Open
Community Opportunity Readiness
Supports First Nation and Inuit economic development
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- 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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- 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
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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
Documents Needed
- Applicant information
- Project description and planned activities
- Project cost forecast and funding sources
- Expected economic benefits and performance measures
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
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Opportunity Readiness Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Community Opportunity Readiness. 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 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.
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?
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
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
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Opportunity Readiness?
Community Opportunity Readiness is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)