BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan
Last Update: July 22, 2025
Canada
Loan for Indigenous entrepreneurs
BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $350,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
- Government of Canada
Program status
Open
Overview of the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program
Get access to financing of up to $350,000 and help connecting with experts to grow or scale your business.
Financing terms and conditions
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan by BDC provides a supportive financial framework aimed at facilitating business growth and sustainability for Indigenous entrepreneurs. This loan is structured with several accommodating features to help bolster entrepreneurial ventures.
- Financing of up to $350,000 to help grow or scale the business.
- Flexible repayment terms designed to protect cash flow.
- Preferred interest rates with no processing or annual administration fees.
- A portion of the interest paid on the loan is donated back to a registered charity of the borrower's choice.
Eligible projects & activities
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan is designed to support Indigenous business growth and development in Canada. The loan includes flexible financial solutions tailored to the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs to ensure effective scaling and business expansion.
- Financing to grow or scale a business up to $350,000.
- Part of the interest paid on the loan can be donated to a registered charity of your choice.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 200,000
Investing in technology for a small boutique hotel to enhance guest experience
$ 200,000
Expanding the product line of an Indigenous-owned organic skincare company
$ 150,000
Improving operational efficiency in a NPO-run community kitchen
$ 220,000
Developing a new software platform for small businesses to manage their finances
$ 160,000
Developing a craft brewery's new range of seasonal beers
$ 170,000
Improving operational efficiency in a community-based recycling program
Eligibility criteria of the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program
Eligibility for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan from BDC is primarily focused on helping Indigenous entrepreneurs grow or scale their businesses.
- The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur.
- The business must be looking for financing of up to $350,000 to grow or scale operations.
Who is eligible?
Indigenous entrepreneurs looking to grow or scale their business can apply for the BDC Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan, which offers financing of up to $350,000 with flexible repayment terms, preferred rates, and no processing or annual administration fees. Additionally, part of the interest paid on the loan can be donated to a registered charity of the borrower's choice. Applicants can also connect with partners such as NACCA, CCAB, Pow Wow Pitch, and Futurpreneur for additional support and resources.
Eligible expenses
The BDC grant aims to empower Indigenous entrepreneurs by providing financing, resources, and connections that bolster business growth and success. Eligible activities focus on expanding business operations, enhancing financial management skills, and fostering partnerships for sustainable development.
- Access to flexible loans for business growth and scaling up operations.
- Utilization of financial resources to protect cash flow with preferred rates.
- Engagement with partners such as NACCA for additional advice and financing solutions.
- Membership with CCAB to increase procurement opportunities as a certified diverse supplier.
- Participation in educational and mentoring programs through initiatives like Pow Wow Pitch.
- Enrollment in financial management courses to improve business finance handling.
- Collaboration with Futurpreneur for financing solutions to start a business for young entrepreneurs (aged 18-39).
Eligible geographic areas
This grant does not specify any geographical restrictions within Canada, allowing Indigenous entrepreneurs from various regions to apply. The focus is on supporting Indigenous businesses nationally, aligning with BDC's commitment to Indigenous entrepreneurship across Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan offered by BDC has specific evaluation and selection criteria for applicants:
- Demonstrated Indigenous ancestry or ownership
- Viability and potential for business growth
- Ability to repay the loan
- Impact on community and Indigenous entrepreneurship
How to apply to the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program
1
Determine Eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for the Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan on the BDC website.
- Ensure your business plan aligns with the loan's objectives.
2
Gather Required Documentation
- Collect financial statements, business plans, and any other necessary business documentation.
- Prepare personal identification and proof of Indigenous ancestry if required.
3
Connect with a Local Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI)
- Contact your local AFI for advice and potential assistance with the application process.
- Discuss your business needs and how the loan can support your growth plans.
4
Complete the Application Form
- Visit the BDC website's loan section for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
- Fill out the application form with the necessary business and personal details.
5
Submit the Application
- Submit all documents along with the completed application form as instructed on the BDC website or through a BDC representative.
- Keep a copy of all submitted materials for your records.
6
Await Confirmation
- Wait for a confirmation from BDC that your application has been received and is under review.
- Prepare to respond to any follow-up queries from BDC representatives.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for BDC's Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan:
- A portion of the interest paid on the loan can be directed to a registered charity of your choice, allowing you to support community initiatives.
- BDC has a longstanding partnership with organizations such as NACCA, CCAB, and Futurpreneur to provide comprehensive support beyond financial loans.
- BDC's head office is located on unceded Indigenous lands, underlining their commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous communities.
- The loan includes flexible repayment terms designed specifically to help protect your business's cash flow.
Apply to this program
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