How much funding can be received?

Get up to $250,000 in funding to cover the cost of licensing and permitting as well as make capital available to support the launch or expansion of businesses in the cannabis industry.

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This grant is exclusive to companies located within British Columbia, as it aims to support economic development opportunities in partnership with Indigenous communities in the region. Eligible applicants are those from specific entities based in British Columbia, focusing on fostering participation in the regulated cannabis sector.

First Nation governments, businesses, and economic development corporations in British Columbia.
Tribal Councils located within British Columbia.
Indigenous Corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives, and institutions in British Columbia.
Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) entrepreneurs and businesses in British Columbia.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$250,000

Expand a medicinal cannabis dispensary to include more wellness services

$200,000

Transition an unregulated cannabis farm into a regulated one

$200,000

Transform an existing unregulated cannabis delivery service to a regulated one

$188,000

Launch a retail cannabis store focusing on organic products

$250,000

Establish a cannabis processing facility focused on product innovation

$250,000

Open a cannabis cultivation facility with advanced hydroponic systems

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements regarding ownership, financial capacity, and other project-related criteria.

Applicants must be B.C. First Nation governments, businesses, and economic development corporations.
Applicants may also include B.C. Tribal Councils, Indigenous Corporations, partnerships, associations, cooperatives, and institutions.
Eligible participants also include B.C. Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) entrepreneurs and businesses.
First Nations businesses and Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses must have a minimum of 51% Indigenous ownership of the underlying business.
Indigenous ownership and control must at minimum be proportionate to the amount of equity invested in the business.
Applicants must be willing and able to share in the costs of the project, as grants are not a stand-alone source of funds.
On-Reserve projects must provide evidence of community engagement and First Nation government support, such as a Band Council Resolution or equivalent.
For On-Reserve projects, if applicable, the status of transitioning from an unregulated business to the regulated market must be provided.
On-Reserve projects seeking both federal (production) and provincial (retail) licenses must show if the First Nation has entered into or plans to enter into a section 119 government-to-government agreement with the Province.
One ICBF Grant is allowed per project, but multiple Indigenous owners can be included under one grant.
Financing requirements state that grants for acquisitions, capital costs, infrastructure, etc., must be applied for with reasonable assurance of commercial loan financing, alternative financing, or an equivalent amount of cash equity.
Applicants must generally have the financial capacity to provide between 25% to 60% of the project costs through cash equity and/or loan financing, depending on the project type and ongoing program criteria.

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B.C. First Nation governments, businesses and economic development corporations; B.C. Tribal Councils; B.C. Indigenous Corporations, partnerships, associations, co-operatives and institutions; and B.C. Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) entrepreneurs and businesses.

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There is no explicit list of companies or industries that are not eligible for the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund based on the provided context. However, the focus is clearly on supporting Indigenous-led businesses and projects within the regulated cannabis sector in British Columbia.

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The BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) focuses on advancing economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses in the regulated cannabis sector. Eligible projects span from business inception to expansion within the cannabis industry, ensuring a focus on regulated participation and industry growth.

Establishment of new businesses within the regulated cannabis industry.
Expansion of existing regulated cannabis businesses.
Transition of existing unregulated cannabis businesses into the regulated industry.

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The grant covers specific expenses related to business planning, design, licensing, training, and capital costs in the regulated cannabis industry.

Construction, retrofits, equipment purchase, and other related costs for business capitalization.
Business start-up planning and feasibility studies.
Business advisory services and support for transition to the regulatory market.
Licensing, permitting, and other business design-related costs.
Skills and training costs directly related to the business launch.

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Community engagement stream (1) funding will incorporate a basic criteria-based process for selecting approved recipients.
Business Planning, Design, and Capital stream (2) funding will incorporate best practice business assessment policies and procedures as carried out by one of the AFIs.

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Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Form
- Complete the EOI form to express interest in applying for an ICBF contribution from the New Relationship Trust.
- Provide information about your business opportunity, capacity needs, and funding requirements.
- Submit the form to initiate the process.
- Expect a follow-up contact within 5 to 7 business days to discuss the process and next steps.
Step 2: Applicant and Project Screening
- Upon evaluation of the EOI submission, you will be referred to an Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) in B.C.
- The assigned AFI will conduct standard screening and due diligence to assess project viability.
- The assessment will determine the appropriate grant and amount.
Step 3: Application Approval Decisions
- The community engagement funding (Stream 1) will be based on basic criteria for selection.
- The business planning, design, and capital funding (Stream 2) will involve business assessment policies carried out by AFIs.
- A multi-stakeholder Steering Committee will guide and support approval and funding allocation decisions.
- Successful applicants will receive approval communication from either New Relationship Trust or the assigned AFI.

