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NADF Financing - ON - Canada

NADF Financing

Last Update: July 22, 2025
ON, Canada
Financing for Northern Ontario Indigenous business and economic development

At a glance

Eligible Funding
  • Max. $500,000
Timeline
  • Open Date : November 14, 2019
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Program status
Open

Overview

Access loans, microloans, term loans, winter road financing, and grants for Indigenous businesses and other organizations in Northern Ontario.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides various financing modalities to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses, assisting in achieving their business objectives with financial ease. Below are the specific financing options available under this program.

  • Nee-Swas Youth Loan Fund: Designed to empower First Nation youth entrepreneurs, providing the financial backing needed to launch successful businesses.
  • Indigenous Women in Business Program: Offers financing, as well as online and in-person business training, catering to the needs of Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
  • Microloans: Short-term financial solutions aimed at facilitating the growth of micro-businesses by helping them overcome immediate financial challenges.
  • Winter Road Financing: Provides financing to manage the cash flow for purchasing supplies and inventory for businesses reliant on winter road networks.
  • General Loans: Available for various business needs including starting, establishing, or acquiring businesses.
  • Grants: Non-repayable funding offered to eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses to help achieve their business goals.

Activities funded

NADF provides non-repayable grant funding to eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses for projects that align with their business goals. These grants support initiatives aimed at empowering Indigenous communities and fostering business growth.

  • Funding for Indigenous entrepreneurs to establish or expand their business ventures.
  • Financial support to ensure operational sustainability for Indigenous businesses.
  • Grants to develop innovative business ideas and turn them into successful enterprises.
  • Support for business initiatives that enhance community development and economic growth.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 350,000
Acquiring an existing grocery store to support the Indigenous community
$ 200,000
Opening a local bakery run by young Indigenous entrepreneurs
$ 175,000
Empowering Indigenous youth to start a digital media company
$ 250,000
Supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs to start a fashion boutique
$ 150,000
Providing microloans for micro-business growth
$ 300,000
Winter road financing for a community-owned transportation business in Sault Ste Marie

Eligibility

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund provides grants to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses with non-repayable funding to achieve their business objectives. Specific eligibility criteria include:

  • The applicant must be an Indigenous entrepreneur or business.

Who is eligible?

The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund provides financial solutions, including grants, specifically targeting Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses. Eligible applicants must be Indigenous individuals or businesses needing financial support to achieve their business objectives.

Eligible expenses

This grant aims to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses by providing non-repayable funding to help achieve their business objectives. The funding is designed to facilitate growth and innovation among eligible businesses.

  • Support for Indigenous entrepreneurs to start a new business.
  • Financing for growth and expansion of existing Indigenous businesses.
  • Assistance for Indigenous entrepreneurs to acquire an existing company.

Eligible geographic areas

The eligibility information concerning geographical areas for the NADF Financing is not specified in the given context. It is recommended to contact the funding body for precise details on eligible locations.

Selection criteria

Here is a summary of the evaluation and selection criteria for the grant:

  • Eligible Indigenous entrepreneurs and businesses seeking non-repayable grant funding
  • Based on specific business goals and needs

How to apply

1

Determine Eligibility

  • Review the eligibility criteria on the NADF website to ensure your business qualifies for a grant.
  • Contact NADF if you have any questions regarding your eligibility.
2

Gather Required Information

  • Prepare a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals and objectives.
  • Collect any necessary financial statements and relevant documents that support your application.
3

Complete the Application Form

  • Visit the NADF website to download or access the online grant application form.
  • Fill out all required fields accurately and thoroughly.
4

Submit the Application

  • Submit your completed application form and all accompanying documents through the NADF application portal or via mail if applicable.
  • Ensure submission is done before the deadline specified by NADF.
5

Follow Up

  • Await confirmation of receipt from NADF.
  • Check for any requests for additional information or clarification from NADF.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

  • Applicants may receive support throughout the loan application process from NADF staff to ensure their application is complete and competitive.
  • NADF offers a Financial Literacy Series to help potential applicants better manage their finances and improve their loan applications.

Documents and links

NADF Financing

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the NADF Financing Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the NADF Financing. 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 NADF Financing?

How much funding can be received?

What expenses are eligible under NADF Financing?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the NADF Financing a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the NADF Financing?

Who is eligible for the NADF Financing program?

Who can I contact for more information about the NADF Financing?

Where is the NADF Financing available?

Are startups eligible for the NADF Financing program?

Are women eligible for the NADF Financing program?

Are youth (under 40) eligible for the NADF Financing program?

Are Indigenous Peoples eligible for the NADF Financing program?

Apply to this program