Futurpreneur Canada Indigenous Program
Canada
Financing for Indigenous entrepreneurs
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
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- grant_single|openingDateNovember 26, 2020
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Expert Advice
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- Futurpreneur Canada
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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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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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$60,000
Opening an organic grocery store specializing in locally sourced Indigenous produce
$60,000
Launching a tech startup developing educational software for Indigenous learners
$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
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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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
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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.
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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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documents
- Gather your complete business plan and a 24-month cash flow projection.
- Step 3: Initial Contact
- Sign up to get connected with a dedicated team member at Futurpreneur to learn more about the program’s offerings.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Review Process
- Your application will be reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- Step 6: Confirmation of Acceptance
- Receive confirmation of your application status and further instructions from Futurpreneur.
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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.
Apply to this program
Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs with Futurpreneur
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) is a transformative initiative by Futurpreneur, tailored to support young Indigenous entrepreneurs in Canada through financing and mentorship. This program equips participants with the necessary tools, resources, and networks to successfully launch and grow their businesses.
Delving into the Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program
The Indigenous Entrepreneur Startup Program (IESP) stands out as a unique offering by Futurpreneur Canada, specifically designed to meet the distinct needs of young Indigenous entrepreneurs. Recognizing the historical and systemic barriers faced by Indigenous communities, the program provides tailored support, including equity-free startup loans and up to two years of personalized mentorship. This dual support system is crucial in bridging gaps that often make entrepreneurship daunting for Indigenous individuals.IESP's design and operation by an Indigenous team ensure cultural relevance and sensitivity, making the resources offered not just accessible but truly beneficial to the participants. By placing an emphasis on lived experience, the program delivers mentorship that resonates deeply with the challenges and opportunities faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs. This holistic approach empowers participants not just in business, but in community engagement and cultural integration as well.The financial support offered through the program includes flexible loan options, which are instrumental in helping entrepreneurs overcome initial capital barriers—often a significant hurdle in launching new ventures. These loans, combined with personalized mentorship from seasoned business leaders, enable entrepreneurs to thrive by learning from those who have navigated similar paths.Moreover, IESP facilitates access to a comprehensive network of Indigenous entrepreneurs and community leaders across Canada. This network serves as a platform for exchange, learning, and collaboration, opening doors to joint ventures and strategic partnerships. Engaging with this community not only aids in business development but also strengthens cultural ties and community resilience.Futurpreneur’s inclusion of workshops, such as the Ohpikiwin series, adds an educational layer that emphasizes financial empowerment and business sustainability, viewed through an Indigenous lens. These workshops are tailored to build competencies and confidence, ensuring that participants are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of entrepreneurship.Success stories like those of Sean Rayland with Red Rebel Armour and Carolann Robyn Cruz with Enn Taant highlight the program's impact. These narratives underscore the transformative potential of the IESP, illustrating how financial support and mentorship can translate into tangible business achievements, community impact, and personal growth.IESP is not just a program; it is a movement towards inclusive economic empowerment, fostering a generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs who are redefining success on their terms. It aligns closely with broader efforts to create equitable opportunities and dismantle barriers that have historically limited Indigenous participation in Canada's business landscape.Through IESP, Futurpreneur is making significant strides in unlocking entrepreneurial potential and driving sustainable economic development within Indigenous communities, setting a blueprint for inclusive support systems that can be replicated globally.
