Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement
Funding for Indigenous cannabis projects in British Columbia
Funding available
$ 250,000
Deadline
December 1, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program provides non-repayable funding for Indigenous and First Nation applicants in British Columbia to support cannabis-related development. It covers community planning and engagement, business planning, design, licensing, training, and capital costs for regulated cannabis projects.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Start a business
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
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Community planning and engagement for cannabis education
- Business start-up and expansion planning
- Transition of unregulated cannabis businesses into the regulated sector
- Licensing, design, and capital development for cannabis projects
Documents Needed
- Expression of Interest form
- Proof of community engagement, for on-reserve projects
- First Nation government support, for on-reserve projects
- Evidence of financing or cash equity, where required
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- B.C. First Nation governments
- 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 feasibility studies
- Advisory services and staff training
- Licensing, permitting, and business design costs
- Construction, retrofits, and equipment purchases
- Capital costs for start-up, expansion, or transition
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- On-reserve projects only for Stream 1
Selection criteria
- Basic criteria-based selection for Stream 1
- Business assessment by an AFI for Stream 2
- Project viability and contribution assessment
How to apply
- Step 1: Expression of Interest
- Complete the EOI form with your business opportunity and funding needs.
- Submit the form to start the process.
- Expect a follow-up within 5 to 7 business days.
- Step 2: Screening and Referral
- Applicants are referred to a participating Aboriginal Financial Institution in British Columbia.
- The AFI completes screening, due diligence, and contribution assessment.
Processing and Agreement
- Expression of Interest is reviewed first
- Eligible applications are referred to an Indigenous Financial Institution
- Project screening and due diligence are completed
- Final approval is supported by the Steering Committee
- Applicants are notified by New Relationship Trust or the assigned AFI
Additional information
- Applications are accepted continuously until December 1, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
- One ICBF grant is available per project.
- NRT’s Cannabis Navigator can provide guidance and application support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement Program
What is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement?
This program provides non-repayable funding for Indigenous and First Nation applicants in British Columbia to support cannabis-related development. It covers community planning and engagement, business planning, design, licensing, training, and capital costs for regulated cannabis projects.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement program, you must:
51% Indigenous-owned business
British Columbia applicant
Cost-sharing capacity required
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement?
Community planning and engagement for cannabis education
Business start-up and expansion planning
Transition of unregulated cannabis businesses into the regulated sector
Licensing, design, and capital development for cannabis projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement?
You can contact New Relationship Trust (NRT) by email at cb@nrtf.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement available?
The Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement is a Grant and Funding