements as they may vary between institutions.

Prepare Application

Gather necessary documentation, which may include business plans, financial statements, and relevant certifications or permits.
Complete any preliminary assessments or worksheets provided by the IFI or MCC.

Submit Application

Submit your completed application and all supporting documents directly to your local IFI or MCC as per their submission guidelines.
Ensure all parts of your application meet the requirements outlined by the institution.

Follow-Up

Maintain communication with the IFI or MCC for any updates or requests for additional information.
Prepare for any interviews or further assessments if required by the institution.

Additional information

The program is administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) through Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations.
Funding amounts may vary based on the project’s scope, demonstrated need, and estimated budget.
The funding stream is available annually and on an ongoing basis, with no set application deadline.
Applicants are encouraged to consult directly with their local IFI or MCC to confirm specific eligibility requirements and availability of funds.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital. 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.