Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $250,000
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program
- 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.
Eligibility criteria of the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program
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 to the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital program
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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
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