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Source verified April 9, 2026
EDC — Indigenous Business
Export support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Latest source updateLast Update: April 19, 2026Latest change: The page shifted from a short exporter explainer to a broader Indigenous entrepreneurs hub with more support options and resource sections.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 19, 2026
Latest change: The page shifted from a short exporter explainer to a broader Indigenous entrepreneurs hub with more support options and resource sections.
Indigenous Business page expanded
The Indigenous Business page now presents a broader Indigenous entrepreneurs hub instead of mainly explaining exporting, with expanded sections on support, risk management, resources, stories, and webinars. The content also adds or emphasizes several program options, including working capital, credit insurance, investment matching, and inclusive trade investment, which changes the page’s scope and funding-related guidance more than its core timeline or application flow.
Funding available
$ 25,000,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened July 15, 2021
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop team skills
- Access new markets
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- From $ 500,000 to $ 300,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
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.
Documents Needed
- Term sheet
- Investment memorandum
- Due diligence materials
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous-owned and -led companies.
- Canadian businesses of all sizes and sectors.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Commercial fit with EDC’s strategy and standards.
- Due diligence and additional information review.
- Consideration of ESG factors.
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.
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
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.
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
What expenses are eligible under EDC — Indigenous Business?
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.
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 Other Support