BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan

Q: How much funding can be received?

BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan Funds up to 350000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan a grant, loan, or tax credit?

BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan?

BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan is funded by Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Government of Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program?

To be eligible for the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program, you must: • The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur or business in Canada.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan?

You can contact Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

Q: Where is the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan available?

The BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program is available across Canada.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Loan for Indigenous entrepreneurs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $350,000

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Business Development Bank of Canada

Government of Canada

Program status

Open

Overview

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.

Activities funded

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

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.

Selection criteria

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

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.

Gather Required Documentation

Collect financial statements, business plans, and any other necessary business documentation.
Prepare personal identification and proof of Indigenous ancestry if required.

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.

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.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan. 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 BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under BDC Financing — Indigenous Entrepreneur Loan?

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.