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EDC — Indigenous Business

Q: Who is eligible for the EDC — Indigenous Business program?

To be eligible for the EDC — Indigenous Business program, you must: Indigenous-owned and -led for-profit company Based in Canada Engaged in or planning to engage in exporting activities

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the EDC — Indigenous Business?

You can contact Export Development Canada (EDC).

Q: Where is the EDC — Indigenous Business available?

The EDC — Indigenous Business program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the EDC — Indigenous Business a grant, loan, or tax credit?

EDC — Indigenous Business is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the EDC — Indigenous Business?

EDC — Indigenous Business is funded by Export Development Canada (EDC), Government of Canada

Last Update: March 3, 2026

Canada

Export help for Indigenous businesses

Expert Advice

Export Development Canada

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Selling in a new market

Marketing a product

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 15, 2021

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

For-profit business

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples

Overview

Get support for your Indigenous business as you pursue economic self-reliance and growth through exporting. Get access to more capital, help ensure you get paid by your customers, and boost your export know-how.

Activities funded

Expanding Indigenous-owned businesses into international markets through exporting products or services.
Accessing and growing working capital to support export activities.
Developing export-related knowledge and skills for international business.
Securing partnerships and investment to increase export potential.
Building and promoting an Indigenous global brand identity.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 70,000

Launching a Traditional Beadwork Export Venture

$ 160,000

Marketing Indigenous Architectural Services Internationally

$ 95,000

Indigenous Fashion Label Expanding to Global Market

$ 130,000

International Export of Indigenous Health Supplements

$ 100,000

Exporting Indigenous Organic Skincare Products

$ 80,000

Expanding Indigenous Art Exports to International Markets

Eligibility

The business must be Indigenous-owned and/or Indigenous-led.
The business must be pursuing or planning to pursue exports of products or services to international markets.
The applicant should be seeking support for business growth, such as working capital, investment matching, or insurance related to exporting activities.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-led companies in Canada

Eligible expenses

Coverage for insured losses due to customer non-payment under credit insurance.
Working capital financing for business growth (via repayment guarantees to financial institutions).
Equity capital investment support for business expansion into global markets (for companies nearing $500,000 in revenue).
Capital increases through investment matching with venture capital or private equity partners, aligned with commercial terms.

Eligible geographic areas

Companies located in Canada.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

Business viability and sustainability
Export potential and market readiness
Positive impact on Indigenous community
Financial need and capability

How to apply

Determine if your business qualifies as an Indigenous-owned or -led company.

Review the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the grant.

Gather all necessary documentation and information needed for the application.

Fill out the application form accurately and completely.

Submit the application within the specified deadline.

Additional information

EDC offers free online resources, including articles, blogs, guides, and on-demand webinars to help businesses understand international markets and export readiness.
MyEDC account provides access to over 200 resources to support decision-making in global markets.
Participating businesses can connect with a network of global partners, trade advisors, and other Indigenous organizations.
Success stories and case studies are available to illustrate the experiences of other Indigenous businesses that have expanded internationally.

Documents and links

EDC — Indigenous Business

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the EDC — Indigenous Business Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the EDC — Indigenous Business. 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.