JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Who is eligible for the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development program?

To be eligible for the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development program, you must: • The applicant must be part of a First Nation community in New Brunswick. • The project must focus on business or community economic development.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development?

You can contact Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI) by email at info@jedinb.ca or by phone at 1-506-444-5650.

Q: Where is the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development available?

The JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development program is available the province of NB.

Q: Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development program?

Yes, Indigenous Peoples are eligible to apply for the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

NB, Canada

Money for New Brunswick First Nation entrepreneurs

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $16,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

Cover up to 50% of your business planning costs to a maximum of $8,000.

Financing terms and conditions

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund provides financial assistance through a reimbursement model, supporting economic development in First Nation communities of New Brunswick. The modalities focus on providing substantial cost-sharing opportunities for eligible initiatives.

Co-financing of up to 50% of total planning costs for community economic development initiatives, capped at $16,000.
Co-financing of up to 50% for business and entrepreneurship development activities, with a maximum contribution of $8,000.
Support is only on a reimbursement basis, requiring expenditure approval documentation.
A 2-month reach-back clause that allows for reimbursement of costs incurred before project approval, up to two months prior.
Excluded costs entail regular salaries, maintenance, administration, land, vehicles, vessels, and inventory-related expenses.

Activities funded

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund supports economic development within First Nation communities through expert training and financing for business-related plans and activities. Eligible initiatives are aimed at enhancing business and entrepreneurial capabilities.

Creation and development of business plans, including startup or business expansion projects.
Development of marketing strategies to enhance business visibility and reach.
Provision of management training to improve business administration and operations.
Implementation of mentoring programs and ongoing business support services.
Organization and participation in seminars and workshops focused on specific business-related topics.
Engagement in entrepreneurial development initiatives to foster new business ideas.
Attendance at conferences to gain knowledge and network within the business community.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 4,000

Offering a mentoring program for women entrepreneurs

$ 4,000

Creating a business expansion plan for a cooperative farm

$ 4,000

Attendance at a major entrepreneurship conference for a new start-up

$ 4,000

Developing a comprehensive digital marketing plan for a new local business

$ 4,000

Conducting management training sessions for a General Partnership

$ 4,000

Organizing a series of entrepreneurship development workshops

Eligibility

Eligibility for the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund is determined by specific criteria related to the applicant's background and the nature of the proposed activities.

The applicant must be an entrepreneur, an existing business, or a community within New Brunswick's First Nation communities.
The proposed activities must focus on business or community economic development planning.
The costs should be eligible under the JADF guidelines and must be incurred within the allowable timeframe, considering the reach-back clause.
The application must be submitted online through the JADF Online Application Form and should be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding.

Who is eligible?

"JADF provides funding to entrepreneurs/existing businesses and communities specifically within First Nation communities of New Brunswick for the purpose of business and community economic development planning."

Entrepreneurs already operating or intending to start a business within First Nation communities in New Brunswick.
Existing businesses located in the First Nation communities of New Brunswick seeking to expand their operations.
Communities of First Nations in New Brunswick looking for funding to plan economic development initiatives.

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for the JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund grant. Specifically, companies involved in activities such as management, administration, communications, or evaluations, or those dealing with land, vehicles, vessels, or inventory costs are not eligible.

Companies engaged in management, administration, communication, or evaluation activities.
Companies dealing with land, vehicles, vessels, or inventory costs are not eligible.

Eligible expenses

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund supports economic development projects that assist entrepreneurs and First Nation communities in New Brunswick. Eligible projects focus on business planning, skill development, and community economic strategies.

Business plans for start-ups or expansions.
Development of marketing plans.
Management training programs.
Mentoring programs and ongoing business support.
Seminars and workshops on specific business topics.
Entrepreneurship development initiatives.
Participation in relevant conferences.
Community economic development planning.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically available to entities within New Brunswick, focusing on First Nation communities. The eligible geographical area is limited to ensure support for regional economic development initiatives.

First Nation communities in New Brunswick.

Selection criteria

The JEDI Aboriginal Development Fund has evaluation and selection criteria for applicants. The criteria include:

Projects will be evaluated and selected on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Applications must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the funding guidelines.
Projects must demonstrate a clear economic development impact on First Nation communities in New Brunswick.

How to apply

Access the Online Application

Visit the JEDI website and locate the JADF online application form.
Download or access the application form through the provided link.

Complete the Application Form

Fill out all relevant sections of the online application form accurately.
Ensure all required fields, such as applicant details and project overview, are completed.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Compile necessary supporting documents, such as business plans, marketing plans, or details of expenses incurred under the reach-back clause.
Ensure all documents are correctly formatted and clear.

Review and Submit

Review the completed application and all supporting documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Submit the application form and supporting documents through the online portal.

Confirmation of Submission

Await a confirmation email from JEDI acknowledging the receipt of your application.
Retain the confirmation for your records and potential follow-up.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The JADF operates on a reimbursement basis only, with claim eligibility for costs incurred up to two months prior to the proposal submission.
Funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis, emphasizing the importance of timely application submissions.

Contacts

info@jedinb.ca

1-506-444-5650

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — Business and Entrepreneurship Development. 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.