Closed
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital
Funding for Indigenous cannabis businesses in BC
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Closing date : December 1, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
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
Timeline
- Closing date : December 1, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Public administration
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.
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.
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.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Business Planning, Design, and Capital. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 by email at cb@nrtf.ca or by phone at none.
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