Closed
Source verified March 19, 2026
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund
Grants for Ontario Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
December 1, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Financial backing for economic capacity-building projects, community projects, and business support services.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
- Start a business
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Startups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Community leaders
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Diversification of Indigenous economies through new business ventures or sectors.
- Expansion or start-up of small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
- Collaboration projects between Indigenous communities and the private sector that advance economic development.
- Initiatives that increase access to employment and training opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
- Skills training and business development initiatives supporting Indigenous economic growth.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous entrepreneurs
- Indigenous businesses
- Indigenous communities
- Indigenous organizations
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
How to apply
- Step 1: Access Program Information
- Visit the Ontario government’s official funding portal for detailed information on the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund.
- Review the requirements and instructions specific to the program.
- Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
- Collect necessary documentation as specified on the funding website.
- Complete all required application forms and supporting materials.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Follow the application submission procedures outlined on the Ontario government’s funding page.
- Ensure all materials are submitted prior to the posted deadline for the relevant funding stream.
- Step 4: Await Confirmation and Further Instructions
- Monitor communications from the funding body regarding next steps or requests for additional information.
Additional information
- Applications must be submitted by the specified closing date for each funding stream.
- Updates on application status and important deadlines are posted on the Ontario government website.
- The fund includes multiple streams, each with distinct application windows and purposes.
- The program is administered by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs in Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund Program
What is the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund?
Financial backing for economic capacity-building projects, community projects, and business support services.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program, you must:
Must be an Indigenous entrepreneur, business, or organization
Projects must support Indigenous economic development
Funding available for start-up and expansion of small and medium-sized businesses
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund?
Diversification of Indigenous economies through new business ventures or sectors.
Expansion or start-up of small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
Collaboration projects between Indigenous communities and the private sector that advance economic development.
Initiatives that increase access to employment and training opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
Skills training and business development initiatives supporting Indigenous economic growth.
Where is the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund available?
The Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund?
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund is funded by Government of Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation