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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.
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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
Official resources
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
Selection criteria
- Indigenous ancestry and ownership/control requirements.
- Business viability and experience of the applicant.
- Business plan quality.
- Confirmed financing and collateral.
- Equity contribution requirements.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact TRICORP
- Contact the Business Development Officer for program information.
- Use the online loan application or request the application package.
- Step 2: Prepare the application
- Complete the signed application form in full.
- Gather the required supporting documents and financial information.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit the completed ABEP application online, or
- Download, complete, and email the application back to TRICORP.
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
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