How much funding can be received?

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.

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This grant program is applicable across regions where Indigenous businesses have a significant presence, which comprises a wide array of locations throughout Canada. It focuses on fostering economic growth for Indigenous entrepreneurs within the borders of Canada.

Canada

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$80,000

Expanding Indigenous Art Exports to International Markets

$70,000

Launching a Traditional Beadwork Export Venture

$130,000

International Export of Indigenous Health Supplements

$100,000

Exporting Indigenous Organic Skincare Products

$160,000

Marketing Indigenous Architectural Services Internationally

$95,000

Indigenous Fashion Label Expanding to Global Market

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for the EDC programs designed to support Indigenous businesses is determined by specific criteria for participation and financial support.

The applicant must be an Indigenous-owned and -led company.
The business should have a focus on exporting products or services to international markets.
Companies with commercial revenue growth accelerating towards $500,000 and significant export growth potential can be considered for additional funding programs.

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Indigenous-owned and -led companies that are seeking to expand their reach to global markets are eligible to apply for support from EDC's programs. These companies should be focused on exporting products or services internationally and may benefit from financial solutions such as credit insurance and working capital guarantees, as well as educational resources like the EDC-FITTskills Lite Learning Series. Furthermore, companies with a commercial revenue growth trajectory approaching $500,000 and significant export growth potential can be considered for EDC's Inclusive Trade Investment Program. Fast, reliable capital is also available through the Investment Matching Program, which requires a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue and collaboration with venture capital or private equity investors.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Export Development Canada (EDC) provides support to Indigenous businesses looking to expand internationally and manage risks associated with exporting. The eligible activities center on developing global business skills, accessing export markets, and securing necessary capital for growth.

Training and knowledge development through the EDC-FITTskills Lite Learning Series.
Financial capital access via the EDC Export Guarantee Program.
Risk management through EDC Credit Insurance.
Investment in growth through the EDC Investment Matching Program.
Equity capital for expansion under the EDC Inclusive Trade Investment Program.
Participation in trade missions to enhance market access.
Developing partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses for mutual benefits.

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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

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Determine if your business qualifies as an Indigenous-owned or -led company.
Step 2: Review the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for the grant.
Step 3: Gather all necessary documentation and information needed for the application.
Step 4: Fill out the application form accurately and completely.
Step 5: Submit the application within the specified deadline.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

EDC provides credit insurance covering 90% of insured losses in the event of customer non-payment.
The EDC Export Guarantee Program offers guarantees to financial institutions to facilitate easier access to working capital for Indigenous businesses.
EDC-FITTskills Lite Learning Series offers modules on various aspects of global trade to enhance export know-how.
EDC supports investment matching with venture capital or private equity investors to increase capital under commercial terms.
MyEDC is a free resource providing access to buyers, market insights, and more, specifically for improving export strategies.
The Inclusive Trade Investment Program offers equity capital to address underfunding for Indigenous and diverse exporters.
EDC provides resources like articles, webinars, and guides to support international market decision-making through the MyEDC account.
Potential exporters can benefit from participating in trade missions to expedite market entry and gain additional support.

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EDC — Indigenous Business

Apply to this program

Empowering Indigenous Businesses to Export Globally

Export Development Canada (EDC) offers a comprehensive support program aimed at helping Indigenous businesses strengthen their economic self-reliance through global market expansion. This initiative is dedicated to fostering Indigenous entrepreneurship and overcoming barriers to international trade by providing financial and educational resources to Indigenous-owned or led companies.

Detailed Overview of EDC Support Program for Indigenous Exporters

The Export Development Canada (EDC) Support Program is an initiative focused on enabling Indigenous businesses to thrive in global markets. With over 50,000 Indigenous-owned companies contributing nearly $48.9 billion to the Canadian economy, the program acknowledges the vital role these businesses play and seeks to enhance their contributions by removing obstacles to international trade. Indigenous businesses are afforded numerous resources under this program, starting from working capital guarantees to demystifying international commerce strategies through educational modules.

At the core of EDC's initiative is the recognition of the historical and cultural significance of Indigenous trade. By supporting Indigenous-owned and -led companies in their pursuit of economic growth, EDC is committing to modernize trade relationships in a manner that honors traditional trade practices and aligns with the principles of reconciliation. EDC’s approach has been crafted considering the unique barriers faced by Indigenous businesses, aiming to make global trade more accessible and sustainable.

EDC offers several pivotal services to support Indigenous businesses, including Credit Insurance that covers 90% of insured losses in cases of customer non-payment, and Working Capital Guarantees that assist businesses in securing loans by providing repayment guarantees to financial institutions. Such measures ensure that Indigenous businesses can navigate the financial risks associated with exporting confidently.

Beyond financial solutions, EDC equips Indigenous exporters with valuable knowledge resources. Through initiatives like the MyEDC platform and the FITTskills Lite Learning Series, Indigenous entrepreneurs can enhance their familiarity with international markets. These resources provide critical insights into managing risks such as foreign exchange fluctuations, non-payment, and cash flow issues—knowledge that is imperative for successful international operations.

The Inclusive Trade Investment Program further enhances financial avenues for Indigenous businesses by addressing underfunding issues. This program provides equity capital to businesses that are accelerating towards substantial revenue growth and have significant export prospects. By working directly with venture capital or private equity investors, the program secures reliable capital infusion under commercial terms, thereby incentivizing expansion into global markets.

Additionally, EDC extends avenues for building strategic relationships through networks of global partners and industry advisors, fostering collaborations that can lead to enhanced market presence and new business opportunities. This network is invaluable not only for accessing market insights but also for learning from other Indigenous businesses that have successfully penetrated international markets.

With its holistic approach encompassing financial assistance, risk management tools, strategic partnerships, and educational resources, the EDC Support Program is a cornerstone of economic empowerment for Indigenous businesses. It not only aids these businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade but also champions their role in sustaining economic growth within Indigenous communities. By facilitating Indigenous business participation in global commerce, EDC helps build a resilient bond between tradition and progress, demonstrating a commitment to fostering an inclusive trade environment in Canada.