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Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program Funds up to $50,000 of admissible expenses.

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program available?

The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneur Program is a Other Support

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Canada

Supporting Indigenous women with business financing and training

Other Support

Expert Advice

Loans and Capital investments

National Aboriginal Capital Corporation Association

Overview

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.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact

Develop employee skills

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 50,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

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

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 48,000

Opening an Indigenous-owned floral boutique with training workshops

$ 49,500

Establishing an Indigenous-owned mobile hair salon with business support

$ 50,000

Starting an Indigenous artisan bakery with mentorship and training

$ 49,000

Developing an Indigenous-owned social media marketing agency for SMEs

$ 47,000

Expanding an Indigenous catering cooperative with business coaching

$ 47,500

Launching a handcrafted jewelry e-commerce platform for Indigenous art

Eligibility

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

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

Contact the program coordinator

Contact the IWE Team at IWE@nacca.ca for more information
Request guidance on the application process and available assistance

Prepare required documents

Assemble the required documentation and information for your application
Participate in workshops and training as recommended

Submit your application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the designated IFI
Ensure all sections are fully completed

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.

Contacts

IWE@nacca.ca

Apply to this program

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.