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Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program Funds up to $60,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: Who is eligible for the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program?

To be eligible for the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program, you must: You must self-identify as Indigenous. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18-39. Your business must be launching or have been operational for less than one year.

Q: What expenses are eligible under Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program?

This program is available to Indigenous entrepreneurs located across Canada, supported by Futurpreneur’s national network. It enables access to resources, mentorship, and financing regardless of the geographic location within Canada. Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout Canada.

Q: Where is the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program available?

The Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program is a Expert Advice

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program?

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program is funded by Futurpreneur Canada

Financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs

Futurpreneur Canada

Last Update: March 3, 2026

Funding available

$ 60,000

Timeline

Open Date : November 26, 2020

Location

Canada

Overview

Get a collateral-free loan of up to $60,000, along with 2 years of expert business mentoring and resources to get your startup off the ground if you're an Indigenous person 18–39 years old.

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Opportunity Score

Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships
Complete an acquisition or business transfer
Develop workforce skills

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 60,000 $

Timeline

Open Date : November 26, 2020

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Canada

Legal structures

For-profit business
Sole proprietorship

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples
Youth (<40)

Next steps

Determine your project

Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

This program is available to Indigenous entrepreneurs located across Canada, supported by Futurpreneur’s national network. It enables access to resources, mentorship, and financing regardless of the geographic location within Canada.

Indigenous entrepreneurs throughout Canada.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) targets young Indigenous entrepreneurs at the start of their business journey, offering support through loan financing and mentorship.

Applicants must be self-identifying as Indigenous, which includes those who may intersect with other identities (e.g., Black and Indigenous).
Eligible individuals need to be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The age range for applicants is 18 to 39 years old.
Applicants should be in the process of launching a business or have a business that has been operational for less than one year full-time.
Applicants need to have a Futurpreneur eligible business model and maintain a qualified credit standing.

Eligible expenses

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) supports activities that help launch and grow businesses led by young Indigenous entrepreneurs. The program focuses on financial, mentorship, and networking support to facilitate business success.

Provision of equity-free startup loan financing up to $60,000 for eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Offering up to two years of personalized mentorship with experienced business leaders.
Access to resources such as business planning workshops and financial empowerment tools through initiatives like the Ohpikiwin workshop series.
Engagement opportunities with a national network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and leaders at entrepreneurial events.

Eligible geographic areas

The IESP grant assists eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs with foundational business startup expenses through loan financing.

Startup costs for launching a business.
Purchase of initial inventory and supplies.
Acquisition of necessary equipment for business operations.
Marketing and promotional activities to establish market presence.

Additional information

There are a few additional details worth knowing about the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP):

You will have access to Futurpreneur’s networks, which connect Indigenous entrepreneurs with leaders and community organizations at various events.
The program includes tools like the Ohpikiwin workshop series, focused on financial empowerment with an Indigenous lens.
Participants of the program have access to unique resources for business planning, aimed at enhancing their entrepreneurial skills.
You are encouraged to connect with various partners like the Alberta Indian Investment Corporation and the Métis Financial Corporation of BC, which work with IESP to provide additional support.
Personal experiences and success stories of other Indigenous entrepreneurs who have succeeded with Futurpreneur are shared to provide motivation and insights.
The program also has a celebration component, which highlights the stories of emerging Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs.
Integrated mentoring from an experienced business leader is provided for up to two years to guide the applicant through the development phase of their business.
The financing terms includes interest-only payments for the first year to ease repayment pressure during the startup phase.

Documents and links