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First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program
Business loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 650
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Partnership loan program with four Aboriginal Capital Corporations located throughout British Columbia.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 650 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Start-up, expansion, or upgrading of First Nations businesses.
- Capital financing, operating loans, or bridge financing.
- Start, expand, or acquire a viable business.
- Business planning and marketing support.
Documents Needed
- Signed application form
- Proof of Indigenous ancestry
- Business registration documents
- Three-year financial statements and tax returns
- Project support documents and collateral details
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous individuals
- Partnerships
- Companies and corporations
- Joint ventures
- Communities, co-operatives, and organizations
Eligible expenses
- Start-up costs
- Working capital
- Inventory and supplies
- Equipment
- Leasehold improvements
- Marketing and promotional expenses
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Alcohol-related activities
- Tobacco-related activities
- Gambling-related activities
- Pornography-related activities
- Passive real estate investments
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- TRICORP service area from Haida Gwaii to Burns Lake and from Hartley Bay to the Yukon border
Processing and Agreement
- TRICORP reviews applications for viability.
- TRICORP may approve or decline the loan.
- TRICORP sets repayment terms and security requirements.
- Additional legal documentation may be required.
- TRICORP handles loan collection if needed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program. 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.
What is the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program?
Partnership loan program with four Aboriginal Capital Corporations located throughout British Columbia.
How much funding can be received?
First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program Funds up to $650 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program?
To be eligible for the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program, you must:
The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur based in British Columbia.
What expenses are eligible under First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program?
Start-up, expansion, or upgrading of First Nations businesses.
Capital financing, operating loans, or bridge financing.
Start, expand, or acquire a viable business.
Business planning and marketing support.
Who can I contact for more information about the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) by email at irrinfo@gov.bc.ca.
Where is the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program available?
The First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program is a Loans and Capital investments