Open
Community Opportunity Readiness Program
Supports First Nations and Inuit economic development
Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 3,000,000
- Deadline
- Open continuously
- Location
- Canada
- Who can apply
- First Nation and Inuit communities and their governments, including tribal councils
- See full eligibility
Overview
Community Opportunity Readiness is a program for First Nations and Inuit communities, supporting economic development through the Lands and Economic Development Service Program. It funds initiatives such as economic opportunities, business planning, equity gap financing, and community economic infrastructure development.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $3,000,000
- Increase social or community impact
- Improve governance or administrative structure
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
- Renovate or expand facilities
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Canada
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- All groups
- Legal structures
- Non-profit
Non-profit candidates
- Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants, Fee-for-service model, Mixed revenue (<50% earned), Mixed revenue (50%+ earned)
- Scope
- Local
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 and Inuit communities and their governments, including tribal councils
- Organizations and associations controlled by First Nation and Inuit communities
- Non-Indigenous organizations and associations providing economic development services for First Nation and Inuit communities
- The Province of Ontario, in relation to the Canada-Ontario Resource Development Agreement
Who is not eligible
- Organizations or associations with charitable purposes
- Organizations or associations with religious purposes
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario, for projects related to the Canada-Ontario Resource Development Agreement
Activities funded
- Economic opportunities
- Business planning, advisory services and training, commercial development, and market development for a single community-owned business
- Equity gap financing for creating, acquiring, or expanding a community-owned business
- Community economic infrastructure development not related to a specific eligible business
Documents Needed
- Applicant information and contact details
- Project description and planned activities
- Cost forecast and financing sources
- Supporting documents such as a feasibility study or business plan
- Proof of community support, such as a BCR or letter of support
Selection criteria
- Proposals for the Partnerships and Structural Readiness components are now open or closed depending on the call listed.
Processing and Agreement
- The program may accept proposals through open calls with specific deadlines.
- Closed calls are listed for 2 years after their deadline.
Additional information
- Closed calls are listed for 2 years after their deadline.
- Some funding programs accept proposals through open calls with specific deadlines.
- Contact your local Regional office to learn more about the dates and process for your region in some programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Opportunity Readiness Program Program
What is the Community Opportunity Readiness Program?
Community Opportunity Readiness is a program for First Nations and Inuit communities, supporting economic development through the Lands and Economic Development Service Program. It funds initiatives such as economic opportunities, business planning, equity gap financing, and community economic infrastructure development.
How much funding can be received?
Community Opportunity Readiness Program Funds up to $3,000,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Community Opportunity Readiness Program program?
To be eligible for the Community Opportunity Readiness Program program, you must:
Eligible recipient
Project meets at least one CORP objective
Project is eligible under the program
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Opportunity Readiness Program?
You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).
Where is the Community Opportunity Readiness Program available?
The Community Opportunity Readiness Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Community Opportunity Readiness Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Opportunity Readiness Program is a Grant and Funding