Open
Non-refundable contributions
Supports Indigenous business start-up, growth, and planning activities
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 250,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Côte-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Overview
Provides up to $99,999 (private projects) or $250,000 (collective/community projects) to support Indigenous business development. Funding can support business planning, business start-up/expansion/acquisition, marketing implementation, and training and skills development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 250,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Côte-Nord
- Quebec
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing a business plan, marketing plan, or conducting preliminary studies
- Starting, expanding, or acquiring a business
- Implementing marketing activities
- Supporting training and skills development
Documents Needed
- Financing application form (“Demande de financement”)
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered members of eligible Innu communities in Quebec and the Naskapi community (on- or off-community in Quebec)
- For-profit incorporated businesses (provincial or federal) with 51%+ voting shares owned by Innu or Naskapi persons
- General partnerships or cooperatives operating a commercial business with 51%+ Innu or Naskapi partners/members
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that are not majority-owned (less than 51%) by Innu or Naskapi.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Costs incurred and/or legally committed before final approval of the application
Eligible geographic areas
- Quebec (Innu communities and Naskapi community; applicants may be located on or off community)
Processing and Agreement
- A director of accounts contacts the applicant after the financing request form is submitted.
- If approved, a letter of offer is issued that specifies a follow-up (“control”) period.
- During the control period, the organization may monitor progress and provide operational support.
Additional information
- Costs incurred or legally committed before final approval are not eligible for the non-refundable contribution calculation.
- After the project is completed and the business is operating, the organization may stay in contact during a “control period” stated in the offer letter to follow progress and provide operational support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-refundable contributions Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Non-refundable contributions. 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 Non-refundable contributions?
Provides up to $99,999 (private projects) or $250,000 (collective/community projects) to support Indigenous business development. Funding can support business planning, business start-up/expansion/acquisition, marketing implementation, and training and skills development.
How much funding can be received?
Non-refundable contributions Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Non-refundable contributions program?
To be eligible for the Non-refundable contributions program, you must:
Majority-owned (51%+) by Innu or Naskapi members
Band members from Quebec Innu communities or Naskapi community
What expenses are eligible under Non-refundable contributions?
Developing a business plan, marketing plan, or conducting preliminary studies
Starting, expanding, or acquiring a business
Implementing marketing activities
Supporting training and skills development
Who can I contact for more information about the Non-refundable contributions?
You can contact Corporation de développement économique montagnaise (CDEM) by email at info@cdem.ca or by phone at 4189681246.
Where is the Non-refundable contributions available?
The Non-refundable contributions program is available Côte-Nord, Quebec.
Is the Non-refundable contributions a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Non-refundable contributions is a Grant and Funding