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Source verified April 9, 2026
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital
Funding for Indigenous cannabis businesses in BC
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
December 1, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply
B.C. First Nation governments, businesses, and economic development corporations.
See full eligibility
Overview
Non-repayable funding of up to $250,000 per project for Indigenous cannabis businesses in British Columbia. It supports business planning, design, licensing, training, and capital costs for new, expanding, or transitioning cannabis projects.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop workforce skills
- Strengthen organizational capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community planning and engagement around cannabis opportunities.
- New cannabis business development.
- Expansion of existing regulated cannabis businesses.
- Transition of unregulated cannabis businesses into the regulated market.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- B.C. First Nation governments, businesses, and economic development corporations.
- B.C. Tribal Councils.
- B.C. Indigenous corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives, and institutions.
- B.C. Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses.
Eligible expenses
- Business planning and advisory services.
- Feasibility studies and business plans.
- Licensing, permitting, and business design costs.
- Construction, retrofits, and equipment purchases.
- Training directly related to business launch.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia.
Selection criteria
- Criteria-based selection for Stream 1.
- Business assessment and due diligence for Stream 2.
- Steering Committee oversight of approval and funding allocation.
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest
- Complete the EOI form to outline your project and funding needs.
- Wait for a follow-up from New Relationship Trust within 5 to 7 business days.
- Step 2: Screening and referral
- Eligible applicants are referred to a participating Aboriginal Financial Institution in British Columbia.
- The financial institution completes screening, due diligence, and contribution assessment.
- Step 3: Decision and notification
- Applications are reviewed under the relevant stream process.
- Successful applicants are notified by New Relationship Trust or the assigned financial institution.
Processing and Agreement
- Submit an Expression of Interest form.
- NRT follows up within 5 to 7 business days.
- Eligible applications are referred to a participating Aboriginal Financial Institution for screening and due diligence.
- Approval is based on criteria review or business assessment, depending on the stream.
- Successful applicants are notified by New Relationship Trust or the assigned financial institution.
Additional information
- Applications are accepted on a continuous basis until December 1, 2025 or until funds are exhausted.
- The program is delivered by New Relationship Trust and participating Aboriginal Financial Institutions in British Columbia.
- Applicants may access the Cannabis Navigator service for guidance before applying.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital Program
What is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital?
Non-repayable funding of up to $250,000 per project for Indigenous cannabis businesses in British Columbia. It supports business planning, design, licensing, training, and capital costs for new, expanding, or transitioning cannabis projects.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital program, you must:
Minimum 51% Indigenous ownership.
Based in British Columbia.
Project in the regulated cannabis sector.
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital?
Community planning and engagement around cannabis opportunities.
New cannabis business development.
Expansion of existing regulated cannabis businesses.
Transition of unregulated cannabis businesses into the regulated market.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital?
You can contact New Relationship Trust (NRT) by email at cb@nrtf.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital available?
The Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital is a Partnering and Collaboration