
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program — Access to Capital
Canada
Financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
grant_single|update January 24, 2025
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant program provides financial support through direct funding avenues designed to enhance entrepreneurial ventures for Indigenous communities in Canada. The financing modalities aim to accommodate various business needs and support efficient capital utilization.
- Non-repayable equity contributions for businesses to start, expand, or acquire a venture.
- Funding available up to $99,999 for individual Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Funding up to $250,000 for eligible Indigenous community businesses.
- Support covering costs related to borrowing and operational expenses for lenders.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program provides funding to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses in starting, expanding, or acquiring a business. It aims to enhance access to capital through various financial institutions across Canada.
- Providing financial assistance for starting a new Indigenous-owned business.
- Expanding existing Indigenous businesses by improving operations or increasing capacity.
- Acquiring businesses to transition them into Indigenous ownership.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program: Access to Capital is available to certain Indigenous individuals and organizations. Here are the criteria:
- Indigenous individuals, including businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples, are eligible to apply.
- Indigenous organizations and associations, except those with charitable or religious purposes, can also apply.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible recipients include Indigenous individuals, including businesses owned and controlled by Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous organizations and associations (except those with charitable or religious purposes). Funding can be accessed through Indigenous Financial Institutions and Métis Capital Corporations across Canada. Eligibility varies between IFIs and MCCs. Consult with your local IFI or MCCs to see if you are eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Some types of companies that are not eligible for this grant include:
- Indigenous organizations and associations with charitable or religious purposes
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program's Access to Capital stream supports Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing financial backing and business services. Eligible projects include starting a new business, expanding existing operations, or acquiring businesses by Indigenous owners.
- Start a new business venture by Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Expand current Indigenous-owned business operations.
- Acquire a business by an Indigenous owner.
grant_single_labels|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
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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) across Canada through a network of Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) and Métis Capital Corporations (MCCs).
- Funding available under the program includes both a non-repayable equity contribution and support for lending costs to enhance access to capital.
- Individual Indigenous entrepreneurs can receive up to $99,999, while community businesses can receive up to $250,000 in funding assistance.
- The amount of funding approval is dependent on the scope, demonstrated need, and estimated budget of the proposal.
- The program extends to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses across Canada, enhancing their access to capital.
Apply to this program
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