Open
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program
Supporting Indigenous women with business financing and training
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program provides Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Canada with access to micro-loans of up to $50,000 to help start or grow their businesses. It also supports business development through dedicated support officers, workshops, and training.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop workforce skills
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 50,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- 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.
Documents Needed
- Proof of Indigenous ancestry or beneficiary status
- Proof of identity
- Bank information and evidence of available cash equity
- Business licenses, insurance, and most recent financial statements if applicable
- Completed business planning guide and cash flow template
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses owned by Indigenous women
Eligible expenses
- Business start-up or expansion costs such as equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements, working capital, marketing, and business support services.
- Project costs over $1,000 supported by quotes.
Eligible geographic areas
- Across Canada, through participating Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs)
Processing and Agreement
- A Business Support Officer reviews the application before assessment.
- The applicant may be contacted to discuss the application in more detail.
- The completed application and attachments must be submitted to the applicant’s AFI contact.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program. 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 Women’s Entrepreneur Program?
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program provides Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Canada with access to micro-loans of up to $50,000 to help start or grow their businesses. It also supports business development through dedicated support officers, workshops, and training.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program, you must:
Applicant must be an Indigenous woman entrepreneur.
Business must be starting or growing in Canada.
Applicant must apply through a participating Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI).
What expenses are eligible under Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program?
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.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program?
You can contact National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association (NACCA) by email at IWE@nacca.ca.
Where is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program available?
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program is a Other Support