Open
Community Opportunity Readiness
Supports First Nation and Inuit economic development
Record updated
- Funding available
- Varies by project
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Canada
Overview
The program supports First Nation and Inuit communities with partial funding to pursue economic opportunities and develop community-owned businesses. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, business planning, advisory services, market development, and community economic infrastructure.
At a glance
Funding available
Varies by project
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
- Access new markets
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Legal structures
- Non-profit, Public or Parapublic institution
Non-profit candidates
- Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development, Employment and Training
- Target groups
- Indigenous peoples, Rural / Remote communities, Business owners / entrepreneurs, Community leaders
- Scope
- Local, Regional, Provincial, National
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- First Nation communities
- Inuit communities
- First Nation and Inuit governments
- Tribal councils
Eligible expenses
- Project-specific salaries, wages, and benefits
- Overhead costs such as rent, utilities, supplies, repairs, accounting, audit services, and insurance
- Communications, advertising, signage, and translation
- Professional, consulting, advisory, and reporting services
- Land surveys, appraisals, feasibility studies, marketing, and promotion
- Economic infrastructure planning and design
- Capital costs to establish, acquire, expand, or modernize a First Nation or Inuit business
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Services normally provided free of charge
- Operation, repair, or maintenance of economic or municipal infrastructure
- Commercial-style economic infrastructure with costs recovered through user fees
- Services provided by federal or provincial governments
- Community infrastructure unrelated to business development
- Replacement of assets
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Passive real estate investments
Eligible geographic areas
- Provinces in Canada
Activities funded
- Pursuing economic opportunities and attracting private sector funding
- Supporting community-owned businesses with business planning, advisory services, training, commercial development, and market development
- Creating, acquiring, or expanding community-owned businesses through equity gap financing
- Developing community economic infrastructure that can support multiple businesses
How to apply
- Step 1: Prepare a Statement of Intent, if desired
- Submit a brief Statement of Intent before a full application.
- Step 2: Prepare the full application
- Include applicant information, project description, cost forecast, funding sources, and expected economic benefits.
- Step 3: Submit the proposal
- Send the completed application to the appropriate ISC regional office.
- Step 4: Await review
- ISC reviews the proposal and may advise on next steps for a full application.
Documents Needed
- Applicant information
- Project description and planned activities
- Project cost forecast and funding sources
- Expected economic benefits and performance measures
Selection criteria
- Potential to generate net economic benefits for First Nation and Inuit communities
- Ability to leverage private sector funding
- Demonstrated management capacity and business expertise
- Long-term viability of the business opportunity
- Alignment with federal and regional economic strategies and priorities
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are assessed competitively and funding is not guaranteed.
- ISC reviews proposals for their ability to leverage other funding and generate community benefits.
- A Statement of Intent may be reviewed before a full application is submitted.
- Approved projects must follow reporting and monitoring requirements during and after completion.
Additional information
- The program consolidates several former funding programs, streamlining support for community economic development.
- Funding is proposal-based and subject to a competitive selection process, with no guarantee of approval for every applicant.
- ISC emphasizes the importance of leveraging other funding sources in addition to program support.
- Environmental impact is considered in the assessment of all proposals.
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Opportunity Readiness Program
What is the Community Opportunity Readiness?
The program supports First Nation and Inuit communities with partial funding to pursue economic opportunities and develop community-owned businesses. Eligible activities include feasibility studies, business planning, advisory services, market development, and community economic infrastructure.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Community Opportunity Readiness program?
To be eligible for the Community Opportunity Readiness program, you must:
First Nation or Inuit communities and governments
Located in the provinces
Additional funding required
What expenses are eligible under Community Opportunity Readiness?
Project-specific salaries, wages, and benefits
Overhead costs such as rent, utilities, supplies, repairs, accounting, audit services, and insurance
Communications, advertising, signage, and translation
Professional, consulting, advisory, and reporting services
Land surveys, appraisals, feasibility studies, marketing, and promotion
Economic infrastructure planning and design
Capital costs to establish, acquire, expand, or modernize a First Nation or Inuit business
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Opportunity Readiness?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Community Opportunity Readiness available?
The Community Opportunity Readiness program is available across Canada.
Is the Community Opportunity Readiness a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Opportunity Readiness is a Grant and Funding