How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 60000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program is funded by Futurpreneur Canada

What are Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program's eligibility criterias?

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.

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs

Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $60,000

Timeline

Open Date : November 26, 2020

Financing Type

Expert Advice

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Futurpreneur Canada

Program status

Open

Overview of the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program

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.

Eligible projects & activities

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 60,000

Launching a tech startup developing educational software for Indigenous learners

$ 60,000

Opening an organic grocery store specializing in locally sourced Indigenous produce

$ 60,000

Establishing a digital marketing agency focused on Indigenous businesses

$ 60,000

Setting up an Indigenous cultural center with workshops and exhibitions

$ 60,000

Launching an eco-friendly clothing line using recycled materials

$ 60,000

Starting a mobile wellness clinic offering services to rural Indigenous communities

Eligibility criteria of the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program

The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program has specific criteria to determine eligibility, focusing on the entrepreneur's identity, residency, age, and business status.

You must self-identify as Indigenous.
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
You must be aged between 18-39 at the time of application.
You are looking to launch a business or have been operating your business for less than one year full-time.
You must have a Futurpreneur eligible business model and a qualified credit standing.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant.

Evaluation based on business plan viability, financial projections, and entrepreneurial skills.
Selection criteria include the applicant's age (18-39), business idea feasibility, and potential for growth.
Applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of their market and competitive landscape.
Potential for social impact and community benefit may also be considered in the selection process.

How to apply to the Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program program

Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria including being a self-identifying Indigenous entrepreneur, aged 18-39, and planning to launch or have operated a business for less than a year.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Gather your complete business plan and a 24-month cash flow projection.

Initial Contact

Application Submission

If your business plan and cash flow documents are ready, begin your application process by submitting them through the provided link on Futurpreneur’s platform.

Review Process

Your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.

Confirmation of Acceptance

Receive confirmation of your application status and further instructions from Futurpreneur.

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.