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Source verified July 12, 2026
Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program
Startup financing and mentorship for Indigenous entrepreneurs
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 75,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Opened November 26, 2020
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Self-identifying Indigenous entrepreneurs, including those on or off reserve.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) offers up to $75,000 in flexible, equity-free startup financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. It also supports launching or buying a business with mentorship, business planning workshops, and networking opportunities.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Complete an acquisition or business transfer
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 75,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
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
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Starting a business.
- Buying a business.
Documents Needed
- Complete business plan
- 24-month cash flow forecast
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Self-identifying Indigenous entrepreneurs, including those on or off reserve.
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that can place their owners or customers in vulnerable situations, including services involving intimate activities, gambling, or contests.
- Businesses involving violence, discriminatory or exclusionary content, dating apps or hookup sites, nudity, sex products, services or adult content.
- Businesses involving recreational tobacco and/or marijuana, unregulated health risks, firearms or accessories, or import/export from certain high risk countries.
- Businesses involved in illegal or government-proscribed activities, or activities that give rise to reputational risk.
- Night clubs, bars, lounges, cabarets, pool halls, video arcades, festivals or events, establishments where alcohol consumption on site exceeds 49 per cent of total revenues, financial or payment services, non-secular exclusive organizations, used and new vehicles and equipment sales and leasing, self-promoters, residential housing construction or rentals, and jewellers selling precious and semi-precious stones and precious metals.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Refinancing existing debt.
How to apply
- Sign up to get connected with a dedicated team member to learn more about Futurpreneur’s loan, mentorship, and resources.
- If your complete business plan and 24 month cash flow are ready for submission, click here to get started.
Processing and Agreement
- Submit the online application with the required documents.
- Futurpreneur reviews the application and contacts the applicant to discuss next steps.
- A credit check is carried out with authorization.
- If approved, the loan terms are set out in the loan agreement.
Additional information
- Futurpreneur offers up to two years of one-on-one mentorship.
- The program also includes business planning workshops, tools, and networking opportunities.
- Applicants can start by connecting with a dedicated team member before submitting a full application.
- Futurpreneur works with Indigenous partner organizations across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program Program
What is the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program?
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) offers up to $75,000 in flexible, equity-free startup financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada. It also supports launching or buying a business with mentorship, business planning workshops, and networking opportunities.
How much funding can be received?
Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program Funds up to $75,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program?
To be eligible for the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program, you must:
Self-identify as Indigenous.
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 to 39.
Be launching a business or operating it full time for less than two years.
Where is the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program available?
The Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program is a Loans and Capital investments
Who are the financial supporters of the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program?
Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program is funded by Futurpreneur Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)