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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The grant will be administered in collaboration with Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) in B.C., with only some AFIs participating in the ICBF Initiative.
The Cannabis Navigator service offers guidance and liaises between applicants and New Relationship Trust staff or Indigenous Financial Institutions.
The ICBF initiative supports economic diversification, especially targeting rural and remote communities and Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
On-Reserve projects must provide evidence of community engagement and First Nation government backing, typically via a Band Council Resolution.
The initiative aims to balance community health, safety, and knowledge with economic opportunities within the cannabis sector.

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Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital

Apply to this program

Empowering Indigenous Cannabis Enterprises with the ICBF

The BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) offers vital non-repayable funding to Indigenous communities and businesses in British Columbia aiming to excel in the legalized cannabis sector. This initiative is focused on closing gaps in capacity and funding to uplift Indigenous aspirations in various regulated cannabis operations.

Navigating the ICBF: Driving Innovation and Inclusion in the Cannabis Industry

The BC Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund (ICBF) is a landmark initiative dedicated to enhancing economic development opportunities for Indigenous communities in the cannabis industry. It operates by offering non-repayable grants to BC First Nations, Indigenous businesses, and entrepreneurs to facilitate their participation in both federally and provincially regulated cannabis sectors. The ICBF is not just a funding source; it is a comprehensive support system designed to foster Indigenous entrepreneurship, create job opportunities, and promote business growth within the cannabis industry.

One of the standout features of the ICBF is its two distinct funding streams that applicants can benefit from. Stream 1 focuses on Community Planning and Engagement, which is crucial for fostering understanding and support within communities. Engagement activities ensure that communities are informed about the nuances of the cannabis industry, legal regulations, and successful transition stories from unregulated to regulated businesses. This aspect is pivotal for community-based projects, as it ensures alignment with local governance and community aspirations while promoting informed decision-making and participation.

Stream 2 centers on Business Planning, Design, and Capital, offering a deeper dive into setting the foundations for sustainable business operations. This stream supports the detailed business planning process, including feasibility studies, business design, and licensing. Furthermore, it provides financial assistance for initial business capital needed for start-up, expansion, or acquisitions within the industry. By alleviating some of the financial burdens associated with establishing a legal cannabis enterprise, ICBF helps Indigenous business owners focus on strategic growth and operational excellence.

The wide array of eligible projects includes establishing new cannabis enterprises, expanding existing businesses, and facilitating transitions from the informal market into the regulated industry. This flexibility supports diverse business needs and encourages innovation within Indigenous communities. Eligible business activities touch on cultivation, processing, distribution, and ancillary services, emphasizing a holistic approach to business development in the cannabis sector.

ICBF's funding model emphasizes shared responsibility, where applicants must demonstrate financial commitment to their projects. This co-investment approach mirrors the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency in business practices. By incorporating financial structures such as equity investment or loan financing to cover a portion of the project costs, the ICBF fosters a balanced partnership between the fund and Indigenous entrepreneurs. This dynamic not only leverages the grants for maximum impact but also reinforces essential business acumen and financial management skills among recipients.

Capacity-building within Indigenous communities is a cornerstone of the ICBF initiative, knitting together funding, education, and networking opportunities. Indigenous entrepreneurs gain access to business advisory services, staff training, and strategic guidance tailored to the cannabis sector's unique needs. These resources equip business owners with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex regulations, optimize operational efficiencies, and leverage market opportunities effectively.

The initiative is a collaboration between several key stakeholders, including the BC Assembly of First Nations, Aboriginal Financial Institutions, Health Canada, and Indigenous Services Canada, supported by the Province of BC. This multi-stakeholder framework ensures that the ICBF remains responsive to both community needs and industry trends, guided by an overarching Steering Committee that oversees decision-making and fund disbursement.

Overall, the ICBF not only aims to bolster Indigenous participation in the regulated cannabis market but also strives to achieve economic diversification, equity, and sustained growth. By aligning economic opportunity with cultural integrity and community health, the ICBF represents a forward-thinking approach to Indigenous economic development. Participating in this initiative means more than securing funding; it is about becoming part of a transformative ecosystem where Indigenous businesses can thrive, contribute to economic vitality, and shape the future of the cannabis industry in Canada.