Closed
Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement
Funding for Indigenous cannabis projects in British Columbia
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Closing date : 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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
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
Timeline
- Closing date : December 1, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-financial cooperative
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
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
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.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Cannabis Business Fund — Community Planning & Engagement. 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 — 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 by email at cb@nrtf.ca or by phone at none.
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