First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding

Q: How much funding can be received?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding Funds up to 500000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Q: Is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding?

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding is funded by Government of British Columbia

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding?

You can contact Government of British Columbia.

Q: Where is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding available?

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding program is available the province of BC.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

Funding for clean energy and capacity-building projects

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000

Timeline

Closing date : April 30, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Closed

Overview

Get up to $500,000 in equity funding to support a financially viable and resourced clean energy project with an Energy Purchase Agreement.

Activities funded

The First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund provides funding for various capacity building and equity projects aimed at promoting clean energy initiatives within Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

Community Energy Plans
Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies
Training for Community Members
Demand Side Management/Energy Efficiency
Clean Energy Generation (small scale installation)
Pre-Construction/Pre-Commercial Operational Date
Investment in existing Independent Power Projects (IPP)

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Implement a solar panel system for a community center

$ 30,000

Develop a Community Energy Plan for the Indigenous community

$ 50,000

Initiate a training program on energy efficiency for members

$ 50,000

Conduct a feasibility study for wind energy potential

$ 150,000

Develop an energy-efficient lighting system for public buildings

$ 500,000

Invest in an existing hydroelectric IPP project

Eligibility

Fund eligibility criteria restricts applicants to Indigenous communities in British Columbia falling into specific categories, and the project must be located in B.C. and not currently have an active FNCEBF Capacity or Equity Funding agreement.

A First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada)
A First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations
Project must be located in B.C.
Applicants should not have a current active FNCEBF Capacity or Equity Funding agreement

Who is eligible?

Eligible entities for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund (FNCEBF) are restricted to Indigenous communities located in British Columbia. These communities must either be defined as a First Nation "band" under the Indian Act (Canada) or be a First Nation governing body representing exclusively one or more First Nations.

First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada)
First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations

Eligible expenses

Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Below is a list of eligible activities and their associated funding limits:

Community Energy Plans: up to $30,000
Pre-Feasibility and Feasibility Studies: up to $50,000
Training for Community Members: up to $50,000
Demand Side Management/Energy Efficiency: up to $150,000
Clean Energy Generation (small scale installation): up to $150,000
Pre-Construction/Pre-Commercial Operational Date: up to $500,000
Investment in existing IPP: up to $500,000

Eligible geographic areas

The eligible geographic zones for the grant are Indigenous communities in British Columbia. Applicants must be located within this region to qualify.

Indigenous communities in British Columbia

Selection criteria

Yes, the evaluation and selection criteria for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund are present. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate readiness, viability, and the potential to bring positive benefits to their communities.

Can leverage matching equity funding from other funding sources.
Demonstrate readiness and viability through completed feasibility studies, assessments, community energy plans, and/or community partnerships.
Support clean energy developments in remote, off-grid, diesel dependent, or end-of-line communities.
Demonstrate a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and/or greenhouse gas reductions.

How to apply

Complete all fields of the FNCEBF Clean Energy Capacity Funding Application or the FNCEBF Clean Energy Equity Funding Application, found on the First Nation Clean Energy Business Fund website. Applications must be submitted prior to the last day of the month of each intake period (listed below) to be considered for funding for that specified period.

April 2024

Prepare supporting documentation to submit with FNCEBF Application, including:

Band Council Resolution, Tribal Council Resolution or Directors’ Resolution approving the project;
Additional supporting documents may include but are not limited to:
Detailed financial analysis
Material/Contractor quotes
Relevant feasibility or planning work already completed
Letters of support from Neighbouring communities or municipalities
Total project budget (if requested FNCEBF funding is for part of larger project)
Letter of Intent or proof of communication with BC Hydro if pursuing an Electricity Purchase Agreement
Permitting or license (water/land tenure) documents

Email application template and supporting documents as complete application package to FNCEBF.MIRR@gov.bc.ca.

Applications will be reviewed, and decisions made based on the strength of their application and the viability relative to other applications.

All applicants will be notified of a funding decision within 90 days of intake date.

Applicants who are selected to receive Capacity or Equity Funding will be required to sign a contribution agreement to receive funding. A MIRR representative will contact the applicant to explain the terms and conditions in the contribution agreement. The contribution agreement will include:

a schedule of actual expenditures of the Capacity Funding; and
deliverables to be submitted, reviewed and approved in order to initiate payments.

Once the funding has been approved, payment will typically occur within thirty business days of signing a Contribution Agreement. Interim payments may also be provided throughout the project as interim deliverables are received and approved by the Province, and there will be a holdback for final payment capacity funding of up to 25%.

Additional information

Documents and links

First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding. 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 Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding?

Who is eligible for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding program?

To be eligible for the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund — Equity Funding program, you must: Applicants must be Indigenous communities in British Columbia, defined as a First Nation “band” under the Indian Act (Canada) or a First Nation governing body representing one or more First Nations. The proposed project must be located in British Columbia. Applicants should not have a current active FNCEBF Capacity or Equity Funding agreement.