Open
Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) — Access to Capital
Financial support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Last Update: April 10, 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
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
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
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