Platform
Consulting
Resources
Pricing
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital - Canada
Open

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital

Financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
  • Open continuously
Location
Canada

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.

/100
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
  • Access new markets
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 250,000 $
Timeline
  • Open continuously

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

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

Eligibility

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.

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.

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.

What is the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital?

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.

How much funding can be received?

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital Funds up to $250,000 of admissible expenses.

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

What expenses are eligible under Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital?

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

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).

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

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

Is the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital is a Grant and Funding

More programs like this