Closed
Equity Match Program
Matched equity support for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Last Update: May 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 150,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The program provides matched equity support for eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs in conjunction with an SCF loan. It supports business start-up, growth, expansion, and maintenance for qualified applicants.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase production or service capacity
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Up to 15% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- 2SLGBTQI+
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Business start-up.
- Business growth or expansion.
- Business maintenance.
Documents Needed
- Business plan or strategy
- Loan application
- Business cash flow forecast
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- BC First Nation individual entrepreneurs
- Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Stó:lō community-owned businesses
- Joint ventures involving Stó:lō community-owned businesses
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are not Indigenous.
- Businesses that are not at least 51% Indigenous-owned or controlled.
- Applicants outside the Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
Eligible geographic areas
- S’ólh Téméxw, the Stó:lō Traditional Territory.
- Fort Langley to Yale on both sides of the Fraser River.
- All 24 Stó:lō communities and affiliated towns, cities, and villages within the territory.
Selection criteria
- Market potential and future economic viability.
- Business location.
- Competent management.
- Local job creation.
- Relevant experience, repayment ability, security, and 15% equity.
How to apply
- Step 1: Book a meeting
- Contact SCF staff to discuss your business idea.
- Receive guidance through the application process.
- Step 2: Prepare application materials
- Complete the required business loan documents.
- Provide the supporting business plan and cash flow information.
- Step 3: Submit for review
- SCF staff review the application.
- Additional information may be requested before committee review.
- Step 4: Decision and follow-up
- The Loan Funds Committee makes the decision.
- SCF staff contact you with the outcome and next steps.
- Complete the required documentation if approved.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by SCF staff and then presented to the Loan Funds Committee.
- The Loan Funds Committee makes the approval decision.
- SCF staff notify applicants of the outcome and explain next steps.
- Additional information may be requested before the decision is finalized.
Additional information
- A free and confidential appointment is offered to discuss the business.
- Applications are reviewed by the Loan Funds Committee.
- Additional information may be requested before a final decision is made.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity Match Program Program
What is the Equity Match Program?
The program provides matched equity support for eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs in conjunction with an SCF loan. It supports business start-up, growth, expansion, and maintenance for qualified applicants.
How much funding can be received?
Equity Match Program Funds up to 15% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Equity Match Program program?
To be eligible for the Equity Match Program program, you must:
Indigenous entrepreneur
Business in S’ólh Téméxw
51% Indigenous-owned or controlled
What expenses are eligible under Equity Match Program?
Business start-up.
Business growth or expansion.
Business maintenance.
Who can I contact for more information about the Equity Match Program?
You can contact Stó:lō Community Futures (SCF) by email at info@stolocf.com or by phone at (604) 858-0009.
Where is the Equity Match Program available?
The Equity Match Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Equity Match Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Equity Match Program is a Partnering and Collaboration