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EDC — Indigenous Business

Export support for Indigenous entrepreneurs

Offered by
Export Development Canada (EDC)
Official source: edc.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 25,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Indigenous-owned and -led companies.
See full eligibility

Overview

EDC supports Indigenous-owned and -led companies in Canada with export-focused financing, insurance, and advisory resources. The page highlights solutions for working capital, credit protection, and international market knowledge to help businesses grow globally.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$25,000,000
Financing goals
  • Develop team skills
  • Access new markets
  • Ensure financial sustainability

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
From $ 500,000 to $ 300,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
Legal structures
For-profit business

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

Latest changes

EDC Indigenous Business Campaign Updated

EDC replaced a general export page with a dedicated Indigenous business campaign featuring new programs, eligibility details, and contact information.

See more

EDC now shows a dedicated Indigenous business campaign instead of a general export information page. The new content highlights credit insurance covering 90% of insured losses, working capital guarantees, matching investment programs, and learning resources for Indigenous entrepreneurs. The page now also shows eligibility and target-scope details that were not previously visible, including a minimum annual revenue of 500,000 CAD for the matching investment program and a note that some firms with revenue approaching 1 million CAD may be eligible for inclusive trade investment support. A new phone number, 1-800-229-0575, and updated resource links and webinars are also visible.

Official source: edc.ca
June 28, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Indigenous-owned and -led companies.
  • Canadian businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Exporting products or services.
  • Entering new international markets.
  • Managing risk related to non-payment, currency transfer, and cash flow.
  • Accessing working capital or equity capital to support global expansion.

How to apply

  • Step 1: Connect with your investor
    • Tell your venture capital or private equity investor(s) that you are interested in the program.
  • Step 2: Investor contacts EDC
    • Your investor connects with EDC to check whether they qualify as a co-investment partner.
    • The investor must meet EDC’s partner requirements and agree to share information.
  • Step 3: Share investment materials
    • The investor sends the term sheet, investment memorandum, and diligence materials to EDC.
  • Step 4: EDC review
    • EDC works with you and your investor(s) to verify due diligence and gather any additional information needed.
  • Step 5: Decision and closing
    • If approved, legal documentation is completed and the transaction closes under market standards.

Documents Needed

  • Term sheet
  • Investment memorandum
  • Due diligence materials

Selection criteria

  • Commercial fit with EDC’s strategy and standards.
  • Due diligence and additional information review.
  • Consideration of ESG factors.

Processing and Agreement

  • MyEDC is a free resource that can help you locate buyers, understand international markets, find service providers, and more.
  • EDC provides tools and resources to help you learn about new markets, access funding to grow, and protect your business.

Additional information

  • MyEDC is a free resource with articles, blogs, guides, and webinars on exporting.
  • EDC offers customer stories and learning resources for Indigenous businesses.

Contacts

1-800-229-0575

Official sources

Indigenous entrepreneurs - EDC
Add helloDarwin as a preferred source on Google

Frequently Asked Questions about the EDC — Indigenous Business Program

What is the EDC — Indigenous Business?

EDC supports Indigenous-owned and -led companies in Canada with export-focused financing, insurance, and advisory resources. The page highlights solutions for working capital, credit protection, and international market knowledge to help businesses grow globally.

How much funding can be received?

EDC — Indigenous Business Funds up to $25,000,000 of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who is eligible for the EDC — Indigenous Business program?

To be eligible for the EDC — Indigenous Business program, you must: Indigenous-owned and -led company Direct, indirect, or future direct exporter

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

You can contact Export Development Canada (EDC) or by phone at 1-800-229-0575.

Where is the EDC — Indigenous Business available?

The EDC — Indigenous Business program is available across Canada.

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

EDC — Indigenous Business is a Loans and Capital investments