How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $16000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED?

JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED is funded by Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)

What are JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED's eligibility criterias?

Entrepreneurs or existing businesses in First Nation communities of New Brunswick Projects related to business or entrepreneurship development

JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Fredericton, NB

Money for New Brunswick First Nation community economic development

JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED at a glance

Eligible Funding

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

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Joint Economic Development Initiative (JEDI)

Status

Open

Overview of the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED program

Cover up to 50% of your business planning costs to a maximum of $16,000.

Financing terms and conditions

Contribution of up to 50% of total planning costs for community economic development projects, not exceeding $16,000.
Contribution of up to 50% of total planning costs for business or entrepreneurship development projects, not exceeding $8,000.
Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis only.
Eligible for costs incurred within a 2-month reach-back period prior to application.

Eligible projects & activities

Development of business plans for new or expanding businesses.
Preparation of marketing plans to support business growth.
Participation in management training programs.
Implementation of mentoring programs and business support initiatives.
Organization or attendance of seminars, workshops, and conferences on business topics.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Expanding an organic farm's produce distribution network

$ 16,000

Developing a new mobile app for local businesses to enhance customer engagement

$ 16,000

Opening a community-owned grocery store focusing on organic products

$ 12,000

Establishing a local craftsmanship museum highlighting regional artisans

$ 16,000

Starting a bike-sharing program to promote eco-friendly transportation

$ 15,000

Launching a coding bootcamp for underprivileged youth

Eligibility criteria of the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED program

The applicant must be an entrepreneur, an existing business, or a community in a First Nation in New Brunswick.
The application must be for business or community economic development planning activities.
No costs may be incurred prior to project approval, except under the 2-month reach-back clause for eligible expenses made within the past 2 months.

Who is eligible?

First Nation communities in New Brunswick
Entrepreneurs from First Nation communities in New Brunswick
Existing businesses within First Nation communities in New Brunswick

Who is not eligible

Costs related to regular salaries and expenses are not eligible.
Initiatives focused on management, administration, communications, or evaluations are not covered.
Projects involving land acquisition, general vehicle or vessel use, or inventory costs are not eligible.
Costs incurred before the proposal is received by JEDI Inc. are not permitted.

Eligible expenses

Costs for developing business plans (start-up or expansion)
Expenses for preparing marketing plans
Management training fees
Mentoring program and business support costs
Registration fees for seminars and workshops on specific business topics
Entrepreneurship development costs
Conference attendance expenses

Eligible geographic areas

First Nation communities in New Brunswick

How to apply to the JEDI — Aboriginal Development Fund — CED program

Preparation

Review the eligibility criteria and funding guidelines provided by JEDI.
Ensure your project fits the parameters of Community Economic Development or Business/Entrepreneurship Development.
Gather necessary documents and develop a detailed plan outlining projected costs and expected outcomes.

Online Application Form

Access the JADF Online Application Form through the Joint Economic Development Initiative's website.
Fill out the required fields accurately, ensuring all data is correct and complete.
Attach necessary documentation to support your application.

Submission

Review the filled application for any errors or missing information.
Submit the application using the online form as instructed.

Confirmation

Receive confirmation of submission from JEDI, either via email or on the website.
Retain confirmation details for future reference.

Additional information

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding.
The fund operates on a reimbursement-only model; no advances are provided.
No costs should be incurred before JADF approval, except within the permitted 2-month reach-back clause.
Funding for 2024/2025 has been fully allocated, and new applications will be considered starting April 2025.