First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Business loans for Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia
First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Government of British Columbia
- Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation (BC)
Status
Open
Overview of the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program
Partnership loan program with four Aboriginal Capital Corporations located throughout British Columbia.
Eligible projects & activities
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 85,000
Opening a sustainable organic produce market to support local farmers
$ 65,000
Launching a new Indigenous clothing brand, specializing in sustainable and artisanal fashion
$ 75,000
Implementing a recycling program schools to promote environmental awareness and sustainability
$ 110,000
Starting a tech start-up for developing language learning apps to preserve Indigenous languages
$ 125,000
Launching an e-commerce platform to sell Indigenous crafts globally
$ 90,000
Establishing a community co-op café, focusing on locally-sourced and fair-trade products
Eligibility criteria of the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program
Eligibility for this business loan program is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and location.
- The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur.
- The business must be located in British Columbia.
Who is eligible?
The Indigenous Business Loan Program is specifically targeted at Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia. This includes individuals of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit heritage who are looking to start or expand a business within the province. The program is facilitated by the All Nations Trust Company in collaboration with Aboriginal Capital Corporations, providing financial support to eligible Indigenous business owners to foster economic development and entrepreneurship within Indigenous communities in British Columbia.
Eligible expenses
- Start-up costs
- Working capital
- Inventory and supplies
- Equipment
- Leasehold improvements
- Marketing and promotional expenses
Eligible geographic areas
This grant program is specifically available to Indigenous entrepreneurs located in British Columbia, Canada. Eligible geographical areas are confined to this region, aligning with localized economic development efforts.
- All areas within the province of British Columbia, Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program
The First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program for Indigenous entrepreneurs in British Columbia has specific evaluation and selection criteria:
- Demonstrated need for financing to support a viable business venture
- Ability to repay the loan within the specified terms
- Sound business plan and management team
- Preference may be given to businesses that demonstrate social and economic benefits to the Indigenous community
How to apply to the First Citizens Fund — Business Loan Program program
1
Initial Contact
- Reach out to one of the Aboriginal Capital Corporations (ANTCO, Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation, Tale'awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation, or Tribal Resources Investment Corporation) through their listed phone numbers or toll-free lines.
- Request application forms and detailed information regarding the loan program.
2
Compile Required Information
- Gather necessary business and financial documents, such as business plans, financial statements, and personal identification.
- Prepare a detailed outline of your business needs and objectives for the loan.
3
Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided by the selected lender.
- Ensure all required fields are completed accurately and truthfully.
4
Submit Application
- Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the chosen Aboriginal Capital Corporation. This can typically be done via email, fax, or physical mail as per the lender’s instructions.
- Confirm receipt of your application with the lender.
Contact Government of British Columbia
irrinfo@gov.bc.ca
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