Open
Commercial/Agriculture Loans
Development loans for First Nation businesses in Saskatchewan
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Saskatchewan, Canada
Overview
Development loans are available for First Nation-owned businesses and agricultural operations in Saskatchewan. Funding supports startups, acquisitions, expansions, capital purchases, and operating needs.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Start a business
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Saskatchewan
Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
- For-profit business
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
- Starting a new business.
- Acquiring an existing business.
- Expanding a current business.
- Developing or maintaining an agricultural operation.
Documents Needed
- Commercial Loan Application or Agricultural Loan Application
- Business plan with financial projections
- Resume
- Two pieces of government-issued identification
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation entrepreneurs
- First Nation-owned businesses
- Agricultural operations
Who is not eligible
- Businesses without at least 51% First Nation ownership.
- Businesses not operating primarily in Saskatchewan.
Eligible expenses
- Business asset purchases
- Working capital and short-term operating needs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Applications with false or incomplete information.
- Use of loan proceeds for purposes other than those stated in the application.
Eligible geographic areas
- Saskatchewan
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The eligibility criteria include: being a First Nation-owned business with at least 51% ownership, operating in or majority of work done in Saskatchewan, and the applicant must be a First Nations resident of Saskatchewan over 18 years old.
- Business must be First Nation-owned with at least 51% ownership
- Business must operate in Saskatchewan or perform the majority of work in Saskatchewan
- Applicant must be a First Nations resident of Saskatchewan, over 18 years old
- Applicant must be starting a new business, acquiring an existing business, or expanding a current business
- Applicant must have a business plan with financial projections for a minimum of three years
- Applicant must complete a commercial or agricultural loan application
- Applicant must have adequate collateral for a fully secured loan
- Applicant must have cash equity to use towards the business as full financing is not provided
How to apply
1
Contact SIEF
- Reach out to SIEF via phone, email, or in-person visit to discuss your loan needs.
- Schedule a consultation with a Commercial Account Officer or Agriculture Account Officer to understand available financial solutions and ensure eligibility criteria are met.
2
Prepare Business Plan
- Develop a comprehensive business plan that includes detailed financial projections for a minimum of three years.
- Utilize business advisory services offered by SIEF’s Business Development Officers if needed.
3
Complete Loan Application
- Fill out the appropriate Commercial Loan Application or Agricultural Loan Application available through SIEF.
- Ensure all sections are completed accurately and all required fields are filled.
4
Gather Required Documents
- Compile necessary documents such as proof of First Nation ownership and business residency in Saskatchewan.
- Include evidence of adequate collateral and cash equity for the business venture.
5
Submit Application
- Sign the completed loan application form.
- Send the application along with all supporting documents to the relevant SIEF Account Officer.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission to SIEF.
- Applicants must consent to a creditworthiness review.
- Approval requires the applicant to use funds only for the stated purpose.
- Equipment bought with loan proceeds cannot be sold or encumbered without written consent.
Additional information
- Commercial Account Officers and Agriculture Account Officers can explain loan options and eligibility.
- Business advisory services are available through SIEF’s Business Development Officers.
- Business consulting services are also available to First Nation individuals, communities, Tribal Councils, and other First Nations organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Commercial/Agriculture Loans Program
What is the Commercial/Agriculture Loans?
Development loans are available for First Nation-owned businesses and agricultural operations in Saskatchewan. Funding supports startups, acquisitions, expansions, capital purchases, and operating needs.
Who is eligible for the Commercial/Agriculture Loans program?
To be eligible for the Commercial/Agriculture Loans program, you must:
First Nation-owned business
Operates in Saskatchewan
Business plan and collateral required
What expenses are eligible under Commercial/Agriculture Loans?
Starting a new business.
Acquiring an existing business.
Expanding a current business.
Developing or maintaining an agricultural operation.
Who can I contact for more information about the Commercial/Agriculture Loans?
You can contact Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. (SIEF).
Where is the Commercial/Agriculture Loans available?
The Commercial/Agriculture Loans program is available the province of Saskatchewan.
Is the Commercial/Agriculture Loans a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Commercial/Agriculture Loans is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Commercial/Agriculture Loans?
Commercial/Agriculture Loans is funded by Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation Inc. (SIEF)