Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA)
Financing for Indigenous women entrepreneurs
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
Closed
Location
Quebec, Canada
Who can apply
Women aged 18 or older who are listed on the band list of the Innu communities of Quebec or the Naskapi community, whether they live on or off community.
See full eligibility
Overview
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) provides financing for women entrepreneurs who are Innu or Naskapi and majority owners, on or off community, to establish or expand their business. Eligible costs include labour, equipment, and operating or support costs such as working capital, marketing, advisory services, and training fees.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Start a business
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Documents Needed
- Demande de financement (EFA-IWE), Bilan personnel, and Déclaration du requérant.
- Curriculum vitae, proof of Indigenous ancestry, proof of identity, and any applicable business training certificates.
- Business plan, financing plan, cash flow, and the business planning guide and cash flow model.
- Copies of licences, permits, commercial insurance, bank statements, proof of the value of contributed assets, quotes for project costs over $1,000, and marketing data plus contracts or letters of intent.
- For existing businesses: recent interim financial statements, corporate documents, partnership agreement if applicable, and a purchase offer for an acquisition.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Women aged 18 or older who are listed on the band list of the Innu communities of Quebec or the Naskapi community, whether they live on or off community.
- Commercial corporations incorporated under a provincial or federal law, when at least 51% of the voting shares are owned by Innu or Naskapi people.
- Partnerships or cooperatives operating a commercial business, when at least 51% of the partners or members are Innu or Naskapi.
- Commercial enterprises may be located on or off community.
Who is not eligible
- Applicants who are in bankruptcy.
Eligible expenses
- External labour costs to carry out the project.
- Investment costs, including machinery, equipment, leasehold improvements, and renovations.
- Operating and working capital costs, including inventory, prepaid start-up expenses, insurance, and similar needs.
- Marketing and promotion materials.
- Business advisory services, coaching or mentoring events, workshops or conference fees, legal, accounting and technical support, and business training fees.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Renovations to personal living space, unless they can be shown to be necessary for the business.
- Passive real estate transactions, including land acquisitions that do not create jobs.
- Vehicle purchases that will be used mainly for personal purposes.
- Refinancing existing debt.
- Related-party transactions.
How to apply
- Complete the Demande de financement (EFA-IWE) form.
- Fill in all sections, use attachments if you need more space, and include the required documentation.
- Sign and date the application.
- Submit the completed application, including the business planning guide and other attachments, to the IFA contact details provided.
- Keep a copy for your records.
Processing and Agreement
- An account manager will contact the applicant after the financing request is submitted.
- Before the evaluation is completed, an agent will review the information and contact the applicant to discuss the request in more detail.
- Once the project is completed and the business is operating, the organization will stay in contact to follow progress and provide operational support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) Program
What is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA)?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) provides financing for women entrepreneurs who are Innu or Naskapi and majority owners, on or off community, to establish or expand their business. Eligible costs include labour, equipment, and operating or support costs such as working capital, marketing, advisory services, and training fees.
How much funding can be received?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) Funds up to $20,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) program?
To be eligible for the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) program, you must:
The project must be viable.
Who can I contact for more information about the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA)?
You can contact Corporation de développement économique montagnaise (CDEM) by email at info@cdem.ca or by phone at 418 968-1246.
Where is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) available?
The Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) program is available the province of Quebec.
Is the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA)?
Indigenous Women’s Entrepreneurship (EFA) is funded by Corporation de développement économique montagnaise (CDEM)