Closed
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund
Last Update: March 19, 2026
Ontario, Canada
Grants for Ontario Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations
Grant and Funding
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:
$ 20,000
Supporting skill development in software programming for Indigenous youth
$ 25,000
Developing a job training program for Indigenous youth focused on trades
$ 30,000
Expanding an Indigenous-owned coffee shop to include a bakery section
$ 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
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
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
