Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program?

To be eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program, you must: • Must be a First Nations for-profit corporation, partnership, association, co-operative, or institution majority owned and controlled by Indigenous people • Projects must result in economic benefits to Indigenous people

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada.

Q: Are women eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development program.

Last Update: August 1, 2025

Canada

Supports Indigenous economic development through coordinated federal funding partnerships

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $10,000,000
Up to 100% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Partnering and Collaboration

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Construction
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development provide up to $10 million per project to support economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities through partnerships, infrastructure, skills development, and business expansion initiatives. The program aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian economy by funding projects such as feasibility studies, capacity building, and business modernization.

Financing terms and conditions

Maximum federal government assistance is 100% of eligible project costs.
The maximum contribution for a project is $10 million.
Total government assistance from all sources cannot exceed eligible project costs.
Recipients must disclose all other government funding received or requested.
Contribution agreements may require repayment for commercial recipients, depending on project outcomes.

Activities funded

Conducting market, feasibility, pre-feasibility, and diagnostic studies to explore economic opportunities.
Developing and implementing business, strategic, or financial plans for new or expanding Indigenous businesses or joint ventures.
Strengthening organizational capacity to lead or support economic development projects.
Supporting the construction, design, or development of economic infrastructure related to prioritized opportunities.
Undertaking skills development and management or technical training tailored to economic initiatives.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 23,000

Adopting automated inventory systems at a non-profit used book store

$ 63,000

Piloting a mobile dental clinic for underserved rural communities

$ 87,000

Establishing a food waste recycling program in local supermarkets

$ 62,900

Installing a rooftop solar array for small theater’s energy efficiency

$ 67,000

Launching a bilingual job training platform for youth in technology

$ 67,000

Upgrading artisan cheese production to enhance food safety standards

Eligibility

The applicant must be a First Nations community, tribal council, self-governing First Nations government, local government of an Inuit community, First Nations for-profit or not-for-profit corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, or institution majority owned and controlled by Indigenous people, First Nations business, partnership or joint venture, provincial or territorial government, or an academic institution.
The project must focus on economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities or businesses.
The applicant must demonstrate management and organizational capacity to carry out the proposed project.
The project must offer potential economic benefits to Indigenous people in Canada.

Who is eligible?

First Nations communities
Tribal councils
Governments of self-governing First Nations
Local governments of Inuit communities
First Nations-controlled for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives, and institutions
First Nations businesses, partnerships, and joint ventures
Provincial and territorial governments
Academic institutions

Who is not eligible

Projects involving community infrastructure that is not related to economic development, such as public office buildings, recreation and friendship centres, gaming houses, and public halls.
Initiatives that do not result in an economic benefit to Indigenous people.
Ongoing operating costs of First Nations organizations or other entities.

Eligible expenses

Fees for consultants and qualified professionals.
Technical services required for the project.
Training and skills development for staff.
Costs related to infrastructure development, including planning, design, construction, or repair.
Capital expenditures.
Purchase of machinery and equipment.
Operating costs directly supporting project activities.
Salaries, wages, and associated benefits for project personnel.
Travel expenses, including accommodation, meals, and allowances linked to project delivery.
Expenses for conferences, workshops, and meetings relevant to project objectives.
Other reasonable costs necessary for project completion as agreed by program partners.

Eligible geographic areas

No specific geographical restrictions are mentioned; eligible recipients include First Nations communities, Inuit communities, and related entities across Canada.

Selection criteria

Potential of the project or activity to generate net economic benefit to Indigenous people in Canada.
Demonstrated management capacity and business expertise of the applicant in relation to the proposed project.
Applicant’s ability to secure project financing from various sources.
Necessity of government assistance for the project to proceed with the proposed scope, timing, and location.
Alignment of the project with federal economic strategies and priorities.

How to apply

Identify and assess opportunity

Identify economic development opportunity aligned with Indigenous community or organization priorities
Engage with potential federal and non-federal partners to assess fit with the Strategic Partnerships Initiative (SPI)
Review eligibility criteria for recipients and initiatives

Collect application information

Gather detailed information on the organization, financial situation, management capacity, and project description
Prepare supporting documents such as partnership commitments, project timelines, cost forecasts, and financing details
Compile anticipated economic benefits and performance indicators

Complete and prepare application

Complete the application form, ensuring all required information and documents are included
Include project plans, business strategies, compliance assurances, environmental and land tenure documentation if requested
Verify that only one submission is needed for all relevant federal partners involved

Application review and validation

Federal lead department reviews and validates the application against assessment criteria
Evaluate eligibility, project benefits, recipient capacity, and alignment with SPI objectives
May request additional documentation or clarifications as needed

Submit application

Submit the finalized application to the lead department, which distributes it to partnering departments as needed
Monitor for acknowledgements or requests for further information or clarification

Await funding decision

Wait for funding decision from the federal partners
Provide any additional information requested during the verification process
Maintain communication for updates on the status of the application

Additional information

Preference will be given to projects where at least one third of funding is sourced from non-federal project participants, including financial or in-kind contributions.
Recipients must submit a final report at project completion, in addition to annual progress and financial reports.
Contributions to commercial entities may be repayable, depending on the project’s profitability.
Projects may require periodic monitoring plans tailored to project risk.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development. 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.