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Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund

Q: 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

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund?

You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).

Q: 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.

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Ontario, Canada

Grants for Ontario Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations

Grant and Funding

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Government of Ontario

Overview

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

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop employee skills

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Closing date : December 1, 2025

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

All industries

Location

Ontario

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Sole proprietorship

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

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 25,000

Developing a job training program for Indigenous youth focused on trades

$ 20,000

Supporting skill development in software programming for Indigenous youth

$ 25,000

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

$ 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

$ 30,000

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

Eligibility

The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur, business, community, or organization.
The project must contribute to Indigenous economic development.
The project should support economic diversification, employment, training, start-up, or business expansion for Indigenous peoples.
The proposal may involve collaboration between Indigenous communities and the private sector for economic initiatives.

Who is eligible?

Indigenous entrepreneurs
Indigenous businesses
Indigenous communities
Indigenous organizations

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

How to apply

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

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.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund. 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 Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund?

Who is eligible for the Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund program?

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.