Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program
Last Update: July 29, 2025
Canada
Supporting Indigenous women with business financing and training
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Other Support
Expert Advice
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program provides Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Canada with access to business support services and micro-loans of up to $50,000 to help start or expand their businesses. The program aims to reduce barriers and foster business growth through training, resources, and financial assistance.
Financing terms and conditions
- Micro-loans available up to $50,000 for eligible Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
Eligible projects & activities
- Launching new businesses owned by Indigenous women.
- Growing or expanding existing businesses led by Indigenous women.
- Accessing business training and professional development workshops.
- Receiving guidance from dedicated Business Support Officers.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 47,000
Expanding an Indigenous catering cooperative with business coaching
$ 47,500
Launching a handcrafted jewelry e-commerce platform for Indigenous art
$ 48,000
Opening an Indigenous-owned floral boutique with training workshops
$ 49,500
Establishing an Indigenous-owned mobile hair salon with business support
$ 49,000
Developing an Indigenous-owned social media marketing agency for SMEs
$ 50,000
Starting an Indigenous artisan bakery with mentorship and training
Eligibility criteria of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program
- The applicant must be an Indigenous woman entrepreneur.
- The applicant must be seeking support to start or grow a business.
- The business must be eligible for services through participating Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs).
Who is eligible?
- Businesses owned by Indigenous women
Eligible expenses
- Micro-loans of up to $50,000 to support the start-up or growth of a business.
- Access to training workshops and personalized support from business support agents.
Eligible geographic areas
- Across Canada, through participating Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs)
How to apply to the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program
1
Verify eligibility and locate IFI
- Review the eligibility requirements for the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program
- Identify the appropriate Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI) in your region
2
Contact the program coordinator
- Contact the IWE Team at IWE@nacca.ca for more information
- Request guidance on the application process and available assistance
3
Prepare required documents
- Assemble the required documentation and information for your application
- Participate in workshops and training as recommended
4
Submit your application
- Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the designated IFI
- Ensure all sections are fully completed
5
Application review and follow-up
- Wait for your application to be reviewed and evaluated by the IFI
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
Additional information
- The program offers access to dedicated Business Support Officers and routine workshops and training for Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
- Micro-loans are provided to help start and grow businesses.
- The initiative was developed in partnership with multiple federal agencies, reflecting its cross-departmental support.
- Role model stories of women-owned businesses supported by the program are available as resources.
Contact National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA)
IWE@nacca.ca
Apply to this program
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Supports Canadian SMEs’ export activities in new international markets
Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Supports Canadian SMEs in accessing advanced AI compute resources
Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Funding for Canadian creative industry exports
Grant and FundingClosed
Canada
Funding to collaborate with international researchers
Grant and FundingOpening Soon
Canada
Empower Canadian artists and arts organizations to expand global connections and opportunities
Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Canada
Connect organizations with academia for research and innovation collaboration
Grant and FundingOpen
Canada
Canadian Creative Export supports global market expansion for creative industries
Expert AdviceOpen
Canada
IP Advisory services for your innovations
