How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund

Last Update: July 22, 2025

ON, Canada

Grants for Ontario Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations

Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : July 9, 2024
Closing date : October 7, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario
Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program

Financial backing for economic capacity-building projects, community projects, and business support services.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant offers essential financial support to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to facilitate economic growth and employment. The financing modalities are structured to accommodate various development initiatives.

Provision of start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
Financial support for economic diversification projects.
Funding for collaborative initiatives between Indigenous communities and the private sector.
A combination of grants and financing tailored to the specific needs of eligible projects.

Eligible projects & activities

The Business and Community Fund supports activities that contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples through diverse economic initiatives. This includes entrepreneurial ventures, community projects, and collaborations with private sector partners to enhance skills and business opportunities.

Projects aimed at diversifying Indigenous economies.
Initiatives that increase access to employment opportunities.
Training sessions focused on skill development for Indigenous individuals.
Provision of start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
Collaborative projects between Indigenous communities and the private sector to boost economic development.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,000

Expanding an Indigenous-owned coffee shop to include a bakery section

$ 20,000

Supporting skill development in software programming for Indigenous youth

$ 25,000

Start-up financing for a small Indigenous-owned eco-tourism business

$ 25,000

Developing a job training program for Indigenous youth focused on trades

$ 20,000

Expansion financing for an existing Indigenous crafts store to add an online sales platform

$ 18,000

Launch of an Indigenous artist cooperative focused on digital media and graphic design

Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program

Eligibility for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund is determined by the alignment of the applicant's projects with the fund's objectives.

The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur, business, community, or organization.
The project should aim to diversify Indigenous economies.
The project should focus on increasing access to employment and training opportunities.
Proposals should address start-up or expansion financing for small and medium-sized businesses.
The initiative should support collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector for economic development.

Who is eligible?

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) is open to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities, and organizations with a focus on promoting economic growth and improving employment for Indigenous people in Canada. This includes support for economic diversification, access to employment and training, as well as start-up and expansion for small and medium-sized businesses.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects that aim to enhance economic opportunities and build capacity within Indigenous communities. The eligible projects focus on economic diversification, access to employment and training, and collaborative initiatives with the private sector.

Diversification of Indigenous economies to reduce reliance on specific sectors.
Enhanced access to employment and training opportunities for Indigenous people.
Start-up and expansion financing for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.
Financial and skills training support through collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector.

Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund. The criteria include:

Alignment with fund objectives and priorities
Community benefits and economic impact
Capacity to implement and sustain the project
Evidence of partnership and collaboration
Financial viability and soundness of the project

How to apply to the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program

Identify the Appropriate Funding Stream

Review the different funding streams available under the IEDF to determine which best aligns with your project needs: Economic Diversification Grant, Business and Community Fund, or Regional Partnership Grant.
Ensure the eligibility of your project as per the specific stream requirements.

Prepare Your Documentation

Gather necessary documentation, such as business plans, project proposals, financial statements, and any community support letters.
Compile detailed information about your project including objectives, expected outcomes, and budgets.

Complete Application Form

Access the application form through the Ontario government’s funding portal for Indigenous Economic Development Fund.
Ensure all sections of the application form are filled out completely and accurately.
Attach any supporting documents as required.

Submit the Application

Submit your completed application form and all necessary documentation by the specified deadline (e.g. December 19, 2023, for certain streams).
Follow specific instructions regarding submission, whether online through the portal or by mail/email if applicable.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive a confirmation email or notification that your application has been received.
Keep a copy of the submission confirmation for your records.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Grant applicants should ensure project alignment with broader government strategies, as this can increase funding chances.
Past grant recipients may be required to demonstrate the impact of previous funding when applying for new grants.
There's an emphasis on partnerships with the private sector, which may enhance the competitiveness of applications.
Applicants should anticipate potential collaboration with other government-funded programs to maximize impact.
Consultation with Indigenous community leaders could strengthen application credibility and local support.

Apply to this program

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